MinistryWatch Podcast

The producers of the new season of “Shiny Happy People” have taken a page out of the Geraldo Rivera School of Journalism. To read a transcript of today’s podcast, click here. The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today’s program, a third prosecutor has been appointed in the trial of Anglican Church in North America Bishop Stewart Ruch after the first two resigned. The Bishop is on trial with the denomination for welcoming abusers into the church, and minimizing the needs of abuse survivors. A North Carolina church was the victim of an online scam that stole nearly $800 thousand from their new building fund. That was two years ago—we’ll look at where the church is now. Plus, Brent Leatherwood resigns from the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, just one year after being fired…then unfired. Leatherwood led the agency for four contentious years. We’ll have details. First, the defense attorney in a lawsuit involving T.D. Jakes has been sanctioned by the court for using artificial intelligence in the preparation of court documents. 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, Kathryn Post, Daniel Ritchie, Bob Smietana, Katie Ruth Bowes, and Isaac Wood. A special thanks to the Biblical Recorder and 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. Christina: And I’m Christina Darnell, in for Natasha Cowden this week, and we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren: On today’s program, a third prosecutor has been appointed in the trial of Anglican Church in North America Bishop Stewart Ruch after the first two resigned. The Bishop is on trial with the denomination for welcoming abusers into the church, and minimizing the needs of abuse survivors. And, a North Carolina church was the victim of an online scam that stole nearly $800 thousand from their new building fund. That was two years ago—we’ll look at where the church is now. Plus, Brent Leatherwood resigns from the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, just one year after being fired…then unfired. Leatherwood led the agency for four contentious years. We’ll have details. Christina: But first, the defense attorney in a lawsuit involving T.D. Jakes has been sanctioned by the court for using artificial intelligence in the preparation of court documents. Warren: The attorney is Tyrone Blackburn, and he was defending Duane Youngblood in a defamation lawsuit filed by TD Jakes. Blackburn has been sanctioned by a federal court because he presented documents that contained material fabricated by artificial intelligence. U.S. District Court Judge William Stickman ordered Blackburn to pay over $76-thousand in fees to cover expenses Jakes had to pay to defend himself against the “AI-generated hallucinations and other misrepresentations in Defendant’s motion to dismiss briefing.” Christina: Last year, Duane Youngblood accused Jakes of attempted sexual assault. Jakes has maintained his innocence and filed a defamation lawsuit against Youngblood in November 2024. Jakes noted that Youngblood is on parole after felony convictions for sexual assault and corruption of minors. Warren: According to a statement provided to Dallas Morning News, Blackburn said he purchased an A-I program because he doesn’t employ paralegals and most of his current clients are pro bono. The A-I program generated its own legal prompts and motions, and contained false quotes and case law. Before he could fix the A-I generated errors, Youngblood asked him to leave the case. Christina: But the judge essentially told him that wasn’t an excuse—that he was fully responsible for the accuracy of his legal briefs, regardless of who—or what—contributed to it. It was Blackburn’s signature on the document. Warren: Right. Jakes’ attorney said he spent a lot of time—and therefore Jakes spent a lot of money—responding to the A-I generated misrepresentations. In November, Jakes, who founded The Potter’s House megachurch in Dallas, suffered a massive heart attack while he was preaching. Then in April, he stepped aside from his role as the lead pastor and handed the reins to his daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Jakes Roberts and Touré Roberts. Christina: Next, an update on the Anglican Church in North America trial of Bishop Stewart Ruch. Warren: Three weeks after the A-C-N-A trial of Bishop Stewart Ruch began, another prosecutor has been appointed—this marks the third person named to this role after the first two resigned. Christina: Who is this new prosecutor? Warren: His name is Thomas Crapps, and he’s a Florida-based lawyer with over 30 years of legal experience. In an announcement, he said “Bringing justice to victims is my sole interest in this case. I want to be crystal clear: if they have been sidelined in any proceedings to date, I am committed to faithfully representing their interests going forward.” Christina: Ruch is on trial because he has been accused of failing to prioritize the needs of alleged abuse survivors…and of knowingly welcoming individuals with predatory behavior into churches in his diocese without alerting church members. Warren: The church trial, which has been rocked by controversy since it began, will determine whether Ruch neglected his duties as bishop and violated church bylaws. The denomination has issued a statement voicing confidence in the court’s ability to carry out this trial, which is set to reconvene next week, on August 11. Christina: Our next story involves an Idaho pastor charged with human trafficking and sexual abuse of women in his congregation. Warren: Gregory Wayne Jones, former pastor of Liberty Christian Fellowship Church in Mountain Home, Idaho, has been accused of using his position to abuse women connected to the church. Jones claimed it was a part of the healing process for the victims who sought counseling from him. Christina: According to the affidavit, “Jones exploited vulnerable women through private ‘spiritual sessions’ he called ‘The Process’ at both the church and its affiliated daycare, the NXT Dream Center.” Warren: Jones is accused of abusing women during these sessions, claiming it was part of their healing journey. He claimed to be a “spiritual father” and threatened his victims with public humiliation and demonic attacks. He is also accused of trying to get his victims to find other women for him to counsel who needed “spiritual healing.” The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Jones in January after a woman came forward. Now, at least six women have come forward with allegations against Jones. One alleged victim was only 17 at the time of the abuse. Christina: Next, another pastor who served his time—and is now back leading his church. Warren: Houston megachurch pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell is back at Windsor Village Church. This past Sunday, August 3, he joined the choir onstage to lead worship, marking his first time attending services since he was released from prison last year. Christina: What did he serve time for? Warren: In 2020, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after he and his co-conspirator Gregory Smith, scammed elderly victims out of more than $3.5 million. Christina: Between 2013 and 2014, Caldwell and Smith convinced 29 people to invest in Chinese historical bonds—which are not recognized by the government of China and have zero investment value. But Smith convinced victims they would receive quick returns, and they should sell other investments so they could afford to participate. The money went to a number of bank accounts that Caldwell controlled. Caldwell used $900-thousand of his share to pay loans, mortgages, and credit cards. Warren: Caldwell was released from prison in September 2024. The pastor has reportedly paid back all of his victims, according to the church. He is set to deliver his first sermon since his release at Windsor Village Church this Sunday. Christina: Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, a North Carolina church scammed out of nearly $800-thousand has—two years later—begun worshiping in their new facility. We’ll look at how they overcame the setback. I’m Christina Darnell, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.   BREAK   SECOND SEGMENT Christina: Welcome back.  I’m Christina Darnell, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast. Next, the story we promised before the break, a story about a church in North Carolina that could have lessons for lots of other churches around the country. Warren: After years of praying and giving, the people of Elkin Valley Baptist Church broke ground on a new worship center. But in one day, the pendulum swung from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. In the morning, church staff found out they had been approved for a construction loan through the North Carolina Baptist Foundation. That same afternoon, their hopes were dashed when they found out a cybercriminal had stolen almost $800 thousand out of their capital campaign fund. Christina: That was in November 2022. The church called an emergency meeting to inform members that their building project had skid to a halt. Instead of casting blame, leadership decided to move forward in faith. Now, a little more than two years later, the congregation is meeting in their newly built worship center. Warren: Originally, the goal for the building fund had been $1 million. But after the theft, the church ended up raising almost $1.4 million in pledges. The community showed up, with local business owners and church members giving donations, plus materials and labor. The church also cut costs by doing a lot of the work themselves, handling some of the painting, carpentry and finishing touches, which saved an estimated $400 thousand. Christina: The church also took new steps for financial oversight. Warren: That’s right. They completely stopped electronic payments. They established a new financial oversight team to approve every building expenditure. And they restructured the financial accounting system, adding security and internal protocols. Pastor Robbins says “You don’t have to wait for a devastating attack to catch those things up to where they need to be.” In the end, Elkin Valley carries a loan of around $660,000 for a project that would have cost nearly $3 million. And in September 2024, Elkin Valley held its first service in the newly completed worship center. Christina: Next, public interest law firms have been stacking up wins for religious liberty at the United States Supreme Court. Warren: In just the last term, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of religious freedom in Mahmoud v. Taylor, allowing parents to opt their children out of radical gender theory lessons that conflict with their beliefs. Also, in Catholic Charities v. Wisconsin, a unanimous Supreme Court ruled that the State of Wisconsin could not discriminate against Catholic Charities based on its theological choices. Plus, religious liberty wins in 2022 and 2023. And