DefendChristians.Org solicited the members of their online community to vote for their choice of the top ten anti-Christian acts of 2011 in the U.S.

“I am always surprised at the results of our poll and this year is no exception,” said Dr. Gary Cass of DefendChristians.Org. “The fact the number one and number two issues are public policy and political in nature shows Christians are very concerned about the political direction of the country. I wouldn’t be surprised if this translates into a strong political response in 2012.”

These results do not necessarily represent the views or priorities of DefendChristians.org. They are a measure of the opinions of a cross-section of subscribers who responded to our online poll.

The Top Ten Anti-Christian Events in 2011 are:

        10) NBC television network twice took the words “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance in its lead-up to the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.

9) In Franklin Massachusetts a pro-life man was beat by the police for peacefully handing out pro-life materials. The police accused him of conspiring to plant bombs.

8) A Christian man in Minnesota was fired from his job because one of his female co-workers attended a Bible Study that his wife led.

7) A Christian Florida teacher was suspended after school administrators discovered his support of traditional marriage posted on the internet.

6) In Kalispell Montana, pro-lifers were attacked by a fire-bomb during a prayer vigil in front of an abortion clinic. No one was hurt, but a police officer remarked pro-lifers should expect this sort of reaction to their activities.

5) Because of a complaint filed by the ACLU, the liberal 9th Circuit Court ruled that the Mt. Soledad War Memorial in San Diego was unconstitutional.

4) A homosexual activist effort caused investigations by the online money-transfer company, PayPal, against pro-family Christian organizations.

3) A Bible study was shut down by San Juan Capistrano, CA officials who claimed the group needed a permit because it posed a risk to public safety and health.

2) President Obama declared June “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month” and hosted a White House celebration by homosexuals.

1) California Governor Jerry Brown signs a bill forcing public school curriculum and textbooks to “celebrate” homosexuals, transgenders and bisexuals.

What do you think PATH? Are all of these acts Anti-Christian?

Riva Tims says she will not go forward with legal action against New Destiny Christian Center, after its board hired Paula White to replace her late ex-husband Pastor Zachery Tims.

Riva Tims held a news conference shortly after the announcement to say she would file a lawsuit against the church over the process its board took to pick White.

On her Facebook page, Tims wrote, “After careful review of my amended MSA (2009); my attorney Robert Gibson discovered on December 30, 2011 that I released my rights to file a complaint against NDCC.”

Tims said Gibson advised her to withdraw the suit.

“My heart’s desire is that God perfects all that concerns us. I know as the Mother of Zoelle, Zachery, Zahria and Zion as well as the spiritual Mother to many that were birthed at New Destiny that I had a spiritual obligation to let my voice be heard. And our voices have been heard nationally. The righteousness we have been taught will continue to sustain us in this process. We are assured that truth will prevail – God is in Control,” she wrote.

White gave her first sermon as senior pastor at New Destiny on Sunday January 1st 2012.  The congregation gave her a warm reception and did not moan or boo her. 

White stated, “I’m not asking you to like me.  I’m not asking you to love me or respect me, because I’ll do the work to earn that,” said White. “I always ask people to give me one year of your life and I promise you will be changed.”  Later she said, “I recognize I have great shoes to fill. The founder of this house was a great man of God.” “I’m humbled, I’m honored, I’m crying to the Lord with happy tears.”

Kirk Franklin shows no sign of slowing down with his latest release “Hello Fear.”  The album has been on the charts for an astonishing 40 weeks and it gets bumped back up to #1 in sales this week.  Perhaps it was the Christmas sales that catapulted him from his previous spot at #4.  Either way one thing is for sure, people are supporting the CD in record fashion.

At #2 on the charts is Le’Andria Johnson and at #3 is the sophomore release of William McDowell ‘Arise.’

