Here at MinistryWatch we are energized by the pro-life issue. I’ve been writing about the pro-life issue myself for more than 40 years, and John Stonestreet and I included a chapter on the life issue in our book Restoring All Things. The MinistryWatch 1000 database includes a category for pro-life organizations, and I would personally encourage all of our listeners to get active in local pro-life organizations. I would also encourage you to make the life issue a part of your giving priorities.

That said, I’ve also noticed that all is not well in the pro-life ecosystem. There is much infighting and disagreement over priorities. Those who have placed their trust in politics have had to contend with the reality that the number of abortions in America have actually gone up since the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade. On the other hand, those who have ignored politics have had no part in the pro-life victories that we have seen in at least 14 states.

On today’s program I unpack some of these issues with someone who calls himself an “abortion abolitionist.” Bradley Pierce is a constitutional attorney who has drafted legislation in more than 30 states supporting self-defense and parental rights, as well as civil liberties and the right to life. He leads the Foundation to Abolish Abortion and is the executive producer of the video series “Abortion Free,” which you can find on YouTube.

He spoke to me via zoom from his office near Austin, Texas.

Thanks for joining us today.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you.

Welcome to the first podcast of 2025!

2024 was a good year for MinistryWatch. We have much to celebrate, and to thank God for. Still, I learned a long time ago that in a dynamic media, cultural, and economic environment, it is important not to be complacent. That’s why I wanted to give you a “peek under the hood” at some of the things that I think MinistryWatch could do better in the year ahead.

 More “Enterprise” Journalism. I think breaking news has its place, but MinistryWatch doesn’t want to be one of a half-dozen news organizations trying to be the first outlet to bring you an inconsequential news story. We want to cover significant stories, with added value and context. We want to be the place that connects the dots, that gives you not just the “what” but the “why.” Our coverage of Bible translation organizations, “trend stories” such as the growing use of donor-advised funds and the increase in the number of ministries that fail to file Form 990s, are examples of this kind of “enterprise” journalism. Look for more such coverage in the year ahead.

 More Data-Driven Journalism. As I’ve already said, our database makes MinistryWatch unique. That’s why we want to curate more stories from our rich data storehouse in the year ahead. We already do monthly lists and “Ministry Spotlights” that highlight important changes in our database, not to mention our “Weekly Review” that highlights all the changes in the database for that week. In the year ahead we hope to highlight these anomalies and changes and help you see their significance.

 More Podcast Content. We currently do a weekly roundup of the news, as well as an interview of an interesting newsmaker each week on the MinistryWatch podcast. Beginning no later than the second quarter, we hope to increase to three episodes a week, adding both more interviews and more commentary. Again, our goal will be to context and meaning to what is going on in the news.

For those of you who have been on this journey with us over the past five years: Thank You. For those of you who are just discovering MinistryWatch: Welcome Aboard!

We pray that, in God’s good providence, our best years are still ahead of us.

The producer for today’s podcast is Jeff McIntosh. I’m your host Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today’s program, Chateauroux Fellowship claims to connect billionaires with Christian ministries…but we were not able to confirm with any ministries that they had received any of the funds. We’ll have details.

 And, a small reformed denomination commissioned a report by Guidepost solutions to investigate handling of sexual abuse cases…then it reversed its decision. We’ll take a look at what happened.

Plus, a new study finds that Christians are the most charitable…and the happiest.

But first, California revokes Olivet University’s approval to operate—but the school says it plans to stay open anyway.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Kim Roberts, Jessica Eturralde, Scott Bauer, Tony Mator, Heather Hahn, Diana Chandler, Brittany Smith, Christina Darnell—and you, Warren.

A special thanks to Baptist Press and United Methodist News for contributing material for this week’s podcast.

Until next time, may God bless you.

 

MANUSCRIPT:

 

FIRST SEGMENT

Warren:

Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina, and wishing you a merry Christmas!

Natasha:

And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Warren:

On today’s program, Chateauroux Fellowship claims to connect billionaires with Christian ministries…but we were not able to confirm with any ministries that they had received any of the funds. We’ll have details.

And, a small reformed denomination commissioned a report by Guidepost solutions to investigate handling of sexual abuse cases…then it reversed its decision. We’ll take a look at what happened.

Plus, a new study finds that Christians are the most charitable…and the happiest.

Natasha:

But first, California revokes Olivet University’s approval to operate—but the school says it plans to stay open anyway.

Warren:

The California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education has ordered that Olivet University’s approval to operate be revoked. The order also requires the school to pay $64,432 to cover the costs of the investigation and prosecution.

Because of this action, Olivet must cease enrolling new students and must propose a planned “teach out” current students.

Natasha:

What’s the background to Olivet?

