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- Terry Hornbuckle
- Terry Hornbuckle's Prosperity Gospel
- Terry Hornbuckle Convicted
- Terry Hornbuckle - Research Resources
Next page: Terry Hornbuckle’s Prosperity Gospel
Terry Hornbuckle – who on Aug. 22, 2006 was found guilty of rape – was the Founder and Senior Pastor of Agape Christian Fellowship, a multi-racial, multi-cultural church located in Arlington, Texas.
Shortly after his conviction, Hornbuckle was fired.
His wife, Renee, who until then was the church’s co-pastor, has taken over as senior pastor for a period of at least four months.
Bishop Terry Hornbuckle is the Founder and Senior Pastor of Agape Christian Fellowship, a multi-racial, multi-cultural church located in Arlington, Texas. Bishop Hornbuckle, along with his wife Pastor Renee’, pastor a congregation of 2500 members.
Together, they minister healing and hope to people from various social and economic backgrounds. As well as rounded and mature speakers, Pastors Hornbuckle address issues on how to balance and budget your finances, building stronger families in todays society; marriages, singles, leadership structure, and protocol. Known for their teamwork approach, their ministry displays current revelation that is spiritual, relevant, and practical.
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Called as a couple with apostolic leadership, Bishop and Pastor Hornbuckles’ involvement extends beyond the boundaries of the spiritual community. Bishop Terry Hornbuckle, a Spiritual Advisor to Dallas Cowboys players. Pastor Renee’ owns and operates Women of Influence, Inc.– a ministry catering to women from all walks of life. Together, they founded Children of Destiny, a non-profit organization benefiting at-risk youth and they authored Forty Golden Nuggets That Will Lead You Into the Promised Land. Completed projects include The Destiny Center Gymnasium, a facility with over 10,000 square feet of educational, administrative, and performing arts space.
– Source: Our Pastors, Agape Christian Fellowship. Last accessed Aug. 17, 2006
It is not clear how and why Terry Hornbuckle received the title of ‘bishop.’ The American Heritage Dictionary says the term is used of
[a] high-ranking Christian cleric, in modern churches usually in charge of a diocese and in some churches regarded as having received the highest ordination in unbroken succession from the apostles.
– Source: Bishop American Heritage Dictionary
Indeed, Terry and Renee Hornbuckle claim to have been “called as a couple with apolostic leadership.” The Encyclopedia Britannica explains ‘apolostolic succession’ as follows:
In Christianity, the doctrine that bishops represent an uninterrupted line of descent from the Apostles of Jesus. This succession gives bishops special powers, including the right to confirm church members, ordain priests, consecrate bishops, and rule over the clergy and church members of a diocese. Clement, bishop of Rome, stated the doctrine as early as AD 95, and it is accepted by Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Old Catholic, and several other churches. Some Protestant churches maintain that succession is spiritual and doctrinal rather than ritual and historical.
– Source: Apolostolic Succession, Encyclopedia Brittanica
It is not clear what the Hornbuckles consider to be ‘apololic leadership.’
That said, in some Christian churches and movements it has become fashionable to take on various titles (e.g. ‘bishop,’ ‘apostle,’ ‘annointed preacher’) to indicate real or perceived spiritual leadership and/or ‘annointing.’
Dallas Cowboys
Terry Hornbuckle claims to be a spiritual advisor to Dallas Cowboy players. At least one former player, Emmitt Smith, described him as a spiritual advisor for the Cowboys. However, the Dallas Cowboys have stated in writing that Terry Hornbuckle was never employed by them, and that he has never been the team’s chaplain.
Background
Terry Lee Hornbuckle
Born: Feb. 2, 1962
Home: Grapevine
Education: Graduated, Wilmer-Hutchins High School, 1980; bachelor’s degree in business, University of Texas at Arlington, 1986; master’s degree in religious education, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1989; some Internet doctorate classes, Trinity Theological Seminary, Newburgh, Ind.