The complete Top 10 is listed below: 

1. Kirk Franklin | Hello Fear
2. Le’Andria Johnson | The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson
3. William Mc Dowell | Arise: The Live Worship Experience
4. Amber Bullock | Thank You
5. Lecrae | Rehab
6. WOW Gospel 2011 | Various Artists
7. Marvin Sapp | Playlist: The Best of Marvin Sapp
8. Jessica Reedy | From the Heart
9. Isaac Carree | Uncommon Me
10. Gospel’s Best Worship | Various Artists

The best-selling new artist of 2011, The City Harmonic continues to gather acclaim for its first full-length album, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home). The hit single “Manifesto,” featured as a bonus track on the album, has now sold over 100,000 copies, while the album’s title track is No.16 and climbing on the Billboard National Christian Audience chart. With KLOVE, Air1 and other radio networks playing the song, “I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home)” is also the band’s second video, which has gathered over 35,000 views so far on youtube.com.

Named “New Artist of the Year” by the Gospel Music Association Canada, music fans will be able to hear the band play its hit singles and new music from I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) on the 60-market “God’s Not Dead World Tour” with newsboys that launches Jan 12 and runs coast-to-coast through May 5. Every week leading up to the launch of this tour, The City Harmonic is giving away 10 pairs of tickets – one pair for each market on the tour – through its Facebook page. To enter the drawing, Facebook participants are asked to ‘share the status’ of the giveaway. (For a list of all the tour dates, go to www.thecityharmonic.com.)

While on Facebook, people are also encouraged to ‘like’ The City Harmonic’s page. As a way of saying “thanks” for the ‘likes,’ the band is offering a free download of its hit single, “I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home).”

Hitting No. 1 on iTunes® in Canada, No. 6 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and never leaving the Top 4 on the iTunes Christian/Gospel US chart in its debut week at retail, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) was also named among the best albums of 2011 by Watchgmctv.com staff, senior music and entertainment editors. Released Oct. 18 on Kingsway with EMI CMG Distribution in the USA, the album has been “wowing” the critics, who are using adjectives like “fabulous,” “infectious,” “exciting,” “spectacular,” “worshipful,” “captivating,” “creative,” “brilliant” and more to describe it.  Here are a few of just the most recent reviews:

“This Ontario-bred [quartet] follows its promising debut EP with a set of songs mixing elements from modern British rock (especially U2 and Keane) with folk and traditional gospel. Frontman Elias Dummer’s crisp, driving keyboards and forceful yet vulnerable vocals set him apart from his peers in worship-oriented Christian rock. With his bandmates, he delivers tunes that range from the anthemic (“Yours,” “Wake Me Up”) to the reflective (“Le Reve,” “Benediction”). “Spark” and “Mountaintop” widen the album’s scope by drawing on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final speech for both themes and language. Reinforcing the songwriting’s quality is the band’s sense of dynamics; tracks like “Be Still, O My Soul” and “Holy (Wedding Day)” display orchestral grandeur as they rise from quiet openings to dramatic crescendos. Piano predominates here, though “Love” is built around a wistful acoustic guitar line. A radio edit of The City Harmonic’s breakthrough tune “Manifesto” adds further heft to an album distinguished by fine craftsmanship and fervency.” 
– iTunes

“The album is worth more than just a casual listen, as the band has gone to great lengths to produce a record of exceptional songwriting, musicality and style. At a time when many albums are mass-produced and stylistically homogenized, The City Harmonic stands apart for their authenticity and art.” 
– NewReleaseTuesday.com

“I Have a Dream has big songs fit for big venues … a passionate and hopeful album … a sincere rock-worship album that manages to incorporate the sounds of groups like U2, Coldplay, and Arcade Fire in the best kind of way.” 
– www.thechristianmanifesto.com

“What makes The City Harmonic stand out from among the worship music glut that floods the Christian market is that this band has created art when they recorded their songs.” 
– Music Spectrum

In less than a year, The City Harmonic went from being virtually unknown to international acclaim. Its hit single, “Manifesto,” has become the only song from a new artist this year that has broken into the top 10 of the SoundScan Top Current digital singles sales chart as its companion music video has been viewed on YouTube by nearly 1,200,000 people. Receiving three Gospel Music Association Canada Covenant Awards this fall, the band is not as interested in finding fans as they are looking for participants in the journey; “getting people in on the act—hearts pounding and feet moving.” 

