The Christian/Worship blogosphere is buzzing this morning with the recent news surrounding the song “Healer”. Here’s the short of it:

A FORMER Adelaide pastor who inspired hundreds of thousands of young Christians with his with his terminal cancer “battle” has been exposed as a fraud.

Michael Guglielmucci, whose parents established Edge Church International, an Assemblies of God church at O’Halloran Hill, is now seeking professional help. Earlier this year, Mr Guglielmucci released a hit song The Healer which was featured on Sydney church Hillsong’s latest album. It debuted at No. 2 on the ARIA charts.The song has become an anthem of faith for believers, many of whom are suffering their own illness and were praying for a miracle for Mr Guglielmucci, who has claimed for two years to be terminally ill

It appears that Mr Guglielmucci, who was a pastor with one of Australia’s biggest youth churches, Planetshakers, may have even deceived his own family.

ht: Adelaide Now via Los & Chris

Here are my thoughts for those who are interested.

  1. We are all sinful and vile people at our core, which is why we need Christ to redeem us. We all have the potential to make just as bad or even worse choices. What this man did (if this news is true), is horrible despicable, and heartbreaking; only his sin was and is now being broadcast across the planet. Pray for this man and his family as they deal with the reality of this deception. Think about his poor wife & kids, think about his church. God is a restorer.
  2. God still wins. The song is a beautiful mess now, just like many of us. Think of all the Psalms written by the murdering adulterer, King David in the Old Testament. Do we throw them all out because of his failures as a man? Obviously not. God brings beauty out of ashes.
  3. This might offend some of my friends out there, but this is why I personally shy away from overly charismatic or “spirit filled” ministries & churches. People get carried away. They get caught up in a moment without thinking clearly, and then they make life-changing decisions based on an emotional experience. Where was the person keeping this pastor accountable? Checking his story? When people start claiming that God put gold teeth in their mouths, or cured them of back pain, or raised them from the dead, or anything, there should be solid, reputable evidence. I still believe that God can do anything, but I believe that his credibility is rock solid and he will never give his blessing to people who manufacture things to create an emotional following. God is sovereign.

So this morning I’m sad. Another blow to the bride of Christ, the church. Thank God for his patience and grace with us as we struggle through this beautiful mess of life.