Warren:

Olivet, founded by controversial figure David Jang, was approved to operate by the state in 2005, but that approval expired in 2014 and has not been renewed.

In March 2023, a complaint was filed against Olivet, seeking a revocation or suspension of its approval to operate. It included 14 reasons the state should revoke the approval, including failing to include a face-to-face instructional component, failing to provide all the courses included in the approval, failing to have necessary evaluations of faculty, and failing to demonstrate that Olivet has required financial resources.

Last year, a group of former Olivet students sued Jang and the university, claiming they were part of an international labor trafficking scheme run by Jang and his disciples.

According to reporting by Newsweek, Olivet University is also under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security for money laundering, human trafficking, and visa fraud.

By the way, every time we write about Olivet University, we get emails asking if this is the same as Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois. It is not. The two schools are not related in any way.

Natasha:

What’s our next story?

Warren:

If the plan of the Chateauroux Fellowship and its director Christian Thomas Lee comes to pass as promised, it would likely be the largest philanthropic initiative aimed at Christian ministries in American history.

According to the group’s own website, the Fellowship has committed at least $5 billion in future bequests to dozens of Christian groups. But so far MinistryWatch has not been able to determine that any of the groups have received funds, though many of the hopeful recipients have spent thousands of dollars in travel and lodging to attend meetings and dinners with Lee.

Natasha:

So where is that money?

Warren:

“Bequests and “planned gifts” seem to be the key words here. None of the ministries contacted by MinistryWatch have so far received any funds. They have, rather, received notification that their organizations will get a bequest from an anonymous billionaire (or billionaires) at an unspecified future date, presumably upon the benefactor’s death. However, other than assurances from Christian Thomas Lee, the ministries do not appear to have received any legally binding documents confirming these bequests will occur.

Natasha:

On their website, they list Some of the Christian ministries that have received commitments — but no funds —  who are they?

Warren:

Grace To You, the ministry of John MacArthur. A letter from Executive Director Phil Johnson to Christian Lee said: “On behalf of Grace to You, John MacArthur, and our entire staff, I want to express our profound gratitude for the extraordinary generosity of the anonymous donor who arranged a legacy donation of $1.5 billion to our ministry.” The letter concludes, “I’d love to meet you someday if the opportunity ever arises.”

Ashland University. The amount of the announced bequest was redacted from a letter from Ashland President Jon Parrish Peede to Lee. An earlier posting placed the amount of the bequest to Ashland at $1 billion.

Natasha:

That’s $2.5 billion with just these two organizations alone.

Warren:

That’s right, and there are dozens of organizations, mostly Christian schools, that are identified on the Chateauroux website. Most of them don’t have the amount of the bequest identified, but we have been able to identify that the total exceeds $5 billion.

Again, MinistryWatch was not able to identify that any of these bequests, or any others announced on the Chateauroux website, had so far been fulfilled.

This is a fascinating and convoluted story, involving some of the top Christian ministries in the nation. We don’t have time to go into the entire story here, but I do recommend that you check out the story on the MinistryWatch website, and we’ll be following up to see if any of these bequests come to pass as time goes by.

Natasha:

Next, news of a shooting at a private Christian school.

Warren:

A 15-year-old student opened fire at a private Christian school Monday morning in Wisconsin, killing two people in the final week before Christmas break. The female shooter also died.

In a statement, the City of Madison said the shooter, identified as Natalie Rupnow, shot and killed a teacher and a student at Abundant Life Christian School, a K-12 school with about 390 students, before apparently turning the gun on herself. Rupnow was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital.

Natasha:

The City of Madison said one teacher and three students were taken to the hospital for care following the shooting. As of Tuesday morning, two have been released and two remain in stable condition.

Natasha:

Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, a Nazarene Pastor who says he is pro-LGBTQ resigns his eldership to avoid trial.

I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.

 

BREAK

 

SECOND SEGMENT

Natasha:

Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Next, the story we promised before the break.

Warren:

Facing potential discipline for a leaked pro-LGBTQ paper, Nazarene pastor Dr. Rick Power has quit the theologically conservative denomination.

“I have resigned my credential as an Elder in the Church of the Nazarene,” Power announced in a Dec. 2 Facebook post. “Over a period of years, my thinking on human sexuality has changed to the point that I could no longer embrace the church’s position regarding LGBTQ+ members of the human family.”

Power’s resignation comes months after he vacated the office of district superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene’s Hawaii-Pacific District at the request of local leadership.

Natasha:

Power maintains that his views on marriage and sexual identity never technically violated his ordination vows, since he did not openly preach LGBTQ-affirmation.

Warren:

Power emailed a paper to top Nazarene officials detailing his personal views on sexuality.

Then the paper leaked to the public, and the church had to act.