in the upcoming term, the Supreme Court has already agreed to hear several more cases related to religious liberty. Christina: Still, cases of religious discrimination continue to happen at the local level. Warren: Well, that’s right. First Liberty Institute Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys told MinistryWatch he continues to see many threats to religious liberty across the United States. Students at an elementary school in Michigan were blocked by school officials from singing a “Christian based” song at the school talent show. Chaplain Russell Trubey was threatened with a letter of reprimand and visited by the military police because of content in his sermons. And Jocelyn Boden was fired by Bath & Body Works because she wouldn’t violate her religious beliefs by following the company’s “preferred pronoun policy.” Christina: Public interest law firms often represent these churches and ministries pro bono — at no cost to the ministry. Some of the most active public interest law firms in the religious liberty fights include Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), the American Center for Law & Justice, Liberty Counsel, First Liberty Institute, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, the Thomas More Society, Pacific Justice Institute, and Christian Legal Society. Together, these groups have total revenue exceeding $220 million. Warren: ADF is the largest by far in terms of total annual revenue at over $100 million annually. ADF says it has won nearly 80% of its cases, including 16 at the U.S. Supreme Court. It receives about 6,000 requests for legal assistance each year and is active in about 1,000 legal matters. It has developed a network of 4,500 attorneys across the country and around the world to which it may refer cases. Christina: In our next story, a New Jersey church threatened by eminent domain gets a reprieve—for now. Warren: For months, the members of Christ Episcopal Church in Toms River, New Jersey, have been at odds with the town’s mayor — first over a proposal to build a homeless shelter on the church’s property, and then over the mayor’s plan to knock the church down to build a community park. While plans for the shelter were rejected by the Toms River zoning board last month, a proposal to take Christ Church’s property by eminent domain has apparently stalled. Christina: What happened? Warren: Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick told the Asbury Park Press newspaper that a vote on the eminent domain proposal — which had been scheduled for July 30 — is off the agenda for now. A first reading of the proposal had passed back in May, but a second vote is needed for approval. Rodrick has said that the church property—which has a large parking lot and borders a neighborhood that has no park within walking distance—would make the perfect spot for a park. He said he had hoped the proposal would lead the church to sell its property. But that has not happened. Christina: So where do they go from here? Warren: We’re not sure. The mayor said he plans to survey the public to see if the community supports the plan to take the church’s property. But church leaders won’t give it up without a fight. They have indicated they have no interest in selling the property and claim the Episcopal church is thriving. Church leaders have also vowed to oppose any attempt to take the property in court. Christina: Warren, we’re going to take another break. When we return, our lightning round of ministry news of the week. I’m Christina Darnell, with my co-host Warren Smith. More in a moment.   BREAK   THIRD SEGMENT Christina: Welcome back.  I’m Christina Darnell, with my co-host Warren Smith and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch Podcast. Warren, we like to use this last segment as a sort of lightning round of shorter news briefs. What’s up first? Warren: Brent Leatherwood, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, resigned on Thursday (July 31), saying it was time for him to move on. The move comes after a tumultuous year for the ERLC, the public policy arm of the nation’s largest Protestant denomination. In summer 2024, after an attempt to abolish the agency failed during the SBC’s annual meeting, the former chair of the ERLC’s board announced that Leatherwood had been fired — only to be overruled hours later by the rest of the board. Christina: Last month, nearly half (43%) of the delegates to the SBC’s annual meeting voted to shut the ERLC down — the fourth attempt to defund or disband the agency in recent years. Warren: The ERLC has become controversial during the Trump era. While Leatherwood, like past ERLC leaders, was a vocal critic of abortion and same-sex marriage and held conservative views on most social issues, he and the agency supported immigration reform rather than mass deportations, in large part because the SBC has for years passed resolutions calling for such reforms. He, like Southern Baptists in the past, also supported refugee resettlement — which also put him and the ERLC at odds with the MAGA movement. Christina: Our next story involves the Giving Pledge. A new study says this initiative is not all it was promised to be. Warren: The Giving Pledge was founded by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett in 2010 to encourage giving from billionaires, and 57 individuals, couples, and families signed in the first year. Members pledge to give away over half their wealth, either while living or upon death. Of all the original signers still living, only one couple has fulfilled their commitment. “The short story is that the vast majority of Giving Pledgers are not on track to fulfill their Pledges,” according to a recent report from the Institute for Policy Studies, a progressive think tank. Christina: Chuck Collins directs initiatives for the Institute for Policy Studies and helped author the report. Warren: He told The Chronicle of Philanthropy he doesn’t think the effort should end. Instead, he thinks officials of the initiative should examine the effort and how it can live up to its potential, particularly considering how much wealthier billionaires are today than they were in 2010. There are 32 original signees who still have a living family member and are still billionaires. The study found that there are now nearly 200 signers from the United States, and over 250 total. Twenty-two Giving Pledge signers have died. Of those, eight gave away 50% or more of their fortunes to charity either while living or in their estates. The study found that if all living 2010 signers who are still billionaires fulfilled their pledges today, $370 billion would go to charity. Christina: And there’s been a somewhat unusual corporate transaction in the Christian philanthropy world. Warren: Gloo, a technology platform that describes itself as helping “build a more connected ministry”, acquired Masterworks, the marketing and fundraising company that works with ministry nonprofits. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Masterworks will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gloo. Scott Beck, co-founder and CEO at Gloo, and Brad Hill, president of Gloo Media Network, will join Masterworks’ board of directors. Steve Woodworth will transition to the role of executive chairman of the board from chief executive officer at Masterworks. Bryan Brown, current president of Masterworks, will succeed him as CEO. Gloo serves more than 100,000 faith, ministry and nonprofit leaders and is based in Boulder, Colorado. Christina: And each week, at about this time in the podcast, we talk about Ministries Making a Difference. Warren: We do, but since this is your column, why don’t you take this one. Christina: I will. Last week, the Army Chaplains Corps celebrated 250 years of ministering to U.S. soldiers. In 1776, Gen. George Washington himself requested that chaplains be added to the army to “meet soldiers’ religious and spiritual needs, and to support good morals and morale.” Now, chaplains serve in every branch of the U.S. military, as well as throughout a variety of government and private institutions. That’s why, this week, we’re dedicating this column to chaplains and the difference they make. Warren: So who’s up first? Christina: Assemblies of God 461 Response Chaplains traveled to Texas last month to minister to first responders after the devastating floods swept through the Texas hill country. Stemming from Psalm 46:1, the disaster response chaplains keep water coolers filled and mingle with responders as they process tragedy, trauma and exhaustion, offering a listening ear and prayer. Corporate Chaplains of America—the nation’s largest full-time chaplaincy agency—supports businesses by providing dedicated care for employees. It is fulfilling its mission to “build caring relationships with the hope of gaining permission to share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ in a non-threatening manner” by serving 1,000,000 employees and their family members through nearly 2,600 company locations, according to CCA. Warren: I’ve used Corporate Chaplains myself, with a company I owned in the early 2000s, and they did great work for my employees. Corporate Chaplains of America has 4 stars and an A transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a high donor confidence score of 97. But they’re not alone in this space, are they? Christina: Marketplace Chaplains USA is another chaplaincy agency that works with companies and their employees. The ministry, started in 1984, provides emotional and spiritual guidance to employees through times of crisis, stress, and change, such as layoffs, restructuring or family strain. Some companies Marketplace Chaplains works with include Christian Brothers Automotive, David Weekley Homes, and Gordon Food Service. Warren: Marketplace Chaplains has 5 stars and a C transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a high donor confidence score of 97. Christina, we don’t have time to highlight everyone you profiled in your column, but I wanted to mention that you also included chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. They are often one of the first on the scene after a tragedy or natural disaster. And you also feature the work of the Assemblies of God chaplains in this week’s column. Christina: Warren, any final thoughts before we go? Warren: Warren Ad-Lib AUGUST Donor Premium. Like, share on podcast app and social media. Webinar yesterday. Christina: 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, Kathryn Post, Daniel Ritchie, Bob Smietana, Katie Ruth Bowes, and Isaac Wood. A special thanks to the Biblical Recorder and The NonProfit Times for contributing material for this week’s podcast. I’m Christina Darnell, in for Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Mooresville, North Carolina. Warren: And I’m Warren Smith, also in Charlotte, North Carolina. Christina: You’ve been listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.  Until next time, may God bless you.