More information on The City Harmonic can be found at www.thecityharmonic.com.

The Bible says that laughter is good medicine.  So every now and then we make sure you can laugh while reading PATH.  These light-hearted videos stood out as 5 of the funniest from 2011.

1. Byron Cage Gets Prank Called by the Steve Harvey Morning Show

Stellar Award winning artist Byron Cage was prank called by Nephew Tommie from the Steve Harvey Morning Show. They called Mr. Cage explaining that there was a mix-up in the Stellar Awards voting process which caused a mis-count in the votes, further explaining that Marvin Sapp was the official winner of the Male Vocalist of the Year.  Click Here to read the original story.

According to Wesh.com, a news station in Orlando, we’ve learned that Riva Tims has decided to fight for the church that she founded with her late ex-husband Pastor Zachery Tims.

Riva Tims said in a news conference Thursday that she plans to file a lawsuit against New Destiny Christian Center’s board.

Tims states that she will “no longer be silent” over who the church’s board members has selected to replace Zachery Tims.

“The board has refused to meet with me,” Riva Tims said. “They have refused to meet with me with in any fashion of any kind, and so has Pastor Paula White.”

A news release was sent from the church, just hours before Tims spoke, announcing Rev. Paula White’s new position as the church’s senior pastor.  The Board of Directors said that White understands how to support a ministry from the ground up and keep a church moving strong and forward in ministry.

Robert Gibson, Riva Tims’ attorney, said, “There are several counts concerning the board, concerning Paula White and the activity the board has taken which we feel is illegal.”

Gibson also said that Riva Tims is the legal and rightful heir to the church according to law.

Some at New Destiny do not support the named successor. Demonstrators held signs and circulated a petition over the Christmas weekend.

Supporters said since Riva Tims is one of the church’s founders, she should lead the church.  Apparently Riva Tims agrees.

“I’m here to declare to you today that as founder of New Destiny Christian Center, I am the real mother,” Riva Tims said at the news conference.

Tims said she is grieving and listening to what people are saying. She said the church is her heritage and legacy, and that’s why she intends to challenge the board’s decision.

The church released a statement, claiming the lawsuit is without merit.

“Obviously, we are saddened by the course of action Pastor Riva Tims has chosen to pursue. Her lawsuit is completely without merit and we are extremely confident in our legal standing. We will take all actions necessary to protect our church, its ministry and its reputation,” the statement said.

White will assume her new role Saturday when she leads the church’s annual New Year’s Eve services.

This year we’ve seen and heard a lot of news as it pertains to the faith-based community and Gospel music.  As the influence, impact and perception of the faith-based community changes, PATH gives you a look back into the biggest headlines of 2011.  

The top articles were chosen based on a combination of national significance, page views, comments, and impact on the faith-based community.

Catch up on what you missed in 2011 and we look forward to bringing you more in 2012.  Happy New Year! 
 

1. Bishop Eddie Long Sex Scandal:

Top Related Links:

• Bishop Eddie Long Scandal Photos Released by Attorney 
• Bishop Paul S. Morton Tells Bishop Eddie Long to Repent & Show Humility
• Vanessa Long, Wife of Bishop Eddie Long Files for a Divorce 
• Bishop Eddie Long will take time off to work on family 

2. Pastor Zachery Tims’ Suspicious Death:

Top Related Links:

• Popular MEGA-Church Pastor Zachery Tims Found Dead at 42 Years Old 
• Zachery Tims’ Mother Heads to Court to Keep Pastor’s Cause of Death Private
• It’s Official, Paula White Takes Over Zachery Tims’ Mega-Church 