“Even after retirement,” Power wrote on Facebook, “formal accusations and charges were filed against me. These would have led to a trial and potential discipline. But I have no interest in putting myself, my family, or my friends in the church through the ordeal of a church trial.”

Natasha:

Next, A small denomination headquartered near Grand Rapids, Michigan, is facing criticism over what appears to be decades of abuse and cover-ups.

Warren:

The Protestant Reformed Church in America (PRCA) was founded in 1924 and consists of 33 churches and about 8,700 members.

During the denominational meeting (synod) in 2023, the church leaders voted to hire Guidepost Solutions to investigate the alleged sexual abuse and cover-ups.

The nearly year-long investigation cost the denomination $358,000.

However, at the annual meeting in 2024, the leaders voted to adopt a position “declar[ing] that Synod 2023 erred by authorizing a secular organization to assist Christ’s church in an ecclesiastical work (investigating sin) that belongs exclusively to the church.”

Natasha:

Do they have a different plan to uncover the truth?

Warren:

While the synod did not mandate that a new organization be hired

A lot of us have misgivings about social media. We use it, but we somehow have a sense that we use it too much, and we have a growing body of research suggesting that it’s bad for young people.

Grey Matter Research and Infinity Concepts have a new study out called “Helpful or Harmful? Evangelicals and Social Media.” On today’s podcast, we unpack the results of that survey with one of its authors, Mark Driestadt. He’s the president of Infinity Concepts and someone I’ve come to know and respect over the past few years as one of the “wise men” in ministry fundraising, marketing and communications. Regular listeners to the podcast may remember that I’ve had Mark on the program before because, well, he’s consistently done interesting and helpful work.

That’s why, Mark, I’m delighted to welcome you back to the program.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. I’m Warren Smith. I hope you’ll join me again on Friday when we do our regular round up of the week’s news with my co-host Natasha Cowden. Until then, may God bless you.

Get your free copy of the study here.

On today’s program, author and teacher Dr Michael Brown of the radio program Line of Fire has agreed to a third-party investigation after being accused of sexual impropriety. We’ll have details.

And, we remember two anniversaries this week—the release of a GRACE investigation into Bob Jones University and their handling of sexual abuse cases, and the fall of Mars Hill Church. We take time to reflect on both—lessons learned and where things stand now.

Plus, overall membership in the Presbyterian Church USA continues to fall—except among people who identify as genderqueer. We’ll take a look.

But first, after a year-long battle, an Ohio church is NOT being allowed to shelter the homeless this winter.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Kim Roberts, Jessica Eturralde, Marci Seither, Bob Smietana, David Fairchild, Jeffrey Walton, Brittany Smith, and Christina Darnell.

A special thanks to Juicy Ecumenism for contributing material for this week’s podcast.

Until next time, may God bless you.

 

MANUSCRIPT:

 

FIRST SEGMENT

Warren:

Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Natasha:

And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Warren:

On today’s program, author and teacher Dr Michael Brown of the radio program Line of Fire has agreed to a third-party investigation after being accused of sexual impropriety. We’ll have details.

And, we remember two anniversaries this week—the release of a GRACE investigation into Bob Jones University and their handling of sexual abuse cases, and the fall of Mars Hill Church. We take time to reflect on both—lessons learned and where things stand now.

Plus, overall membership in the Presbyterian Church USA continues to fall—except among people who identify as genderqueer. We’ll take a look.

Natasha:

But first, after a year-long battle, an Ohio church is NOT being allowed to shelter the homeless this winter.

Warren:

An Ohio judge has issued a preliminary injunction against Dad’s Place and its pastor Chris Avell, preventing the church from using its first floor to shelter homeless people, even as temperatures are expected to plummet later this week.

Dad’s Place and Avell have been involved in a dispute with Bryan, Ohio, since last year over whether it can open the first floor of the church in a business district to allow homeless persons to escape the cold.

In January, a federal district court issued an order “forbidding [the city] from enforcing any alleged violations of the City’s zoning or fire codes without the court’s approval or the church’s agreement.”

Natasha:

What happened?

Warren:

The City of Bryan and the church, through its counsel at First Liberty Institute, tried to resolve their differences, but negotiations broke down in April.

In July 2024, the federal court denied Dad’s Place request for a preliminary injunction to prevent the city from enforcing its fire regulations against the church.

Then in September a three-judge panel of the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the church’s appeal of the district court’s decision.

Now, Ohio Judge J.T. Stelzer has issued an injunction preventing the church from offering its building for use by homeless persons in the city.

Natasha:

What happens next?

Warren:

Dad’s Place remains in violation of several fire safety code regulations, including failure to install a sprinkler system, said Stelzer.

The decision also pointed to two other shelters near Dad’s Place that utilize their second floors as temporary residences to shelter the city’s needy and homeless residents while in “full compliance with the city’s fire code and zoning ordinances.”