If you are a regular reader of MinistryWatch, and you appreciate our approach to the news, you should know about Bob Case. In fact, if you read WORLD Magazine, or Christianity Today, or The Dispatch, or any of dozens of other news outlets, you have – whether you know it or not – been influenced by Bob Case. Robert Allen Case II is one of the unsung heroes in the development of Christian news outlets over the past 30 years, in part because of his co-founding and leadership of World Journalism Institute, whose graduates are at all the news outlets I mentioned above, and many more besides. Bob died July 15. He was 81 years old. Today, I share a bit of his life and legacy. The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today’s program, conservative leader Jason Yates, who was the former CEO of My Faith Votes, has pleaded guilty to the possession of child sexual abuse material. We’ll have details. President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill…school choice advocates welcome a provision in the bill that includes a private school tax credit…but the impact on Christian education remains uncertain. We’ll take a look. Plus, The King’s College in New York City. After years of financial woes and false restarts, the school has shut down—for good, this time. First, a Texas court says a lawsuit against Bill Gothard and the Institute for Basic Life Principles can move forward. The Texas Supreme Court ruled on June 27 that a lawsuit against the Institute for Basic Life Principles (IBLP) and its founder Bill Gothard could continue, despite the defendants’ petition to dismiss the lawsuit under the First Amendment and the Ecclesiastical Abstention Doctrine. 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 Isaac Wood, Kim Roberts, Daniel Ritchie, Tony Mator, Kathryn Post, Clemente Lisi, and Christina Darnell. A special thanks to the Religion UnPlugged for contributing material for this week’s podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today’s program, St. Andrew’s Chapel, the church founded by RC Sproul and now led by controversial pastor Burke Parsons, delays its long-awaited vote on leaving the Presbyterian Church in America. We’ll have details. The murders of two women at a Kentucky church this month point to a troubling trend—and churches are seeking help to prevent more violence. We’ll take a look. Plus, two years ago, Child Evangelism Fellowship set a goal of reaching 100 million children a year with the gospel through its ministry initiatives. MinistryWatch reporter Kim Roberts checked in for an update. First, former pastor Brady Boyd is starting a new ministry—just one month after being asked to resign from his Colorado Springs megachurch. 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, Tony Mator, Kathryn Post, Jessica Eturralde, Henry Durand, and Christina Darnell. A special thanks to the Christian Index 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, St. Andrew’s Chapel, the church founded by RC Sproul and now led by controversial pastor Burke Parsons, delays its long-awaited vote on leaving the Presbyterian Church in America. We’ll have details. And, the murders of two women at a Kentucky church this month point to a troubling trend—and churches are seeking help to prevent more violence. We’ll take a look. Plus, two years ago, Child Evangelism Fellowship set a goal of reaching 100 million children a year with the gospel through its ministry initiatives. MinistryWatch reporter Kim Roberts checked in for an update. Natasha: But first, former pastor Brady Boyd is starting a new ministry—just one month after being asked to resign from his Colorado Springs megachurch. Warren: Brady Boyd, who resigned as lead pastor of megachurch New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in June, has started a new ministry — Psalm 68 Ministries. Psalm 68 Ministries says its mission is to serve widows, orphans and the forgotten, as well as ministry leaders. Natasha: Boyd had served at Gateway Church, founded by Robert Morris, from 2001 to 2007. He claimed he didn’t know that Morris had allegedly abused Cindy Clemishire when she was 12 years old. Warren: New Life elder Scott Palmer told the congregation on Sunday, June 22, that the elders believed Boyd’s insistence that he didn’t know Clemishire’s age was untrue. It is the primary reason the elders asked Boyd to step down. Natasha: Next, St. Andrew’s Chapel delays vote on leaving PCA. Warren: St. Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Florida, was scheduled to vote on leaving the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) on Sunday, July 20. Instead, in something of a surprise move, the congregation referred the matter to the church’s board of elders, also known as its session, to study the situation and return with a recommendation. Natasha: St. Andrew’s was originally formed as an independent congregation in 1997 with Dr. R.C. Sproul as its founding pastor. It then joined the PCA in 2023. Warren: Its pastors are ordained by and members of the Central Florida Presbytery. In June, a judicial commission of the Central Florida Presbytery found St. Andrew’s Senior Pastor Burk Parsons guilty of three charges and indefinitely suspended him from the duties of teaching elder in the PCA. He has appealed the judgment. Parsons is also a teaching fellow with Ligonier Ministries. The St. Andrew’s session is expected to report back about the decision to leave the PCA in January 2026. Natasha: Next, a lawsuit against anti-trafficking figure Tim Ballard has been dismised. Warren: A lawsuit alleging that Tim Ballard, founder of Operation Underground Railroad, assaulted and raped his assistant, Celeste Borys, has been dismissed. Third District Judge Todd Shaugnessy dismissed the lawsuit against Ballard and Operation Underground Railroad because of the way evidence was acquired, not based on the merits of the case. Natasha: Can you give us more context? Warren: The suit claimed Ballard promoted a technique called the “couples ruse” that called for women who worked for OUR to pretend they were married to him and engage in sexual contact in order to ensnare traffickers. In some cases, he flew workers to be with him so they could develop the “sexual chemistry” necessary to pull off the ruse. As his executive assistant, Borys had access to some of Ballard’s email and electronic document accounts, which she then accessed after ending her employment. “The court lawfully cannot excuse Ms. Borys’s conduct even if the court assumes that she is a victim and Mr. Ballard is a predator,” the judge wrote. Natasha: Borys’ attorneys said in a statement they are disappointed in the decision and are considering an appeal. Warren: In a separate case, women filed a federal lawsuit against Ballard in October 2024 accusing him of violating the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA). The lawsuit also names Our Rescue as a defendant and is still ongoing. Our Rescue is the new name of Operation Underground Railroad. In the MinistryWatch 1000 database, Our Rescue earns a 1-star financial efficiency rating, a C transparency grade, and a donor confidence score of 49 out of 100. Natasha: Let’s look at one more story before our break, what do you have? Warren: The Bible Chapel advertises its special-needs ministry as “a place where you can attend church services without worry.” It also boasts that all its staff and volunteers are “rigorously screened, cleared, and trained.” But one family claims the nondenominational megachurch, located in the McMurray suburb of Pittsburgh, negligently enabled a known sexual predator to abuse their 13-year-old son, who has Down syndrome. A June statement from attorneys representing the family says that on Jan. 5, the victim was assaulted in Bible Chapel’s sanctuary during a youth group event. The alleged perpetrator, Daniel Gould, is an adult on the autism spectrum. Both individuals were participants in the special-needs ministry. Natasha: The statement claims. “The abuse lasted more than seven minutes and ended only after other children who witnessed the assault alerted youth group leaders. During that entire time, the abuser, the victim, and the other children had no adult supervision,” “Bible Chapel didn’t tell the child’s father about the abuse until he arrived around 8:30 p.m. to pick up his son.”  Warren: According to the lawsuit, Gould was supposed to be supervised by his father at all times because of previous bad behavior. Allegedly, one of those prior incidents was a sexual assault of another minor at the church. Attorneys claim Bible Chapel was also aware that Gould had been banned from attending a previous church due to “similar misconduct.” However, when the latest incident occurred, Gould’s father was not present. The entire assault was captured on surveillance video, but police declined to file criminal charges, “stating that both individuals involved were special needs,” the attorneys’ statement said. Natasha: In addition to negligence, the family is suing Bible Chapel Ministries—the parent organization that operates multiple church campuses—for violating Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Law, which stipulates reporting requirements. Natasha: This incident led our reporter Tony Mator to ask the question: What can churches to do help stop abuse before it occurs? What did he find out? Warren: Lifeway Research recommends abuse prevention guidelines, including background checks for all leaders and anyone with access to minors, and never allowing a child to be alone with just one adult. It also recommends MinistrySafe, a consulting service founded by civil trial attorneys to help churches protect children from sexual abuse. The organization offers legal services, staff training, and tailored policies and procedures. Childhood evangelism and discipleship consultant Cheryl Markland echoed the importance of a “two adult rule” and advocated “clear sightlines into every gathering/teaching space.” However, she warned that good policies, by themselves, are insufficient if they lack teeth. A church that looks good on paper can still be ripe for abuse. While background checks are critical, Markland noted that many abusers have no criminal record. Thus, reference checks and in-person interviews should also be required of anyone seeking to serve with minors. Natasha: Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, church violence appears on the rise—prompting church leaders to seek outside security help. 