3. Death of Osama Bin Laden Impacts Christians: 

Top Related Links:

• President Barack Obama Announces the Death of Osama Bin Laden: Christians Debate Whether We Should Celebrate

4. Dr. Conrad Murray Found Guilty in Michael Jackson Trial:

Top Related Links:

• Murray Seeks Solace at Bishop Charles E. Blake’s Church

5. Penn State University Scandal:

Top Related Links:

• Tyler Perry’s Open later to Penn State abuse victim
   

6. MLK Memorial debut:

Top Related Links:

• Thousands honor MLK at memorial dedication in DC  
• God’s Name Not Written on MLK Memorial Stones a Missed Opportunity Says Dr. Alveda King

7. The Oprah Winfrey Show Ends: 

Top Related Links:

• Critics Mixed On Religious Tone Of ‘Oprah’ Finale

8. Homeless Man Ted Williams:

Related Links:

• Homeless Man Ted Williams Credits God for the World’s Discovery of His Golden Radio Voice

9. TONEX Changes his name to B-Slade and embraces his homosexuality:

Top Related Links:

• TONEX Says People are Born Homosexual & Call Him B-Slade
• TONEX Now Known As “B-Slade”: Performs Publicly for the First Time Since He Announced He Was Gay
• B-Slade, the Artist Formerly Known as “Tonex” Says He was Pigeonholed into the Gospel Genre  

10. Steve Harvey’s Ex-Wife Drama:

Top Related Links:

• Steve Harvey’s Ex-Wife Takes to YouTube to Air Dirty Laundry

 
11. Matthew Knowles banned from Radio-One:

Top Related Links:

• Matthew Knowles’ Music World Gospel Banned from ALL Radio One Stations 

12. BeBe & CeCe Winans get Walk of Fame Star

Top Related Links:

• BeBe & CeCe Winans Honored with Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 

13. Spike Lee’s Feud with Tyler Perry:

Top Related Links:

• Tyler Perry to Spike Lee: “Spike Lee Can Go Straight to Hell”
• Actor Idris Elba Critiques Tyler Perry: ‘I’m Not With Buffoonish Characters Like Madea Or Big Momma’

14. Amber Bullock wins Sunday Best:

Top Related Links:

• BET’s Sunday’s Best Season 4 Has Record Debut with Over 1.8 Million Viewers Watching
• Did you miss the Sunday’s Best Finale?  Watch Here!!!

15. Actress Lisa Raye Addresses Engagement Rumors to Bishop Noel Jones

Top Related Links:

•  Lisa Raye Sets the Record Straight – She’s NOT Dating Bishop Noel Jones
   

16. Rapper Lecrae Elevates Gospel Rap:

Top Related Links:

• Gospel Rapper LECRAE Has the #1 and #2 Album on Charts: Christian Rap Makes a Plea for Radio Time
   

17. Fred Hammond Moves to Jazz Music:

Top Related Links:

• Fred Hammond Explains Decision to Record Jazz Music 
   

18. Gospel Rapper Da Truth Heals Marriage:

Top Related Links:

• How Da TRUTH Overcame the Love Triangle that Rocked the Gospel Industry

19. Shay Atkins Leaves Gospel:

Top Related Links:

• Shei Atkins Leaves Gospel Music with an Explanation Letter: Industry Executive Kris Patrick Responds
   

20. Pole Dancing for Jesus Ministry?

Top Related Links: 

•  WHAT!  Pole Dancing for Jesus?

Source: The Orlando Sentinel 

New Destiny Christian Center officially announced today what had been widely rumored: The Rev. Paula White has been selected as the successor to Zachery Tims.

White, 45, will assume her duties as senior pastor during the Apopka megachurch’s annual New Year’s Eve services on Saturday.