First Liberty has filed a motion to stay the injunction and plans to appeal Stelzer’s ruling.

I should add, On December 3, the municipal court held the trial of Avell for criminal charges based on zoning violations. At the end of the trial, the judge asked the parties to submit briefs within 10 days and will likely issue his judgment after that.

Natasha:

Next, Dr. Michael Brown agrees to a third party investigation.

Warren:

Line of Fire radio program host Michael Brown has agreed to a third-party investigation after allegations of sexual impropriety surfaced this week. He acknowledged a “lack of judgment,” but denied any sexual misconduct.

An accuser going by the pseudonym Erin claims Brown crossed physical boundaries when she was working as a 21-year-old secretary at Brown’s FIRE School of Ministry in 2002.

Erin says she looked up to Brown as a father figure and that his alleged actions have compromised her faith.

Natasha:

How has Brown responded to the allegations?

Warren:

Brown, 69, admits he and his wife Nancy had a close relationship with the accuser, even treating her like family, but that it was “totally non-sexual in every way.”

In a statement on the Line of Fire website, Brown said, “Both Nancy and I were shocked and horrified by the mix of accusations, allegations, false statements, and mischaracterizations. That’s why we wholeheartedly supported our board’s immediate decision to launch a thorough third-party investigation.”

Natasha:

Next, an Idaho Presbytery employee sentenced for embezzlement.

Warren:

A presbytery employee in Idaho Falls, Idaho, who was accused of embezzling over $330,000 from a church organization has received her sentence.

In May, police arrested Kaitlyn L. Fisher, 31, while she was working for the Presbytery of Kendall—a church organization overseeing at least 12 eastern Idaho Presbyterian churches.

Initially, Fisher pleaded not guilty to 15 counts, including three counts of grand theft, four counts of state income tax evasion, four counts of perjury, and four counts of accessing or using a computer to defraud or obtain money. Fisher would have faced up to 42 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Natasha:

So what happened?

Warren:

In July, Fisher entered a plea agreement and pleaded guilty to three counts in exchange for dropping the remaining charges and for the prosecution to recommend a minimum of three years in prison.

On November 6, District Judge Bruce Pickett sentenced Fisher to three to 10 years in prison. She will also be required to pay over $330,000 in restitution.

Natasha:

Another arrest has happened – this time in Texas.

Warren:

A former associate pastor at 121 Community Church in Grapevine, Texas, was arrested last week for possession of child pornography and invasive visual recording.

The investigation of Arturo Alarcon, 38, began after the church contacted police with a report that a missionary couple had found spy cameras in the mobile home where they were housed by the church, according to a report by WFAA.

According to the arrest affidavit, the missionary couple located hidden cameras in two alarm clocks and two wall plugs labeled "Bug Control.”

Natasha:

And it wasn’t long before Alarcon was found out..

Warren:

When police contacted Alarcon, he admitted to knowing the devices were in the home, but said they were donated and not purchased by him.

In searching Alarcon’s phone, police discovered a sexually-oriented photo of a 5-year-old child, which Alarcon denied ever seeing.

The Grapevine police are forwarding Alarcon’s phone to the U.S. Secret Service to unlock an encrypted account on his phone, WFAA reported. When questioned, Alarcon claimed he didn’t know about the account, didn’t set it up, and didn’t know who did.

In a statement to WFAA, the church confirmed Alarcon’s arrest and his termination from employment. He also was a substitute teacher in the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District – he has also been terminated by the district.

Natasha:

Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, Bible Project co-founder Jon Collins left a thriving business and growing income to create animated videos about the Bible.

I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.

 

BREAK

 

SECOND SEGMENT

Natasha:

Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Next, the story we promised before the break.

Warren:

After starting a business with a few friends that excelled faster than any of them anticipated, Jon and Tristen Collins had to reprioritize.

Jon said, “We began to make more money than we ever planned to make. It wasn't long until we were bringing more in in a month than we were used to bringing in in a year.”

“At first it was exciting,” said Tristen. But it wasn’t all positive. “Jon was feeling conflicted in his job and business.”

Natasha:

What changed things for them?

Warren:

Jon attended a Generous Giving conference in Colorado Springs 12 years ago, and he said that conference changed his life’s trajectory.

Natasha:

How so?

Warren:

Seeing generosity from a new perspective sparked a desire to give more creatively.

Tristen jumped on board with creating a family mission plan, capping their household budget, and dividing their income into a budget fund and a generosity fund.

Jon felt like he needed to remove himself from his current businesses to focus on the project.

“It was like God was calling me to free up my mind and imagination for something that was next,” said Jon. He and his friend Tim Mackie began to talk about the Bible and craft storyboards and scripts to produce short animated videos. That was the beginning of the Bible Project, that now has more than $24 million in annual revenue and works all around the world.