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: When Beverly Gumm and her daughter, Christina Combs, were fatally shot at a small rural church in Lexington, Kentucky, they became the latest victims of a growing problem that is raising alarm among pastors, advocacy groups, and even the FBI. That problem—a rise in violence targeting houses of worship—has spawned a cottage industry of organizations offering ways to keep churches safe. Natasha: Last Sunday, 47-year-old Guy House fled to Richmond Road Baptist Church after shooting and injuring a Kentucky state trooper at a traffic stop. Witnesses told the Lexington Herald-Leader that House entered the fellowship hall asking for one of Combs’ sisters, who was not present, then opened fire on family members. His rampage not only took the lives of Combs, 32, and her 72-year-old mother, but also wounded both women’s husbands, including Richmond Baptist Pastor Jerry Gumm. Warren: House was then shot and killed by police, leaving the motive for his crime a mystery. The pastor and his son-in-law, Randy Combs, were hospitalized with bullet wounds, and at least one of them was reportedly in critical condition. The wounded trooper, Jude Remilien, was also hospitalized and recovering. Natasha: The Lexington attack comes less than a month after the CrossPointe Community Church shooting in Wayne, Michigan, and less than three months after Arizona pastor William Schonemann was murdered by a man with a hit list of 14 Christian leaders. Warren: In June, CBS News reported that FBI data showed a nearly 100% rise in assaults or attacks against people at houses of worship between 2021 and 2023. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon told CBS that investigators have intensified their focus on preventing such incidents. The FBI data is corroborated by a Family Research Council analysis of 915 “acts of hostility” against Christian churches between January 2018 and November 2023. These acts included gun-related crimes and bomb threats as well as less serious offenses such as vandalism. Natasha: In a 2023 study by Lifeway Research, found 4 in 5 Protestant pastors reported having some type of security measure in place for services. More recently, WXYZ Detroit reported that many Michigan churches increased security training in the wake of the CrossPointe Community Church shooting, in which a gunman was thwarted by quick-acting security guards and a deacon. Warren: In the face of these events, church security training organizations are growing According to the Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense Training (CVPSD), the FBSN has gained over 800 members since its 2017 founding. The Christian nonprofit describes its purpose as “enhancing the professionalism and connectivity of ministry security operators along with supporting ministry leaders, law-enforcement, and first responders, plus professional affiliate providers of products and services.” Natasha: Next, an interesting story about a youth trip by a church group in Anniston, Alabama. Warren: Courtney Wingo trusted Leatherwood Baptist Church in Anniston, Alabama, to take her 12-year-old daughter Kamryn on a youth trip in the Houston-area from June 4–7. But she believes the church betrayed her trust and risked her daughter’s safety. When the trip was first promoted in March, it was called a youth camp. The itinerary included the expected activities, including games, worship times, a service project, and a trip to the beach. Warren: But without notifying the parents, the church went to a homeless encampment in Houston, into a dangerous part of one of the most dangerous cities in the country. Natasha: Kamryn was not given any evangelism training, Wingo said, nor were any safety instructions provided, other than “stay close.” Warren: On June 6, many from the group returned to the tent city, but this time students were given the option to stay at the lodge. Kamryn chose to stay behind. Warren: After a service describing the mission trip, Wingo confronted Leatherwood Senior Pastor Phil Winningham about the trip’s dangers and lack of supervision. A quick google search lists guidance that ministries should take for mission trip protocols, including appropriate risk management, capable and accountable leadership, biblical and timely training, and post-trip evaluation. Leatherwood Baptist Church did not respond to multiple requests for their safety protocols, trip plans, post-trip review, or other lessons learned. Natasha: Next, news from ACNA Warren: The long-awaited church trial of Bishop Stewart Ruch, a leader in the Anglican Church in North America, is facing a crisis in the wake of the sudden resignation of a lawyer who represented the denomination in the proceedings. In a resignation letter dated July 19 (Saturday), the lawyer, C. Alan Runyan, wrote that “the trial process had been irreparably tainted.” Archbishop Steve Wood, who heads the denomination. notified ACNA members of the “significant and regrettable development” in an email Sunday evening. He also announced that he would begin the process of appointing a new prosecutor. Natasha: In a second announcement Monday morning, Wood said the resignation was in response to a line of questioning that Runyan said drew on material not within the scope of the trial. Warren: Ruch, whose actions are the focus of the proceedings, is bishop of the ACNA’s Upper Midwest Diocese, which comprises 18 churches from several states, including Illinois and Wisconsin. Ruch has been accused of mishandling multiple abuse allegations in the diocese, failing to prioritize victims in the wake of abuse allegations and knowingly welcoming individuals with histories of predatory behavior into diocesan churches without alerting church members. Abuse survivors first went public with their concerns of Ruch’s handling of abuse allegations in 2021, and since then more than 10 clergy and other lay leaders in the Upper Midwest Diocese have been accused of misconduct. Natasha: The Court for Trial of a Bishop, which includes bishops, priests and lay members, must determine whether Ruch is guilty of four charges: that he habitually neglected the duties of the bishop’s office; that he engaged in conduct “giving just cause for scandal or offense,” including abuse of church power; that he violated his ordination vows; and that he disobeyed or willingly violated church bylaws.  Warren: In his resignation letter, Runyan says that on the fifth day of the trial, a member of the court began questioning the denomination’s expert witness based on materials that were not “in evidence before the Court” and “not properly in the trial record.” That line of questioning, the letter argues, was problematic because it pertained to and “cast suspicion on” the investigative process that preceded the charges before the court. “At that point, all six of the other members of the Court had been exposed to an unwarranted suspicion of provincial investigative bias brought into the trial by a single Court member, contrary to the Court’s duty to determine the outcome based solely on the evidence in the trial record,” Runyan said. His resignation includes a request that the entire trial record and full transcript — all properly redacted — be made available to all ACNA members. The four lay authors of a presentment, or list of charges, that precipitated the trial have also called for the release of the redacted transcript, as has the anti-abuse advocacy group ACNAtoo, which noted today that “the people who suffer the most in this imbroglio are the survivors.” After Runyan announced his intent to resign, Ruch’s team filed a Motion for a Directed Verdict of Not Guilty, which requests a ruling from the court before Ruch’s team presents its case. The court said it will not rule on the motion until the trial resumes on Aug. 11. Natasha: Next, Prolonged legal battles surrounding former Celebration Church pastor Stovall Weems and his wife, Kerri, continue to unfold in the courts, with multiple lawsuits, appeals, and dismissals shaping a complex timeline of events. Warren: The latest in a slew of back-and-forth litigations focuses on an appeal of a suit the couple (along with their affiliated entities) filed against the Association of Related Churches (ARC). Last December, the Middle District of Florida dismissed its lawsuit against the ARC and two of its executives, Chris Hodges (co-founder) and Dino Rizzo (executive director). The Florida court closed the case on grounds of ecclesiastical abstention, concluding that it lacked subject matter jurisdiction. The Weemses filed an appeal the following month. Natasha: There’s been a lot of back and forth of lawsuits and we can’t go through everything here, but you can read all about in our story at MinistryWatch.com. For today, though, my primary question is: Where are things now? Warren: In the latest appellate brief, Stovall and Kerri Weems argue their lawsuit against ARC leaders, including Chris Hodges and Dino Rizzo, centers on alleged interference in their business ventures, not church matters, and should not have been dismissed under the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine. Earlier in the litigation, Celebration Church said it has continued to grow under the leadership of Pastor Tim Timberlake and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution. A section titled “Overcoming Betrayal and Loss” under Stovall’s story on the about page of Stovall Weems Ministries’ website says, “After pouring 24 years into building a thriving church, we experienced a coup that saw everything we built stolen and defiled by false apostles and criminals.” In January 2025, Stovall Weems launched Unspeakable Corruption, a website that “addresses corruption in the church.” Natasha: Warren, we’re going to take another break. When we return, our lightning round of ministry news of the week. I’m Natasha Cowden, with my co-host Warren Smith. More in a moment.   