Category Archives: Yvette Flunder
Soon I will be done: Gospel singer Abertina Walker passes
CHICAGO – The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Gospel singer Albertina Walker of Chicago died on Friday at the age of 81.
Born in Chicago in 1929, Walker began singing in the choir of West Point Baptist church at the age of 4. Walker was urged to pursue a gospel singing career by the woman who became her mentor, iconic gospel great Mahalia Jackson. Walker launched her official career at age 22, when, urged by Jackson, she formed her group the Caravans. She was a fixture in body and spirit at Chicago’s Gospel Festival since the event’s inception, both solo and with the Caravans.
Walker had been battling emphysema, and died Friday morning in a Chicago hospital, where she had been since late August.
Walker was noted 
by those in the black gospel music industry as an influential and “iconic” fixture in the black gospel music world for decades but in 2007 had an unpleasant public brush with the gay christian world and its musical tentacles. Walker agreed to perform at lesbian bishop Yvette Flunder’s nefarious Fellowship Conference. GCM Watch broke the story in June 2007 with controversial results.
After learning of our story, GCM Watch was contacted by Walker’s granddaughter who stated that the gospel singer was in essence tricked by Flunder’s camp into performing at the event. Tina Nance said that Walker was “quite upset” at being booked at a gay church conference and would put policies in place to prevent it from happening in the future.
“My name is Tina Nance and Albertina Walker is my Grandmother. I came across this article while visiting her today for her Birthday. Let me first say that my grandmother did not know the background of this organization until after the event, had she known this information she would not have been a part of this program. When she learned of this information, after the fact she was quite upset, but by then it was too late. The management company that books the CARAVANS has made the appropriate changes to their process to ensure that this situation does not occur in the future.
Furthermore, I do not understand why my grandmother was singled out when she appeared at this event as part of the Caravans not as a soloist. I realize that her name is perhaps the most recognizable on the flyer, but it would’ve been responsible to mention that she performed with the Caravans and not as a soloist. My grandmother does not in anyway support or promote this lifestyle, this was very simply a case of her not being given pertinent information. Finally, I would like to add that Albertina Walker is possibly the easiest artist to contact on Earth, it would not have been at all difficult for a responsible journalist to reach her.”
You can read the entire story and our response to Tina Nance here.
Primetime error: on stage with false teachers
BY BRDAVISION
When it comes to those who distort the truth, a certain standard or format must be used to counter them. Christ warned us several times to be aware of false prophets, even revealing their true nature as “ravenous wolves” (Mt 7:15). The Apostle Peter, using equally sobering words, warned us of the massive damage they are capable of (2 Peter 2:1). The increase of false teachers, preachers, and doctrines require every believer to uphold the Word of God in an effective, balanced way.
You may have noticed that when some Christian leaders “debate” obvious reprobate minds of false teachers, two extremes emerge. One, they appear friendly—even conciliatory—yet weak. The second is they are appear overly angry and unloving. But what does the Word of God tell us about refuting?
“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” 2 Timothy 4:2-5 (New Living Translation)
The Word of God tells us to be prepared and preach the word of God whether people like it or not. The word also tells us not be afraid to suffer for the Lord. The truth is an offense to this world. Pilate asked our Lord Jesus as His life hung in the balance, “What is truth?” But it seems this world still has not found it. Maybe some of our “preachers” haven’t found it either.
Not ready for primetime?
In November 2009, Pastor Jamal Bryant and Bishop George Bloomer proved they were not ready for prime time with one time COGIC member and infamous heretic Carlton Pearson. And maybe they needed a little polishing up in the word, because they clearly were not ready to engage Pearson. Both ended up looking rather foolish. You can see that interview here.
In a previous article, GCM Watch reported how the two allowed Pearson to make a full argument on his false doctrine of “Inclusion“, and also let him give “heart touching” back ground stories of how “church folk” dropped him. Bryant and Bloomer appeared unsure on how to rebuke him. But where was all the charisma and glibness of tongue these “men of God” often show when it’s time to raise money?