...

We have a special treat on today’s program, and that’s a conversation with musician and songwriter Fernando Ortega.

Fernando Ortega is one of my favorites, in part because he takes both the theology and the traditions of the church seriously in his music. Both his original music, such as “This Good Day,” and his interpretations of many traditional hymns and songs, such as "Give Me Jesus", "Be Thou My Vision" and "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty", are known for their rich musical and theological palette. Fernando Ortega is, in short, someone I think the church needs today.

However, we haven’t seen him in a while. His last album, which I argue might have been the best of his career, was 2017’s “The Crucifixion of Jesus.” But now he’s back. He has a new EP called “For All The Saints.” I’ve heard it. It’s beautiful, and I’m delighted to have these new songs out there in the world, and equally delighted to have Fernando on the program.

Ortega was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, near the banks of the Rio Grande, which is where he lives today. He started learning piano at eight years of age. His family lived in Chimayó, New Mexico, for eight generations, a legacy cited as an influence on his music. Fernando had this conversation with me from his home in Albuquerque.

His new EP is “For All The Saints,” and I encourage you to check it out on all your favorite streaming platforms.

Thanks to Jeff McIntosh for producing today’s program, and for Rick Hoganson for his help in arranging this interview. I hope you’ll join me on Friday, with my co-host Natasha Cowden, when we return with our weekly roundup of the stories we’ve been covering here at MinistryWatch.

Until then, may God bless you.

On today’s program, MorningStar Fellowship Church in South Carolina reaches a settlement with York County after a decade-long dispute over Heritage Tower—a building originally owned by Jim Bakker’s Praise the Lord Ministries. We’ll have details.

And, Christian philanthropist Bill Hwang was sentenced for a $10 billion fraud. We’ll take a look.

Plus, another Christian college is on the ropes. Saint Augustine’s University in North Carolina slashes its workforce by 50% in its fight to retain accreditation.

But first, a week after suffering a dangerous health incident during a Sunday morning church service, Bishop T.D. Jakes updated his congregation via live video. “Many of you don’t realize that you’re looking at a miracle,” Bishop T.D. Jakes said in a live video message to the congregation on Sunday (Dec. 1). “I faced a life-threatening calamity, was rushed to the ICU unit. I had emergency surgery. Survived this surgery” He said.

 The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Adelle Banks, Jessica Eturralde, Kim Roberts, Tony Mator, Paul Clolery, and Brittany Smith.

A special thanks to The NonProfit Times for contributing material for this week’s podcast.

Until next time, may God bless you.

 

MANUSCRIPT

 

FIRST SEGMENT

Warren:

Hello everybody. I'm Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Natasha:

And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Warren:

On today’s program, MorningStar Fellowship Church in South Carolina reaches a settlement with York County after a decade-long dispute over Heritage Tower—a building originally owned by Jim Bakker’s Praise the Lord Ministries. We’ll have details.

And, Christian philanthropist Bill Hwang was sentenced for a $10 BILLION fraud. We’ll take a look.

Plus, Saint Augustine’s University in North Carolina slashes its workforce by 50% in its fight to retain accreditation.

Natasha:

But first, a week after suffering a dangerous health incident during a Sunday morning church service, Bishop T.D. Jakes updated his congregation via live video.

Warren:

“Many of you don’t realize that you’re looking at a miracle,” Bishop T.D. Jakes said in a live video message to the congregation on Sunday (Dec. 1). “I faced a life-threatening calamity, was rushed to the ICU unit. I had emergency surgery. Survived this surgery” He said.

Natasha:

What happened?

Warren:

Jakes, 67, an evangelist, author and business executive, suffered what his church initially called “a slight health incident” during the Nov. 24 worship service at The Potter’s House. At that time, about a dozen people rushed to his side after he lowered his microphone and was shaking in his seat.

In the seven-minute video he said he would be following doctor’s orders to rest.

Jakes, whose remarks were also posted on his Instagram page, said he was not in pain and is in good spirits.

“I didn’t want you to be worried about me,” he told his congregation, expressing thanks for their prayers and support. “I’m trying to be obedient to what the doctor said [to] do, in terms of just taking a few weeks to just heal and recover and relax and just reflect.”

Natasha:

And he has a lot to reflect on these days.

Warren:

Yes. Lawyers for Jakes filed a defamation lawsuit the day after the medical incident, saying another minister, Duane Youngblood, had falsely accused him of attempted sexual assault. The suit linked the accusations to Jakes’ health.

“Youngblood’s intentional and malicious lies have taken a substantial emotional and physical toll on Bishop Jakes,” reads the suit.

Natasha:

Who is Youngblood?