BREAK   THIRD SEGMENT Natasha: Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, with my co-host Warren Smith and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch Podcast. Warren, we like to use this last segment as a sort of lightning round of shorter news briefs. What’s up first? Warren: Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (GRACE) held a webinar last week on adult clergy sexual abuse. Panelists included Robert Peters, director of institutional response at GRACE; Amy Stier, an attorney who has worked in the sexual abuse investigation realm for several years; and Emily Petrie, GRACE’s assistant director of institutional response. Adult clergy sexual abuse is often less familiar and less understood than child sexual abuse—the primary issue is often consent, the panelists agreed. Natasha: According to Stier, 20 states criminalize adult clergy sexual abuse in some way. One example is Texas Penal Code §22.011 that states sexual assault is considered nonconsensual if “the actor is a clergyman who causes the other person to submit or participate by exploiting the other person’s emotional dependency on the clergyman in the clergyman’s professional character as spiritual adviser.”  Warren: A lot of great advice came out of that webinar, and we’ve summarized it at MinistryWatch.com. But a key takeaway is this: Churches should have clear policies and procedures in place for keeping both clergy and church members from situations where emotional boundaries are eroded. And clear procedures to protect victims and provide due process for perpetrators of clergy sexual abuse. Natasha: What’s our next story? Natasha: Next, a progress report from Child Evangelism Fellowship Warren: In 2023, Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) announced an ambitious goal of reaching 100 million children each year. According to a recent impact report, the ministry expects to achieve its goal by 2032. Its mission is “to evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and to establish (disciple) them in the Word of God and in a local church for Christian living.” MinistryWatch checked in with CEF about its progress. From 2022 to 2023, CEF’s face-to-face ministry to children around the world grew by 29%. But growth slowed from 2023 to 2024 — down to 9%. While its 2024 goal was to reach 30 to 32 million children with face-to-face ministry, the actual number ended up being 27.4 million. In the MinistryWatch database, CEF has an “A” transparency grade, a 2-star financial efficiency rating, and a donor confidence score of 75 out of 100, meaning donors can give with confidence. Natasha: Warren, any final thoughts before we go? Warren: Warren Ad-Lib JULY Donor Premium. Like, share on podcast app and social media. Natasha: 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, Tony Mator, Kathryn Post, Jessica Eturralde, Henry Durand, and Christina Darnell. A special thanks to the Christian Index for contributing material for this week’s podcast. I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. Warren: And I’m Warren Smith, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Natasha: You’ve been listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.  Until next time, may God bless you.

In a recent court filing, the IRS said the-so called Johnson Amendment, which bars all nonprofits from being involved in political campaigns, should not apply to political speech during religious services. The IRS decision still awaits a judge’s approval, but – if it comes – it will be a major victory for the Trump Administration and the fulfillment of a promise to at least one segment of his political base. Trump made the repeal of the Johnson Amendment an important part of his stump speech to religious groups at least since 2016. I was in a meeting in Trump Tower that year with Trump and about forty other evangelical leaders. In that meeting, Trump seemed tentative about many of the issues that energized the people in his conference room that day. But about the Johnson Amendment, he was abundantly clear. “I’m going to do that for you,” he said. There is, however, another perspective. The perspective that repeal of the Johnson Amendment is a bad idea and will result in bad actors using religious groups as a mere front for political activism. It is a perspective I hold, and I’d like to share a few thoughts with you today. The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you.

Have you noticed that we live in contentious times? I certainly have. Our politics is polarized. Even our church life is too often contentious and ideological, with positions being driven as much by tribalism as by Scripture or a principled theology. Why is there so much conflict today, and is there a way out of it? Amanda Ripley thinks there is. She’s an investigative journalist who has written for Slate, The Atlantic, and many other publications. She is also trained in conflict mediation, and she teaches other journalists how to cover high conflict situations in a professional and ethical way. Her book High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out came out in 2021, but I am just discovering it, and when I read it – a few months ago – I thought it explained a lot of what is going on today in the world of media, politics, and religion. Amanda Ripley doesn’t write for Christian audiences, per se, and she draws on traditions that are not explicitly Christian for many of her examples and lessons. That said, I found this book to be both enlightening and nourishing, and I think you’ll enjoy this conversation with her. Amanda Ripley spoke to me from her home in the Washington, DC, area, and I spoke with her from Covenant College, on Lookout Mountain, Georgia, where I was speaking to students at Summit Ministries. The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. I’m your host, Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today’s program, St. Andrew’s Chapel is facing questions over its lack of financial transparency. Members say church leaders refuse to share budget details. Now, the local presbytery is involved. We’ll have details. And, the I-R-S now says churches CAN endorse politicians—this, despite the so-called Johnson Amendment…a law that threatens to remove a ministry’s non-profit status if it makes political endorsements. The move comes as the I-R-S hopes to settle a lawsuit brought by the National Religious Broadcasters. We’ll take a look. Plus, John MacArthur—megachurch pastor and voice of ‘Grace to You’—has died at the age of 86. But first, a well-known Christian businessman has been charged in heading up a $140M ponzi scheme. 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, Kathryn Post, Tony Mator, Bob Smietana, and Jack Jenkins.   MANUSCRIPT:    FIRST SEGMENT Warren: Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you this week from Covenant College on Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Christina: And I’m Christina Darnell, in for Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Mooresville, North Carolina, and we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren: On today’s program, St. Andrew’s Chapel is facing questions over its lack of financial transparency. Members say church leaders refuse to share budget details. Now, the local presbytery is involved. We’ll have details. And, the I-R-S now says churches CAN endorse politicians—this, despite the so-called Johnson Amendment…a law that threatens to remove a ministry’s non-profit status if it makes political endorsements. The move comes as the I-R-S hopes to settle a lawsuit brought by the National Religious Broadcasters. We’ll take a look. Plus, John MacArthur—megachurch pastor and voice of ‘Grace to You’—has died at the age of 86. Christina: But first, a well-known Christian businessman has been charged in heading up a $140M ponzi scheme. Warren: The Securities and Exchange Commission has filed charges against Edwin Brant Frost IV…the founder and owner of First Liberty Building and Loan in Georgia. The S-E-C claims Frost headed up a Ponzi scheme that cheated about 300 investors out of at least $140 million. Frost—a well-known conservative Christian businessman—once ran the presidential campaign for Pat Robertson in Georgia. He apparently used his church and conservative political connections to fund his scheme. Christina: The complaint alleges that between 2014 and 2025 Frost offered investors promissory notes and loan participation agreements with 18 percent returns. He used new investor funds to make payments to existing investors. Warren: The S-E-C also claims Frost used investor funds for his personal use—including making over $2.4 million in credit card payments, paying more than $335,000 to a rare coin dealer, and spending $230,000 on vacations. Christina: Frost was also actively involved in politics, apparently making $570,000 in political donations. Brad Raffensperger, Georgia Secretary of State, is urging candidates and political committees to return any campaign contributions they received from Frost. Warren: Conservative commentators praised the Frosts. Hugh Hewitt has even compared the elder Frost to the main character of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” calling him “Georgia’s George Bailey,” according to Christianity Today. The S-E-C is also seeking emergency relief, including freezing assets. In a statement released by his lawyer to the New York Times, Frost apologized: “I take full responsibility for my actions and am resolved to spend the rest of my life trying to repay as much as I can to the many people I misled and let down.” Christina: Warren, our next story takes us back to Sanford, Florida, for another look at Saint Andrew’s Chapel. Warren: The P-C-A church has been in the news recently because its Senior Pastor Burk Parsons was suspended by a church judicial commission. Now, a local presbytery is telling the church to share its financial and budget information with its members. Christina: Why is the local presbytery involved? Warren: Multiple church members had asked for financial information, and those requests were either not met, or they were met with a consolidated financial statement without the requested details. One of those members, Doug Risavy, filed a complaint with the Central Florida Presbytery in November, and they formed a commission to investigate. In April 2025, they agreed with Risavy…and instructed the elders of St. Andrew’s to give him the detailed budget information he had requested, including pastors’ salaries. Christina: So has the church provided their financial records? Warren: Not yet. They appealed the PCA commission’s decision…but the commission stood their ground. They emphasized the PCA’s high view of transparency, calling it central to a church’s governance. St. Andrew’s did not respond to our requests for a statement on if they plan to comply. Christina: Our next story takes us to a trial within a different denomination—the Anglican Church in North America. Warren: This week began the long-awaited church trial for Bishop Stewart