“We celebrate the continuation of a vision, a vision launched back in 1996 with the founding of New Destiny Christian Center as a non-denominational church with a multi-cultural mission,” Board of Directors member Elder Marguerite Esannason said in a statement released by the church.

“The central directive of this ministry has always been to build people of purpose, power and prayer. We believe Pastor Paula will continue to make New Destiny a church for all people, reaching out to the hurting and the lost by touching lives and helping individuals overcome the disabling challenges of life.”

White, senior pastor of Without Walls International in Tampa, is a popular evangelist and author who hosts her own cable television show. For a time, she served as Zachery Tims’ personal pastor.

Tims, 42, died in August. His cause of death has not been released.

White was selected after a search conducted by New Destiny’s Board of Directors. She will serve as a non-voting member of the board and will be subject to the oversight of both the Board of Directors and the church’s Board of Regents.

“I will come to my new assignment with a servant’s heart, humbled by this great responsibility and grateful for the confidence the board has shown in naming me Senior Pastor,” White said in a statement. “I will work tirelessly each day to ensure that the mission of this church is fulfilled and that its ministry and congregation remain united and strong.”

White’s selection has caused a backlash among some members of the congregation who feel that their voice was ignored in the search process. A group of members — many of whom back Pastor Riva Tims, the church’s co-founder and ex-wife of Zachery — has been protesting the selection of White and has threatened to take legal action to remove the board of directors.

“We prayed fervently for guidance during our search which led us to ask Pastor Paula White to take over as Senior Pastor,” Harold Fuller, acting chairman of the Board of Directors, said in a statement. “We were searching for someone who could understand the history of our ministry, one who had a close relationship with our members and our staff and one who knew the heart of our senior founder. We earnestly know that the Lord led us to select Pastor Paula White.”

Members of the Board of Regents and Board of Directors called on all NDCC members to unite in support of White and to continue the church’s work and ministry.

“We know that times of transition and change can often bring questions, concerns and uncertainties,” Fuller said. “But we ask that all of our brethren in Christ would unite in prayer and support of Pastor White and to work with her to move our great church forward into a promising new future. Together we will continue to accomplish great things in the name of the Lord.”

Gospel singer Robert E. Person has had a whirlwind year. Since the release of his third CD, Soul Sanctuary, in July 2011, Robert has been busy promoting the new, critically-acclaimed release. The lead single, “Someday We’ll All Be Free”, a jazzy arrangement of the Donny Hathaway classic, has been heard on 200 radio stations nationally and the artist had the opportunity to sing his rendition at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Dedication in his hometown of Washington, D.C. The song catapulted up the BDS and Mediabase charts entering the Top 100. Other notable performances in 2011 included The Library of Congress, The Spirit of Washington, Rejoice In The Word with Bishop George Bloomer and Babbie’s House, Christian artist Babbie Mason’s television show.

The industry has been talking about the impressive psalmist. In addition to receiving rousing endorsements from industry notables such as Earnest Pugh, Harold Rayford and Bob Baldwin, he’s been getting great reviews of Soul Sanctuary. Also, he has been named one of the Top 5 Indie Artists for 2011 by EnSound Entertainment and One of the Indie Artists To Look Out For In 2012 by Rejoice America Radio. He has also been listed as one of CJBRadio.com’s Top 10 Independent Artists of 2011.

He closed out the amazing year with a Birthday Celebration Concert on Monday, December 26th at H Street Playhouse in D.C., the same location where he’s been performing in Langston Hughes’ musical Black Nativity during the month of December. Person’s Birthday Celebration Concert (pictured above) featured performances by his musical friends Quest, Jimmy Russell & Because of Christ, The Allyn Johnson Trio, Lori Williams, and Tony Thomas. Person took to the stage as well singing a few songs from the new release. Presented by Theatre Alliance and REP Music, the event gave Person the opportunity to give thanks for the support of his friends and to share in his special day. More information on Robert E. Person can be found at www.RobertEPerson.com