Warren:

Duane Youngblood, 57, a Pennsylvania man who Jakes’ suit notes is on parole after felony convictions for sexual assault and corruption of minors, made the allegations in two recent appearances on the “Larry Reid Live” YouTube talk show. “The Abused Become the Abuser” episodes featuring Youngblood’s claims have gone viral.

The suit says a lawyer claiming to represent Youngblood sent Jakes a Nov. 15 letter demanding $6 million from Jakes after the episodes aired.

The suit includes denials by Jakes’ legal team of Youngblood’s accusations that Jakes tried to groom and sexually abuse him.

Natasha:

Jakes’ lawsuit also makes a direct link between Jakes’ medical state and Youngblood’s allegations.

Warren:

Jakes seeks compensatory damages exceeding $75,000 and also seeks economic damages “in an amount to be specifically determined at trial.”

Natasha:

Next is an update from MorningStar.

Warren:

A decade-long dispute between MorningStar Fellowship Church and a South Carolina county over a building formerly owned by the now-bankrupt PTL Ministries is possibly over.

MorningStar and York County have finalized a settlement resolving all legal disputes over the unfinished Heritage Tower. The tower was part of Heritage USA, a Christian theme park founded by Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker of Praise The Lord Ministries (PTL).

In 2004, MorningStar purchased part of the property, including the unfinished 21-story tower, which led to ongoing disputes with York County. In 2012, MorningStar sued the county over repair disagreements, followed by a 2018 lawsuit alleging religious discrimination.

Although the parties reached a mutual agreement to dismiss disputes in 2020, York County filed another lawsuit in 2021 after MorningStar announced plans to renovate the tower.

Natasha:

So where does that leave us today?

Warren:

The settlement agreement, signed in October 2024 by Rick Joyner (MorningStar president) and Allison Love (York County Council co-chair), states that MorningStar will dismiss all lawsuits and withdraw related FOIA requests while York County agrees to end its counterclaims.

MorningStar has 18 months to apply for a building permit to complete the tower. If they fail to obtain a license within that time frame, MorningStar must demolish the tower within nine months. Permits will be valid for 180 days, with the option for five extensions, but if they expire without action, the church must tear the tower down.

Natasha:

Let’s look at one more story before our break, what do you have?

Warren:

Two historic New Jersey churches won a preliminary injunction in federal court that blocks a policy excluding them from a funding program for historic buildings.

In May 2023, Zion Lutheran Church Long Valley and Mendham Methodist Church, represented by religious liberty public interest law firm First Liberty Institute, filed a lawsuit claiming the Morris County historic preservation board discriminated against them in its distribution of funds because of their religious function.

First Liberty’s Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys said in a press statement. “Time and again, the U.S. Supreme Court has declared that all forms of religious discrimination by the government are unconstitutional, including the denial of historic preservation grants to historic churches,”

Natasha:

How old are these churches?

Warren:

Mendham Methodist Church, dating back to 1893, is a small congregation that hosts community events such as music lessons, a jazz concert, and a thrift shop. It’s seeking funds to paint and reshingle its bell tower.

Zion Lutheran Church Long Valley was built in German Valley in 1832, and the Gothic Revival-style building has been expanded over the years to fit the needs of the congregation, which currently numbers about 100.

Zion Lutheran sought a grant to repair stained glass windows in its sanctuary.

Natasha:

Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, Christian philanthropist Bill Hwang is sentenced to 18 years in prison for $10 billion fraud.

I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.

 

BREAK

 

SECOND SEGMENT

Natasha:

Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Next, the story we promised before the break.

Warren:

Archegos founder Bill Hwang, formerly one of the wealthiest Evangelical philanthropists, will spend 18 years in prison for business practices that led to more than $10 billion in losses to Wall Street banks in March 2021.

In what he called a case with “no precedent,” Manhattan U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein announced the prison sentence Wednesday, November 20. The judge also added 3 years of supervised release and scheduled a December hearing to consider forfeiture and restitution payments to victims.

Natasha:

Can you remind us of the background here?

Warren:

Hwang, 60, was convicted in July of wire fraud, securities fraud, racketeering and market manipulation. Prosecutors alleged he and his former chief financial officer, Patrick Halligan, had lied to banks to secure loans they used to inflate stock prices, which then plummeted in value after Archegos defaulted on highly leveraged margin calls.

About $100 billion vanished from the stock market in a week. Banks that had given loans to Archegos lost $10 billion, while Archegos itself lost $36 billion.

While the 10-count conviction carried a maximum 200-year sentence, prosecutors only asked for 21 years due to Hwang’s “age and good works in his life.”

Natasha:

A lot of people came forward to his defense.