Ruch, leader of the ACNA’s Upper Midwest Diocese. Christina: Six years ago, a 9-year-old came forward with sexual abuse allegations against a lay minister in an Illinois church. This trial will determine if Ruch, who is an influential and charismatic figure, responded appropriately. Warren: Ruch has admitted to making “regrettable errors” in the case. For example, after learning of the allegations in 2019, Ruch took two years to initiate an investigation or even share the news with members of his diocese. Christina: By that time, at least nine other abuse survivors said they had been abused or groomed by Mark Rivera, a lay leader at Christ Our Light Anglican Church in Big Rock, Illinois. Warren: Mark Rivera had previously been a volunteer leader at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois, which is the diocesan headquarters. Christina: Rivera has since been convicted of felony sexual assault and felony child sexual assault. Also, more than 10 clergy and other lay leaders in Ruch’s diocese have been accused of misconduct, a pattern that abuse advocates say results from his failure to take timely action and to properly supervise those under his purview. Warren: This week’s trial is only the second time a bishop has been tried in the Anglican Church in North America, which was formed in 2009. The bishop’s presentment, or charges, lists more than 10 cases where lay or clergy leaders in Ruch’s diocese were “credibly accused of misconduct” and claims Ruch “habitually neglected” to appropriately handle abuse allegations. Christina: Warren, let’s look at one more story before the break. A pastor from Washington state indicted for wire fraud is behind bars once again. Warren: The former pastor of Tiempos de Poder Church, Francier Obanda Pinillo, who was accused of a crypto currency scam, is back in jail after violating the terms of his release. Prosecutors argue he tampered with witnesses by contacting alleged victims and that he continued to fraudulently solicit money. Christina: In December 2024, the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission filed suit against Pinillo for allegedly roping his Spanish-speaking congregation into a multilevel marketing scheme. Warren: The suit claimed Pinillo raked in $5.9 million by guaranteeing monthly profits of almost 35% on cryptocurrency investments he never actually made. Christina: Instead, the suit alleged, Pinillo kept the money for himself and co-conspirators, leaving many of his 1,516 customers with zero profits. Warren: After his arrest, Pinillo was relocated to his Miami home. He continued to post videos to his church’s Facebook page, though that page has since been removed. Then in January this year, he was indicted for another scheme, which he allegedly carried out between November 2021 and October 2023. During the investigation, the FBI found evidence that Pinillo had begun soliciting donations for the fictitious God’s Time Orphanage Home Foundation, promising donors God would reward them with “total restoration of breakthrough in the life and in the life of your family.” Christina: The judge ruled the evidence of criminal activity was enough to keep the defendant in jail. Warren: The judge also ruled that Pinillo violated his terms when he contacted an investor, whose name was on a no-contact list, and asked her to help his business raise $200,000 to hire a lawyer. His trial is scheduled for March 2026. Christina: Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, the I-R-S now says churches CAN endorse politicians. I’m Christina Darnell, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.   BREAK   SECOND SEGMENT Christina: Welcome back.  I’m Christina Darnell, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast. Next, the story we promised before the break. Warren: For years, conservative legal groups have argued that an IRS rule barring churches from endorsing candidates was unconstitutional. Now the IRS agrees. In a court filing, the IRS said the-so called Johnson Amendment, which bars nonprofits from being involved in campaigns, should not apply to political speech during religious services. Speaking about politics at a church or other house of worship is not the same as intervening or participating in an election, lawyers for the IRS as well as for conservative groups suing the agency wrote. Christina: The filing also notes that the IRS has rarely punished houses of worship for endorsements during religious services, though the agency has investigated churches over alleged Johnson Amendment violations. Warren: Only one church has ever lost its tax exemption over politics. In 1992, a church in New York took out ads opposing Bill Clinton, leading to the loss of its tax exemption. The federal court filing is part of a proposed settlement of a lawsuit filed by the National Religious Broadcasters and a pair of Texas churches that sought to overturn the Johnson Amendment, named after famed Texas politician and former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson. Christina: The NRB declined to comment about the proposed settlement. A spokesperson said the group was waiting to see if the judge approves the settlement. Warren: A 2019 survey from Pew Research found that 76% of Americans and 70% of Christians say clergy should not endorse candidates from the pulpit, though evangelicals (62%) and Black Protestants (55%) are less likely to disapprove. Two-thirds of Americans (63%) wanted churches to stay out of politics. Christina: An Evangelical Christian group that led a pro-Kamala Harris campaign in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election has removed a series of ads that contrasted the words of renowned evangelist the Rev. Billy Graham with those of President Donald Trump. Warren: The group Evangelicals for America used old video clips of Billy Graham in their ads. The Rev. Jim Ball, who leads the group, said he believed use of the clips for the $1 million ad campaign was acceptable under the Fair Use doctrine of the Copyright Act, which allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission. In October, following a series of letters warning that the group was using its copyrighted work without permission, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, threatened to sue Evangelicals for Harris (now Evangelicals for America) on the basis of copyright infringement. Christina: BGEA’s president and CEO, Franklin Graham, also turned to the social platform X to voice his displeasure at the pro-Harris campaign’s use of his father’s sermons. Warren: In its new statement, Evangelicals for America affirmed the Billy Graham Evangelical Association’s intellectual property rights, agreed not to use content “as to which BGEA claims copyright or other legal interests” in electoral advocacy without written permission, and said it has removed the ads in question. Christina: Seven-figure salaries. First-class flights. Illegal immigration. For the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), these accusations add to the strain of an already challenging year. Slammed by USAID funding losses that have forced staff and program cuts, the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church hopes to stop these “rumors” from driving donors away. Warren: In February, a Washington Examiner article named ADRA among USAID recipients whose executives were “living good on the taxpayer dime.” Christina: In April, Adventist Today warned of “unfounded rumors” spreading on social media and in “unreliable” publications that ADRA’s president earned a salary in the millions and its board members’ salaries had doubled. The article also dismissed as misinformation a claim that the ministry has provided material support for illegal immigration. Warren: ADRA itself has dismissed the financial accusations as a mix of rumor and misunderstanding of the ministry’s Form 990 tax return. ADRA’s 2023 filing lists seven board members as having received six-figure compensation — the highest being $178,136. Typically, nonprofit board members serve as unpaid volunteers. However, Jennifer Stymiest, ADRA’s director of digital marketing and development, told MinistryWatch the 990 numbers are not what they appear. “ADRA does not pay its Board Members,” Stymiest said in a written communication. “Any compensation to Board Members listed on ADRA’s 990 Form reflects payment from a related organization, such as the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; not from ADRA itself.” Christina: Stymiest also pushed back against criticisms that ADRA pays executives too much. Warren: She said, “Very few members of ADRA’s staff receive compensation that reaches six figures, and in those select cases, these team members generally are highly trained medical or other professionals, all of whom would command much higher salaries in the private sector.” According to the ministry’s 990, the highest compensated executive in 2023 was the director of health, nutrition and WASH, who received $252,511. The president received a more modest $180,148, which includes his base salary as well as benefits. Christina: Stymiest also said that paying for first class travel was against the ADRA policy. Warren: ADRA’s work with immigrants and refugees is more complicated. It does receive money from the government for such work, but it says all of its work is strictly legal and in compliance with government contracts. Also, the shutdown of USAID has significantly impacted ADRA’s revenue. In 2023, ADRA received $62.6 million in USAID grants — about 67% of total contributions of $94 million. Christina: The sudden loss of such a major donor has weakened the ministry’s international programs and forced deep staffing cuts. Warren: A March press release indicated an 18% reduction in its U.S. staff in addition to layoffs in other countries, with the expectation of more cuts to follow. The report noted that affected programs include disaster relief, water, health, nutrition and initiatives to increase the self-sufficiency of the poor. The organization currently holds a MinistryWatch donor confidence score of 60 and a C transparency grade. Christina: Warren, we’re going to take another break. When we return, our lightning round of ministry news of the week. I’m Christina Darnell, with my co-host Warren Smith. More in a moment.   BREAK   THIRD SEGMENT Christina: Welcome back.  