Church history: Mr. Hornbuckle starts Victory Temple Bible Church in Arlington with 15 members, 1986; the church moves into a former Dairy Queen building, 1987; church is renamed Agape Christian Fellowship, 1992; church moves into an 8,000-square-foot strip mall storefront in Arlington, 1995; church moves into a 30,000-square-foot, $3 million building in Arlington, 1999
– Source: Some believe power got the best of their pastor, The Dallas Morning News, USA, Apr. 25, 2005
PAGES IN THIS ENTRY:
- Terry Hornbuckle
- Terry Hornbuckle's Prosperity Gospel
- Terry Hornbuckle Convicted
- Terry Hornbuckle - Research Resources
Next page: Terry Hornbuckle’s Prosperity Gospel
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First published (or major update) on Thursday, August 17, 2006.
Last updated on September 25, 2006. Original content is © Copyright Apologetics Index. All Rights Reserved. For usage guidelines see link at the bottom.
Correction to article: The Dallas Cowboys have said that Terry Hornbuckle was never the team’s spiritual advisor.
But… Several Dallas Cowboys, some famous, have come out in his support during his trial. Another correction to this article. Mr. Hornbuckle has been found guilty on three counts of rape, two involving members of his church.
As a personal friend of their nephew and of the family, I just pray for Renee’ and the children, she has always been a strong woman.
There are so many others doing the same thing. He is not the only one. Terry is being used as an example. There are so many pastors out there not paying child support, having relationships with members, using drugs, stealing property, the list goes on as it relates to illegal activitis done by pastors. Pastors are using the church to hide their illegal activities. Terry is a good man who made some mistakes.
What about the others
Response to Dean Smith….. It truly is not our right to judge and I agree with you that there may be other pastors “making mistakes”, but we, as christians, should feel compelled to bring “light” to the “darkness”. If one of the many women who were taken advantage of and raped by Terry was your wife, girlfriend, mother, sister, daughter or granddaughter, would you still think “he is a good man who made some mistakes”. Comments like “good man who made some mistakes” are what compells girls, boys, women and men to not come forth when they have been abused and victimized. To be honest with you a “Pastor” with a meth addiction who pre-meditates rape is not a “Good Man”….. if so we (women) are definitely in trouble!
A good man who made some mistakes??? That’s ridiculous! I think three rapes and drug use should be considered a bit more than “mistakes.” A man who shepherds the flock should do his best to fit the quailifications as laid out in 1 Timothy 3. Yes, we all make mistakes, or better yet, sin and grieve the Holy Spirit. But, what about living a life that is filled with the fear of the Lord and constent self-examination and when needed, repentance? While there are many others falling in this type of sinfully habitual lifestyle, let’s not make excuses for our favorite pastor(s) by saying things like “What about others?” All are wrong and need to humbly ask for the Lord’s forgiveness – and, humbly accept any possible consequences that may come. It’s like I tell my children: “Everybody makes mistakes – but that’s no excuse!” If you do something wrong, be humble and admit it, even to yourself, and don’t sugarcoat it. We take things way too lightly, especially things of this nature.
And, as far as Renee Hornbuckle taking the role of Senior Pastor – according to the principles and precepts that the Lord has established, there should be no women taking the role of bishop, pastor, elder or whatever other way people label the role. It’s not sexist to say that. It would be sexist to say that women have no place in church ministry at all. But the Lord has made it clear throughout OT and NT that lead roles in church clergy are to be held by men. And to further make the point of this not being sexist, men are to be above reproach and very humble toward the Lord who called them (if He did) and know full well that the leading role(s) in the church comes with great condemnation if violated (James 3:1). More can be said on this, but shouldn’t have to be if we learn to “accurately handle the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Peace!!!!!!!!
That last comment about Pastors is obsured. It is important to stick to the facts. There are a lot of Pastors that are doing what is right. What Mr. Hornbuckle did was wrong and he is an individual. People are people and we all make choices everyday. Sometimes we make the wrong choices and we know they are wrong, but God said that He forgives us when we confess our sins to Him and that includes Pastors Some of you probably have committed a sin that is punishable by the law and you aren’t a Pastor. Thank God for His mercy.