Warren:

The defense presented 500 pages of testimonies from character witnesses, including Grace & Mercy employees as well as dozens of Christian ministry leaders, many of whom have received funding from Hwang.

Some notable contributors were Kevin Palau, head of the Luis Palau Association; Mark Labberton, retired president of Fuller Theological Seminary;

On today’s EXTRA episode I take a look at MinistryWatch’s annual “Shining Light” awardees. These are ministries that earned the top rating in the three categories MinistryWatch evaluates: financial efficiency, transparency, and overall donor confidence.

Only 18 of the more than 1000 ministries in the MinistryWatch database made the list this year. They are truly the “best of the best.” We hope you will use this list as your guide to year-end giving.

You can see the complete list here.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh.

Until next time, may God bless you!

On today’s program, a former member of Village Church of Bartlett in Illinois is suing the church for defamation after the pastor allegedly accused her of an affair. Another family who supported the victim was also excommunicated. We’ll have details.

And, last year, Texas Christians provided Thanksgiving dinner to a group of Ukrainian refugees. This year, those same refugees thanked the Texas church with a festive feast of their own. We’ll take a look.

Plus, Tony Campolo, sociologist and famed ‘Red Letter Christian,’ has died at 89.

But first, donations to Gateway Church has taken a nosedive following scandals there, signaling tough decisions ahead. Gateway Church outside of Dallas is facing more issues after the church was shaken by allegations of sexual abuse by founding pastor Robert Morris. According to a video leaked on social media, elder Kenneth Fambro said the church’s offering receipts are down 35-40%.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Kim Roberts, Neva Rae Fox, Bobby Ross Jr., Bob Smietana, Tessa Sanchez, Christina Darnell—and you, Warren.

A special thanks to The Living Christian, The Christian Chronicle, and Baptist Press for contributing material for this week’s podcast.

Until next time, may God bless you.

 

MANUSCRIPT

 

FIRST SEGMENT

Warren:

Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you this week from West Palm Beach, Florida,

Natasha:

And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Warren:

On today’s program, a former member of Village Church of Bartlett in Illinois is suing the church for defamation after the pastor allegedly accused her of an affair. Another family who supported the victim was also excommunicated. We’ll have details.

And, last year, Texas Christians provided Thanksgiving dinner to a group of Ukrainian refugees. This year, those same refugees thanked the Texas church with a festive feast of their own. We’ll take a look.

Plus, Tony Campolo, sociologist and famed ‘Red Letter Christian,’ has died at 89.

Natasha:

But first, donations to Gateway Church has taken a nosedive following scandals there, signaling tough decisions ahead.

Warren:

Gateway Church outside of Dallas is facing more issues after the church was shaken by allegations of sexual abuse by founding pastor Robert Morris. According to a video leaked on social media, elder Kenneth Fambro said the church’s tithe receipts are down 35-40%.

In June, allegations of Morris’s sexual abuse of Cindy Clemishire, 54, in the 1980s starting when she was only 12 years old led to his resignation.

Natasha:

Since then, Gateway has faced other challenges and resignations.

Warren:

That’s right.

The church canceled its annual Gateway Conference as the “congregation and staff are in the midst of navigating Robert Morris’ resignation and the emotions surrounding it.”

In August, a lawsuit was filed in Tarrant County, Texas, alleging a member of the Gateway Church youth group sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl also attending the church youth group.

Gateway recently settled another lawsuit that accused church leadership of covering up the alleged sexual abuse of a child by a member of the congregation in March 2018.

And Executive Pastor Kemtal Glasgow was removed in August from his position for a “moral issue.”

Natasha:

There have also been questions about money, but Gateway is working hard to make positive changes

Warren:

In an effort to increase transparency and accountability, Gateway is conducting a comprehensive financial audit and is “making significant changes to its bylaws” so it can become a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

Some of the changes include eliminating the office of “apostolic elder” and not allowing staff members to serve as voting elders in the governance of the church.

By the way, MinistryWatch affirms these developments. We have long advocated for voting elders, deacons, or board members to be non-staff members of a church.

Natasha:

Gateway isn’t the only church experiencing lawsuits, Village Church of Bartlett was sued by a former member.

Warren:

A lawsuit alleging that Pastor Michael Fuelling and the Village Church of Bartlett, Illinois,  (VCOB) defamed and intentionally inflicted emotional distress upon a former member has been filed in Cook County. Another family supportive of the alleged victim was excommunicated.

Tricia Chandler, a former congregant and member, claims Fuelling defamed her by telling others she had engaged in an emotional affair with a man to whom she was not married.

According to the lawsuit, Chandler was a regular attendee of VCOB, a congregation of about 900, from 2007 to 2023.

Natasha:

What happened?

Warren:

Starting in 2009, Chandler says she sought support and guidance from Fuelling and his professional counselor wife Breanne for navigating “manipulation and emotional abuse” inflicted by her husband, who also was a member of the church.