I’m Christina Darnell, with my co-host Warren Smith and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch Podcast. Warren, we like to use this last segment as a sort of lightning round of shorter news briefs. What’s up first? Warren: John MacArthur, megachurch pastor, culture warrior, author and longtime voice of the “Grace to You” radio program, has died. He was 86. The son and grandson of preachers, MacArthur was born June 19, 1939, in Los Angeles, where his father, John “Jack” MacArthur, was pastor at Manchester Baptist Church. His father became a traveling evangelist, and the family lived in Chicago and Philadelphia before returning to Los Angeles, where his father led the “Voice of Calvary” radio ministry. Christina: In 1969, he was called to pastor Grace Community Church. MacArthur’s first sermon, entitled, “How to Play Church,” claimed that most churches in the country were dead spiritually. Warren: The idea that few Christians — especially those outside his corner of evangelicalism — were real Christians would become an ongoing theme in MacArthur’s ministry. MacArthur’s arrival led to a long period of renewal and growth at Grace Community, which became known for active church members. In 1972, Moody Monthly, then a prominent evangelical magazine, described it as “The Church with 900 ministers.” He would become known as one of the nation’s foremost expository preachers, committed to preaching verse by verse through the Bible, rather than the more topic-driven approach taken by most megachurch pastors. MacArthur’s sermons were also broadcast by “Grace to You,” the radio ministry he founded the same year he arrived at Grace Community Church. Christina: Up next, a new pastor for one of the Southern Baptist Convention’s most influential churches. Warren: Bellevue Baptist Church has called Lifeway Christian Resources President and CEO Ben Mandrell as its new senior pastor. Mandrell has led Lifeway since 2019. Mandrell’s first Sunday at Bellevue, in the Memphis area, will be on August 10, church staff told the Baptist Press. Mandrell, 48, is married to Lynley, and they have four children. Before leading Lifeway, Mandrell served as a pastor in Jackson, Tennessee, and Denver, Colorado. He holds degrees from Anderson University, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Union University. Bellevue is one of the largest congregations in the Southern Baptist Convention. Between in-person and online worship services, it has reported a weekly attendance of 7,382 people. Christina: And we have a new list up on the MinistryWatch website. Warren: For the first time, MinistryWatch has created a list of the 50 largest rescue missions and homeless shelters by total revenue in the MinistryWatch 1000 database. There are 143 ministries in this category with revenue totaling over $1.6 billion. Christina: The largest is Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission in Mission Hills, California. It has revenue exceeding $119 million, more than twice as much as the next largest group, Denver Rescue Mission, which has about $51 million in revenue. Warren: Recently, MinistryWatch added a feature showing how much each group received in government grants based on its Form 990 for the most recent fiscal year. Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission received $102 million in government grants, almost 86% of its total revenue. Christina: A few of the ministries in the top 50 stand out with the highest achievable score in each of the three categories. Warren: Rescue Mission Alliance in Southern California, Bethesda Mission in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Springs Rescue Mission in Colorado Springs each earn an “A” transparency grade, a five-star financial efficiency rating, and a donor confidence score of 100. Though we should add that the Springs Rescue Mission is running a significant financial deficit and recently announced a significant layoff of staff. Rescue Mission Alliance has been a persistent MinistryWatch “shining light” award winner since 2021. Christina: In this week’s Ministries Making a Difference, we’re taking a look at ministries equipping older generations…and cherishing their hard-won wisdom and contributions. Warren: Well, since you do this column, let me ask you who you featured this week. Christina: Legacy Coalition believes in equipping grandparents to invest in their grandchildren. Through its many resources, such as podcasts, books, and webinars, it hopes to cast the vision for how grandparents can make a lasting impact in the practical and spiritual lives of their grandchildren. And the Choctaw Church of Christ in Choctaw, Oklahoma, fosters multigenerational relationships by pairing older members with students as part of its “Adopted Grandparents” ministry. An older member is partnered with a younger member, and they write notes, call each other, and come to the church’s occasional movie night. On Sundays, “grandparents” are encouraged to sit with their “grandkids.” Warren: Thanks, Christina. I love the “themes” you’ve started inserting into the Ministries Making A Difference column. And now that I’m a new grandfather, this week’s theme is close to my heart. You can read about other ministries she featured this week, including Lifesong for Orphans and a ministry of the Assemblies of God, by going to MinistryWatch.com Christina: Warren, any final thoughts before we go? Warren: Warren ad-lib ECFA Warren Ad-Lib JULY Stewards Not Owners. Like, share on podcast app and social media. Christina: 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, Kathryn Post, Tony Mator, Bob Smietana, and Jack Jenkins. I’m Christina Darnell, in for Natasha Cowden this week, coming to you from Mooresville, North Carolina. Warren: And I’m Warren Smith, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Christina: You’ve been listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.  Until next time, may God bless you.

Christian Smith, the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Sociology at Notre Dame, challenges the relevance of traditional religion in modern America. He discusses the striking decline of institutional faith since 1991, emphasizing how Millennials and Gen Z view religion as 'obsolete.' Factors such as neoliberal capitalism are examined for their role in fostering instability and mobility, affecting community and commitment. Smith calls for religious institutions to adapt to these cultural shifts, while noting an emerging interest in alternative spiritualities.

On today’s program, Baylor University voluntarily rescinded their acceptance of an LGBTQ research grant after receiving pushback. The school’s president says their stance on biblical sexuality has not changed. We’ll have details. And, is a membership with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability worth the cost? We talked with current and former members. Also, the adoption of A-I in church operations is now mainstream…but pastors aren’t ready to use it for everything. Plus, a guide to giving to ministries helping with relief efforts in central Texas after floods devastated the area. First, a former member is suing John MacArthur’s megachurch for how it handled church discipline. 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 Bob Smietana, Kim Roberts, Tony Mator, Jim Vertigo, John Seewer, Jessica Eturralde, and Christina Darnell. 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, Baylor University voluntarily rescinded their acceptance of an LGBTQ research grant after receiving pushback. The school’s president says their stance on biblical sexuality has not changed. We’ll have details. And, is a membership with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability worth the cost? We talked with current and former members. Also, the adoption of A-I in church operations is now mainstream…but pastors aren’t ready to use it for everything. Plus, a guide to giving to ministries helping with relief efforts in central Texas after floods devastated the area. Natasha: But first, a former member is suing John MacArthur’s megachurch for how it handled church discipline. Warren: In a complaint filed Thursday (July 3) in Los Angeles County Superior Court, lawyers for Lorraine Zielinski said she went to leaders at the megachurch in LA’s Sun Valley neighborhood, where MacArthur is the longtime pastor, seeking counseling for her troubled marriage and was told her conversations would be kept confidential. According to the complaint, she told counselors she was afraid for her safety and the safety of her daughter, alleging that her then-husband was physically abusive. Her lawyers said church leaders pressured Zielinski to drop her request for a legal separation. When Zielinski tried to resign as a church member, pastors put her under church discipline for failing to follow their counsel, according to the complaint. They also allegedly told her to either come to a meeting with church pastors or details of her counseling would be made public to the congregation. Natasha: What happened? Warren: According to the complaint. “When Plaintiff did not attend the meeting, GCC made good on its threat and shared information gained through confidential communications relating to her marriage with GCC membership,” “GCC also misrepresented parts of these communications, painting Plaintiff as a bad actor in the marriage and the party at fault for the marital dispute. GCC also omitted Plaintiff’s husband’s desire to remarry and dissolve the marriage.” Natasha: Church members were also allegedly asked to pressure Zielenski to submit to church leaders and to reconcile with her husband, according to the complaint. Warren: Lawyers for Zielenski said the church violated her right to privacy and her right to free association, disclosed private facts, painted her in a false light, breached confidentiality and intentionally inflicted emotional distress. Grace Community Church did not reply to a request for comment; nor did lawyers for Zielenski. The lawsuit will likely face legal challenges on First Amendment grounds. Natasha: Next, news from Baylor University. Warren: Baylor University has reversed course and “voluntarily” agreed to rescind acceptance of a grant by the progressive Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation to fund research examining the “disenfranchisement and exclusion” of individuals from churches who identify as LGBT. In a statement on July 9, Baylor President Linda Livingstone announced that faculty with the Baylor School of Social work “voluntarily offered to rescind their acceptance of this grant.” The university’s