Bryant is often encouraged to “Preach Black Man!!”. But instead of preaching the Gospel in the face of a clear challenge, he opted to have the audience pray for Pearson. While there’s nothing wrong with prayer, (and Pearson needs as many prayers as we can send up) there is something wrong when Pearson is allowed to spew un-biblical vomit to millions of viewers at home and not be rebuked.
Bryant instead used theological metaphors that got the crowd real hype (if they could even understand what he was talking about) to diagnose Pearson as being filled with demons. But never called him what He really is, a false prophet! While the Christian panel sat there cool, calm, and collected and joking with Pearson on the side as if they didn’t have a care in their fantasy world. The real world was lied to, as Pearson relentlessly gave the viewers tons of erroneous scripture usage and I think-isms.
Bishop Bloomer (known for his alleged expertise in casting out demons) admitted that he only came on the show to meet Pearson and to tell him how much he loved him. Did he miss the fact that Pearson’s doctrine is not only false, but it leads people to spiritual death? To me, this was as serious as the 9/11 planes hitting the twin towers. Whoever believed Pearson’s mess(age) is at risk.
None of the panelists demonstrated an ability (or willingness) to shut Pearson up and declare that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 3:16) and He said:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 (King James Version)
Just by watching the show on you tube I was outraged and starting preaching the word of God right to my laptop. But to no avail I couldn’t change anything. This brings up a good question. What are we to do if we ever find ourselves onstage with Carlton Pearson, Yvette Flunder and others who teach false doctrines?
This site has already provided wonderful articles about this subject and you can see those here, here and here. I wish only to point out that even with this information the church seems to still be confused on how to handle false prophets and teachers in the church.
The word of God gives us a biblical way to handle these heretics in Titus:
“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:9-11 (King James Version)
The bible tells us to admonish and correct the false teacher twice. Once they continue to reject the truth we are to reject them. Why did the Lexi show even give an ear to Pearson knowing full well he is a heretic? What were her motives? Was it ratings?
The church has already rejected Pearson and his teachings, but still continues to give him a platform to speak on in violation of Titus 3. In this, we make a serious error and only make things harder for ourselves.
Flunder, Pearson run hyena train on black bishops
This video is about two hours long, but it is a pearl of a find. You will be absolutely fascinated at the conversation —and the posturing dynamics– in this forum on “Reimagining Pentecostalism” which was hosted by Harvard Divinity School. The forum is supposed to be some sort of intellectually driven discussion on the various hybrid faces of pentecostalism, but two of the participants quicklycommandeer the show and flatline the others with their bogus doctrines. Its a classic real time case of how false teachers intimidate other “leaders” who don’t know how to handle them.
In March 2005, The Rev. Dr. Frank Reid (Bethel AME, Baltimore), Bishop Carlton Pearson (Higher Dimensions Family Church, Tulsa), Bishop Yvette Flunder (City of Refuge United Church of Christ, San Francisco), Bishop Andy Lewter (Oakley Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio) and the Rev. Eugene Rivers (Azusa Christian Community, Boston) participated in the third panel of a day-long conference on Black Pentecostalism held March 18, 2005 in the Sperry Room, moderated by the Rev. Cheryl Sanders (Howard University).
Flunder and Pearson work the panel like two hungry hyenas on the African serengeti after stray wildebeests. At one point the voice of one of their inclusionist sympathizers Marlon Millner arrogantly chastise the three preachers. That angers Reid, but to no avail.
In trying to agree with the false teachers, Rivers, Lewter and Reid are at their mercy, but Pearson and Flunder only press in for th
e kill. That is until Rivers finally calls out the white elephant in the room. To which Flunder promptly challenges him to “put it on the table”. To his credit, Rivers is the only one of the three pastors on the panel who attempts to challenge Flunder and Pearson, until he is pounced on by the sympathetic moderator and silenced. Lewter seems almost in a defeated fetal position the entire time.
Its a sad and difficult trainwreck to watch, but if you want real time experience in how false teachers operate, watch this video and take notes.
*Pearson is no longer “reimagining pentecostalism” opting instead to take a money making gig at Chicago’s premier metaphysical church.