However, she asserts the Fuellings “favored” her husband and dismissed her concerns as going down a “victim route” and being a “bitterness addict.” Chandler says she later learned Fuelling had mocked her and her personality in front of other church members.

Natasha:

What happened next?

Warren:

In 2020, Chandler admits she began a friendship with a male from her local gym. However, Chandler maintains the relationship was strictly platonic.

However, in June 2023, Chandler received a letter that her church membership was paused, and she was told to repent of her sinful behavior, including “slanderous statements to individuals within the congregation about Michael Fuelling.”

Her husband’s membership was also paused, but the letter did not include any call for his repentance, according to Chandler’s lawsuit.

In January 2024, Chandler was “released from membership” at the VCOB, but was told her children were still welcome to participate in the church activities.

On March 8, 2024, her husband filed for divorce.

Neither Village Church of Bartlett nor Fuelling’s attorney responded to requests for a statement before time of publication.

Natasha:

Next, A Texas pastor has been charged with fraud.

Warren:

The Rev. Canon Edward R. Monk, SSC, former chairman of the board of directors of Nashotah House Theological Seminary, has been charged with six Title IV counts of fraud and mismanagement of the financial accounts of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Corsicana, Texas, which he has served as rector for 21 years. A hearing panel (or trial) for the case is planned for February 2025.

Monk, who denies the allegations, resigned from his leadership position at the Anglo-Catholic seminary on August 13, eight days after he was placed on administrative leave from his position at St. John’s. Former Dallas bishop James Stanton is serving as the interim at St. John’s.

Natasha:

How was fraud found out?

Warren:

A September 20 complaint said that St. John’s junior warden came to the diocesan intake officer after Monk had written a large number of checks from the church’s ministry fund without proper documentation. The Rev. Tim Cherry, the diocesan investigator, interviewed Monk, and found his explanations for the checks unconvincing.

Cherry also uncovered other possible financial malfeasance. Monk, he said, opened “unauthorized or fraudulent bank accounts and routed money to other unknown bank accounts.

Monk also took advantage of an elderly volunteer church treasurer to gain a credit card under the man’s SSN and the parish name,” and used the credit card for a “multi-year spending spree” on items like personal trips. This, Cherry said, caused “extreme harm to the treasurer’s personal credit record, resulting in debt collection.”

Natasha:

How has Monk responded to these allegations?

Warren:

Monk’s response to Jolayne La Cour, president of the hearing panel, via email on November 4, is forceful. “With respect to the Hearing Panel Notice dated October 3, 2024, I deny all allegations brought against me in these proceedings.”

Monk did not reply to a request for comment by TLC.

A current working timeline for Monk’s case posted November 11 indicated that a scheduling conference for the Hearing Panel would be held January 17, 2025, and that the earliest possible date for it to convene would be February 3.

Natasha:

Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, Grand Canyon University wins a court case over its nonprofit status.

I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.

 

BREAK

 

SECOND SEGMENT

Natasha:

Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Next, the story we promised before the break.

Warren:

Grand Canyon University, the largest Christian university in the country, has won its case pertaining to its nonprofit status at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

The court ruled on November 8 that the U.S. Department of Education had used the wrong standard when it denied the university’s application for nonprofit status in 2019.

Natasha:

The university has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service  and by the State of Arizona as a nonprofit, but was rejected by the Department of Education under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.

Warren:

In a lengthy letter explaining its decision, the department focused on GCU’s close relationship to the publicly traded for-profit company, Grand Canyon Education, that used to own it. For example, GCU’s president, Brian Mueller,...

Christian ministries need volunteers. Christian retirees need purpose and meaning. It’s a match that models for the world the Kingdom of God.

Articles or other resources mentioned in today’s podcast:

Article in Yahoo Finance explaining a trend among rich older Americans to pay millions of dollars to get into luxury retirement campuses.

A recent article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review noted that in 19th century America every major aspect of daily life was age integrated.

Bruce Bruinsma has been a champion of what he calls a “Retirement Reformation.” Bruinsma says he is “on a mission to shake up our ‘me-centered’ retirement culture, and inject God-given purpose, joy, and real contentment into the Golden Years.” Bruinsma says, “When asked what they plan to do in retirement, most people say: “Nothing!” They’re clear about what they’re retiring FROM — but not what they’re retiring TO.” He goes on to say, “Thirty years is a long time to do nothing.”

Since “retiring” again from The Colson Center, Steve Verleye has become a mentor and coach to other Christian entrepreneurs part of an organization called C-12, which is itself quietly making its mark as a networking and support group for Christian businesspeople.

Evangelical pastor and theologian John Piper’s famous “Seashell Sermon.”