The Roys Report

Exploring personal narratives, the discussion dives into the transformative journey of faith amid church struggles. It shares the touching story of a grandmother's late-life mission work in Africa, emphasizing her family's commitment to faith and education. Listeners are reminded of the challenges faced in a personal journey of faith, highlighting the contrast between uplifting church moments and times of spiritual distance. This thought-provoking conversation underscores the enduring significance of truth and resilience within the church community.

Jessica Morris, a freelance reporter known for breaking the explosive story on former Newsboys frontman Michael Tait, dives deep into the serious allegations of sexual assault against him. She discusses the ramifications for the Christian music scene and the crucial need for accountability. Morris also highlights the emotional complexities journalists face when covering traumatic stories. The podcast sheds light on the shifting landscape within the industry, emphasizing the need for a safe environment for young artists navigating these challenging revelations.

Leslie Vernick, a relationship coach and counselor specializing in support for women in unhealthy marriages, delves into emotionally destructive churches. She discusses the importance of distinguishing between noble and foolish sacrifices in faith. The conversation highlights the necessity of advocating for oneself in toxic environments, addressing the psychological impact of toxic leadership, and the gap between doctrine and practice in faith. Leslies encourages healing through community and personal empowerment, emphasizing grace and accountability for true restoration.

In this discussion, Brady Boyd, senior pastor at New Life Church, delves into troubling allegations surrounding Robert Morris, highlighting the complexities of accountability within church leadership. The conversation unveils contradictions in Morris's narrative and scrutinizes the church's response to past abuse claims. Boyd emphasizes the pressing need for transparency, examining the challenges of trust amidst serious accusations. He also reflects on the emotional toll of personal crises while navigating these public controversies, advocating for justice within the evangelical community.

Relationship coach Leslie Vernick provides hope and specific steps for moving beyond a traumatic event to take agency for what comes next.  

Haley Swinson, a former soccer coach at Truett McConnell University, bravely shares her traumatic experience of alleged sexual abuse by a university official, with Marcia Schein, her advocate, providing legal insights. They discuss the systemic cover-up by the institution and the emotional turmoil victims face. The conversation delves into the dark side of spiritual mentorship, the problematic use of NDAs to silence victims, and the urgent need for accountability in religious organizations, emphasizing the importance of empowering survivors to seek justice.

Attorney Melissa Hogan, a survivor of betrayal and abuse, shares her transformative journey. She discusses the emotional fallout from her husband's infidelity and the hypocrisy of support systems that choose sides. Melissa emphasizes the importance of finding safe spaces for healing and navigating the complexities of trust post-trauma. Her heartfelt exploration includes the grief of losing her son while escaping an abusive relationship, highlighting the strength in vulnerability and the necessity of supportive communities in the journey toward safety.

Scot McKnight, an insightful author and New Testament scholar, tackles the often-misunderstood topic of deconstruction in faith. He argues it's not about abandoning belief, but rather a journey toward a deeper relationship with Christ. McKnight highlights how trauma and disillusionment within the church, from issues like abuse and political partisanship to social justice failures, drive many to rethink their faith. He advocates for a personal reorientation towards Jesus, aiming to create an inclusive and authentic church community.

Guest Bios Show Transcript Despite an investigation finding that Michael Brown engaged in clergy sexual abuse, an Elder Accountability Team cleared him for ministry. And now, Brown has published a video, announcing his return. What should we make of the allegations against Brown? And is his video truth—or an attempt at image repair and lies? On this podcast, host Julie Roys welcomes Ron Cantor, a former close friend of Brown’s, to examine the video and the known facts.  

In a “fauxpology,” Pastor Jimmy Evans doubled down on his past errant sermon saying Jesus lacked understanding and needed to submit to authority figures