In brief: More WH devotees come out in St Louis
The St. Louis American posted an article interview with two area clergy which offered more evidence that the late Walter Hawkins was a closet inclusionist. One of the two men in the story, we have covered before. Bishop Wyatt Greenlee (left), an assistant of Yvette Flunder said Hawkins and Flunder helped him start his gay inclusion church Greater New Higher Heights (now a UCC). Read more about Greenlee here and here.
“I started ministry in 1988 and it was through his wisdom and counsel that helped me set it up properly,” said Greenlee, founder of New Higher Heights Church. He and Bishop Flunder took me under their wing and allowed me to network with the right people – he was my pastor and a man of incredible wisdom and council.”
New Higher Heights operated under Hawkins Love Center Church Umbrella and he was instrumental in the process of their first church recording in 1993 – serving as producer of the project.
Other pastors under Walter Hawkins umbrella ministry.
Lesbian bishop remembers gospel singer’s influence
Bishop Yvette Flunder has released comments about gospel music industry producer and singer Walter Hawkins who died last Sunday at age 61. Her comments reveal more about the private Hawkins and confirm that he was at least biblically in error at the time of his death. Unfortunately no sermons or teachings of Hawkins have been made public, but his embrace and apparent teaching of gay inclusion sullies his music legacy. Flunder who is “married” to Hawkins’ cousin Shirley Miller said that anyone who appreciated her progay ministry, must also pay tribute to Hawkins. And black gospel industry stars are lining up to do just that.
“I received an invitation to come and preach at Love Center Church in Oakland, and very reluctantly I went. I had not preached in years. I had planned never to preach again, but that day God transformed my life. I joined that Sunday and the Sunday after I met the leader of my new church family. We called him Pastor Walt. I understood why I was led there when I heard him preach. He spoke with passion, clarity and conviction about the extravagant Grace of God that is greater than all of our shame and guilt. He introduced me to the doctrine of Eternal Security that made me understand that my salvation was not fragile, and that God was not punitive and vindictive. I realized that I was indeed justified by faith and that I had peace with God. What a glorious revelation!
I recall him saying over and over, ”What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” I became progressively freer every time I heard him. I learned to both love and affirm myself. Pastor Walt became my friend and Brother. We talked regularly, shared vision, traveled the world and designed ministry. He was my Biker Buddy and we spent many hours riding through the hills of Northern California. I remember late night conversations that turned into after church fried chicken, sweet potato pies, (he made them from scratch), and Walt practicing his budding hair styling skills on me. I have fond memories of sitting with him on his piano stool, watching him create brand new music under the influence of the Holy Ghost.
I was blessed to know him and he was the same when we were at the ice cream parlor and when we were at the Stellar Awards. For 10 years I served beside him as his Assistant Pastor and as a member of The Hawkins Family. My love for the transforming power of Gospel music grew under his direction. My call to the Ministry of Radical Inclusivity grew out of his influence.
Bishop Hawkins took the courage to step into uncharted waters and to preach a liberating Gospel that was like fresh cool water on my battered spirit. Everyone who has ever been blessed by my ministry in any way…every church, every class, and every organization must pay tribute to the life and ministry of this great man. His mark is on you.
Bishop Walter Lee Hawkins, Walt…you were and are a giant of a man. You are home now with the Jesus you loved and served with your whole life. May your legacy have an even greater impact on the world than you could have imagined in this life.
Flunder as well as many of Hawkins supporters have stopped short saying the gospel singer himself was homosexual. Highly lauded as a man who wrote and produced music which dominated the gospel music industry and spanned four decades, Hawkins was at the same time an advocate of the false inclusion doctrine. Strangely, his songs were solid in contrast to his theological fallacy. Undoubtedly, Hawkins was a man of immense talent, but his support of homosexuality and gay marriage is particularly troubling despite that acknowledged talent.