Well, I have visited Agape a few times with my mother. And I would like to first start by saying I am not a member nor a judge. But it seems to me that everyone wants to take a stand of what is right or wrong in this situation. It is more then obvious that something is terribly wrong but that lies in the hands of Mr. Hornbuckle and his maker. He himself has to answer for what has or has not transpired. I know his congregation feels as though they have to protect him but they can not. We are human, made in the image of our God, we are not made to fight ones battles amongst thyself. If anyone wants to be productive and help heal then first admit there are things that are not in our power to handle and pray for everyone that has experienced this earth shattering event. I myself feel bad for everyone involved because it’s not one person’s probelm, it’s everyones probelm. I don’t agree with things he did, but i don’t agree that his accussers made the best decisions either. Everyone knows what right and wrong are and it burdens my heart that all the blame lie upon a man when in fact these women seemed to go along with things they felt uncomfortable about. Now I am not saying by any means they deserved any wrong doing that came to them. All i am saying is if someone including your pastor makes you feel uncomfortable , how come you didn’t tell anyone. this was your pastor, not your God. It makes me wonder if a few people were personally interested in the man, not the pastor he was. I do apologize if I have offended anyone in anyway, that is not my intent. To the families, embrace your faith not your minister. To the congregation, hold your head up high, your church is santuary for the lord to humble you. I pray all of you think outside the box and put yourself in the other parties shoes, it is not so easy to be there.
Honestly, preachers and pastors are not God. They should stop portraying themselves as such and be a man. They are all men before becoming pastor/preachers. They are not above the law, but if the are men of God, they will also be punished by God and judged accordingly. We cannot judge Hornbuckle, and those of you who continue to follow the wicked, you shall be caught up with the same. If you follow wrong, knowingly, you are as guilty as he that has lead you. Distance yourself from wrong, Hornbuckle or otherwise. Be prayerful for his family, but be reminded that his wife supported his behavior, she shall be judged according to God’s will, not man. STOP putting your faith in man, he has no HEAVEN nor HELL that he can put you in, put your faith in the Lord our God and live your best life!
I am a new yorker and a christian. I heard of terry hornbuckle’s crimes on national t.v. show, I was shocked and saddened to see this pastor or any pastor take a sinful fall of this magnitude. I feel a pastor and saints of God must cover their leader with prayer and intercession. A pastor must fearfully and intensely accept his vocation as something more than a job. A pastor has the responsibility to build lives and souls, and his works are going affect eternal souls and generations of people to come. Its sad to see a pastor with a big church, financial support, and members who have the potential and resources to do great things for God and the community fall down this path. I know many faithful pastors of small congregations who wished they had half as much as this church.
I hope we all pray that the damage souls of people and the victims will be repaired and I hope none of these people leave almighty God because of Terry Hornbuckle’s sins and criminal acts.
Greetings,
Lets remember that the battle is not ours, But it is the Lords.
So lets just do what Jesus did when he new the evil thoughts of man,
Christ just prayed for them.
Bless those that curse you and pray for those who hurt you or better yet
those who do you wrong.
Just think about it if God would exspose all of our hidden sins, ever one
and this world would be condemn.
In response to this situation, let me first start by saying that Bro. Hornbuckle though a man of God unfortunately allowed his Adamic nature to supercede his spiritual nature. He is still a child of God but he has fallen short of God’s glory as have all of us. BUt I feel that what needs to happen is to not focus on the sin as much as the more important factor of the recovery of the sinner. Everyone has their own view on who, what, when, where, etc. But none of us who are on the outside looking in actually know what transpired in Bro. Hornbuckle’s mind and thus we have no room to judge. But we need to be mindful of what the scripture says about our brother being overtaken in a fault. That we should restore such a one in the spirit of meekness considering our own selves lest we also be tempted. That is to say that rather than criticize that brother for his wrong doing first of all to God, then his wife and family, his church family and the body of Christ as a whole, consider that that could have very well been one of us and in some cases situations such as this are going on and it has just not been exposed yet. We must continue to pray for all parties involved, the accused Bro. Hornbuckle, Pastor Renee his wife, his family, the church, and just as importantly, the victims, that God will heal their wounded hearts and spirits, and that time will bring about a peace. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
God Bless!