I grew up on the Hawkins’ music. It was personal and remain significant markers in my life. I’ll never forget the first time I heard “Dear Jesus, I love you”. I sung it over and over till it felt like I wrote it myself. As a young man struggling with his sexuality, it was my letter to the friend that understood. “Changed” was my anthem when I came out of homosexuality. But others like me have expressed an unusually torn feeling about Walter Hawkins perhaps unlike any other gospel singer/musician we know. His songs weren’t trashy chart topping ditties you forgot about two weeks later. Each one seemed to strike a deep chord of common experience with the listener. But his support of something that we all know is deeply offensive to God sours the memory. How can the same fountain bring forth both bitter and sweet in such contrast? The danger of being a castaway is something we all should consider. When its all said and done, we had better be sure that we have not run in vain.
I therefore so run, but not with uncertainty; I so fight, but not as one that beateth the air. But I keep control of my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Cor 9:26-27
Like his predecessors and some contemporaries, Hawkins’ legacy embodies the very best and perhaps the very worst of the gospel music industry. Hawkins is gone and whatever his eternal state is, it is already done and cannot be changed. But no one should ever mistake talent and acclaim as an indicator of right relationship with God. We can only be sure of our relationship with him by adhering to his word and never compromising it for ourselves or anyone else.
Previous GCM Watch coverage of Walter Hawkins:
False Prophets and Teachers are Murderers
by shofarsound
False teachers and prophets are spiritual murderers because they affect the well-being of a person’s eternal soul by leading him or her away from the Word of God. There are two dangerous false teachings: The Gospel of Inclusion and Pro-gay Theology. As 1 Timothy 4:1 would put it, they are doctrine of devils and people give heed to these seducing spirits every day. Ignatius in the 2nd century A.D. said, “I urge you…keep away from every strange plant, which is heresy. These people, while pretending to be trustworthy, mix Jesus Christ with poison…I am guarding you in advance because you are very dear to me and I foresee the snares of the devil (Letters to the Trallians 6-8).” Just think of it this way: Carlton Pearson and Yvette Flunder are among those who teach these types of heresies and they are guilty of Ezekiel 3:18. They do not act as true watchmen of God that warn the wicked of their iniquity. They make the unsaved believe that they are really saved. Any person who believes or follows such teaching runs the risk of eternal damnation and receiving the “second death” or separation from Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:11, 20:6, 21:8).
Just imagine a whole congregation that follows false teachings! If they believe the teaching until their death, never receive the full revelation of the lie, and never repent for believing the lie, they are spiritually dead. The false teacher has performed spiritual murder. The congregation is deceived into believing a lie and the result is eternal death.
First and foremost, saints of God should always follow the Word of God over their favorite icon preacher or teacher. Deuteronomy 13:1-4 says,
“If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or wonder, and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him..”
Consider the following: Church folks often tell others that the prophet of the Lord told them that a check was coming in the mail because the Word said that their blessings would be pressed down, shaken together and running over. However, the prophet who told them that didn’t line up with the Word of God. They didn’t study. They didn’t receive a revelation from God. Instead, the word the prophet spoke was just some new wild revelation they received through their own flesh. The sad truth is that people eat this poison of unbiblical preaching and teaching, and will fight over what these false ministers have said as being the Truth. Unfortunately, they are unable to see the death of false teaching in the pot ( 2 Kings 4:40). They would rather eat death than the life-giving Word of God.
Regrettably, people follow the voice of there favorite preacher or teacher instead of the voice of God. Many saints today lack the discipline to search the scriptures for themselves. They fail to make sure the person they are listening to is telling them the truth. We must be like the Bereans in Berea. Acts 17:10-11 says, “And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
The Bereans searched the scriptures. As great as Paul and Silas were, they didn’t just rely on their popular reputation. They made sure what they preached and taught lined up with the Word of God. Please saints, don’t fall for the seduction of false doctrine. It can literally kill you and you’ll suffer the second death as a result. Remember John 5:39 says, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they which testify of me.” Search the scriptures for yourself! It is your eternal soul we’re talking about here. You only get one time around here on Earth. The scriptures don’t suggest karma or purgatory. Carlton Pearson may not believe in Hell but that doesn’t mean that Hell isn’t a reality. It is! And what can be worse than Hell itself? Being thrown into the Lake of Fire, tormented for eternity, and separated from Jesus Christ forever.
Related articles:
- Recognizing a false prophet
- False prophet Carlton Pearson’s doctrinal vomit
- And again I say: beware of false prophets