primary concerns were not with the research itself, Livingstone said, but with the activities following the research —work that “extended into advocacy for perspectives on human sexuality that are inconsistent with Baylor’s institutional policies, including our Statement on Human Sexuality.” Natasha: The Statement on Human Sexuality, last updated in 2009, affirms the biblical understanding of human sexuality and recognizes that homosexuality is a deviation from the norm understood by Christian churches across the ages. Warren: She added that the university is committed to “providing a loving and caring community for all — including our LGBTQIA+ students.” Baylor University is the third largest Christian university in the country by total revenue. In the MinistryWatch 1000 database, it has a C transparency grade, only one out of five stars for financial efficiency, and donor confidence score of 36 out of 100, meaning donors should withhold giving. Natasha: Next, the latest from Gateway Church Warren: The Dallas-area Gateway megachurch is reducing the number of services at its campuses each weekend. According to a Gateway spokesperson, it will be cutting Saturday services at all of its campuses, except its flagship Southlake campus. This comes as part of the continued fallout after allegations sexual abuse surfaced against its founding pastor Robert Morris. Cindy Clemishire says Morris began abusing her in the 1980s when she was just 12 years old. He is currently facing a related indictment in Oklahoma. Gateway lists nine Texas campuses on its website and one in Wyoming. Natasha: In June, MinistryWatch reported that Gateway was planning to lay off some church staff because of financial challenges due to reduced tithing income. Warren: In spite of budget challenges, Gateway has named a new executive pastor — Nic Lesmeister — who has been on staff since 2020 and led the church’s Gateway Center for Israel and outreach ministries. Natasha: In related news, two more leaders at New Life Church in Colorado Springs have been asked to resign. Warren: Lance Coles, the executive pastor of adult discipleship, and Brian Newberg, chief financial officer, both were part of the search committee that hired Brady Boyd to lead the church in 2007. Boyd resigned his position in June after it became clear he misled the congregation regarding his knowledge of Morris’s alleged abuse of Clemishire when he was on staff at Gateway. According to the church, no other pastors who currently work at New Life knew about the situation involving Morris, outside of Coles and Newberg. Natasha: Next, A federal court is accusing a Charlotte realtor of scamming his own friends and church out of at least $1.7 million. Warren: Brian Shane Haigler of Mint Hill accepted a plea deal after being charged in late June with wire fraud. Federal court filings reviewed by WCNC allege Haigler conducted multiple schemes between February 2019 and December 2021, including one involving a federal Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). Natasha: This fraud might have been prevented if it had followed a simple rule regarding financial accountability. Warren: That’s right. Haigler was the sole signatory on the church’s bank account. That’s always a bad idea. As the sole signatory on the bank accounts of his church, whose identity was not revealed in the filings, Haigler obtained a $311,000 EIDL in the church’s name without the knowledge of church leaders, then kept the money. He received the loan from the Small Business Administration in April 2021, about a year after President Trump expanded the EIDL program as part of the CARES Act to assist small businesses and nonprofits financially harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Natasha: Haigler allegedly confessed his scheme to the pastor in March 2022, leading to one federal charge of wire fraud. But according to court filings, that was not his only crime. Warren: Prosecutors said Haigler embezzled the church out of an additional $389,000 between July 2019 and December 2021. Around that same period, he also scammed friends, acquaintances and fellow church members out of more than $1 million through a Ponzi-style scheme, claiming to invest their money in real estate purchases and property improvements. Unable to make good on the “flat 10% return” he promised, Haigler dipped into investors’ funds, as well as money embezzled from the church, to pay the earliest investors. Eventually, the payments dried up and investors began asking questions. Neither the identities of the alleged victims nor the details of the plea agreement have yet been made public. Natasha: Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, a Christian girls camp is grieving after 27 campers and counselors died due to devastating floods over the July 4th weekend. In all, over 100 people lost their lives throughout Central Texas because of the floods. 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: Crews trudged through debris and waded into swollen riverbanks Monday in the search for victims of catastrophic flooding over the July Fourth weekend that killed more 100 people in Texas, including more than two dozen campers and counselors from an all-girls Christian camp. Operators of Camp Mystic, a century-old summer camp in the Texas Hill Country, said Monday that they lost 27 campers and counselors, confirming their worst fears after a wall of water slammed into cabins built along the edge of the Guadalupe River. Natasha: The floods, among the nation’s worst in decades, swept away people sleeping in tents, cabins and homes along the river Friday in the middle of the night. Warren: In the Hill Country area, home to several summer camps, searchers have found the bodies of 68 people, including 28 children, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said. Ten other deaths were reported in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green and Williamson counties, according to local officials. Natasha: If you would like to make a donation to a ministry doing work there, MinistryWatch has compiled a list of the ministries we recommend. You can find that list by going to MinistryWatch.com. Next, a lawsuit against TBN. Warren: On the same day it filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Dr. Phil McGraw’s company, Merit Street Media, filed a breach of contract suit against Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). The lawsuit accuses the Christian broadcasting giant of sabotage, failing to fulfill its financial obligations, and thereby placing Merit Street under a $100-million liability burden. Merit Street officially launched Merit TV in April 2024 with ambitions to become a major player in the cable landscape headlined by Dr. Phil Primetime and a slate of other celebrity-driven programming. Natasha: According to its website, the multi-platform media brand extends its reach to over 90 million television homes via cable, satellite, over-the-air broadcasts, and on-demand video and live streaming. Warren: Yet, just over a year later, Merit Street says it has no other choice but to seek bankruptcy protection, and TBN is allegedly at fault. Natasha: How? Warren: According to the lawsuit, McGraw agreed to supply Merit Street with original episodes of his “Dr. Phil Show,” primetime specials, and additional content, while TBN was to handle distribution and production. In what Merit Street claims was the “linchpin of the agreement,” TBN reportedly guaranteed national distribution of Merit Street’s content through its extensive network and local stations’ must-carry rights—and then later failed to distribute, the documents say. The complaint alleges that TBN’s “failures” were neither unintended nor inadvertent. “They were a conscious, intentional pattern of choices made with full awareness that the consequence of which was to sabotage and seal the fate of a new but already nationally acclaimed network,” it says. MinistryWatch contacted TBN and Merit Street for comments. We will update the article with any replies. Natasha: Next, the former national leader of Chi Alpha, who resigned after sexual abuse allegations arose within the ministry he led, has been commissioned as a missionary to Iceland. Warren: In November 2023, Scott Martin resigned as the director of Chi Alpha World Fellowship, a ministry of the Assemblies of God on college campuses. Chi Alpha and its leadership have faced criticism because of the reported inappropriate actions and alleged sexual abuse by Daniel Savala, a registered sex offender. Savala pleaded guilty to sexual abuse in 2012 in Alaska, but later allegedly served with five Chi Alpha Ministries college chapters. In September 2023, Savala and fellow Chi Alpha leader Chris Hundl were indicted in McLennan County for indecency with a child and trafficking of persons. According to the Assemblies of God Office of Public Relations, Martin and his wife were appointed to serve in Iceland with Assemblies of God World Missions, where “they will work to enhance existing ministries in partnership with the Icelandic church.” Natasha: The denomination did not respond to MinistryWatch questions about whether an investigation was conducted that might reveal Martin’s knowledge about Savala, Hundl, or any other alleged abusers and whether Martin was subject to any disciplinary or restorative processes. Warren: Ronald Bloomingkemper, who started XA and the Lion’s Den — an online forum for survivors of sexual abuse in Chi Alpha — is critical of Martin’s new appointment as a missionary. Bloomingkemper believes Martin was “not merely a casualty of controversy—he was the architect of Chi Alpha’s toxic culture of control.” MinistryWatch reached out to Martin with questions about his knowledge about reports involving Savala and any disciplinary or investigative process, but did not receive a reply before the time of publication. We will update the story if we receive a response. Natasha: Warren, we’re going to take another break. When we return, our lightning round of ministry news of the week. I’m Natasha Cowden, with my co-host Warren Smith. More in a moment.   BREAK   THIRD SEGMENT Natasha: Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, with my co-host Warren Smith and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch Podcast. Warren, we like to use this last segment as a sort of lightning round of shorter news briefs. What’s up first? Warren: A recently released report on church technology trends reveals a significant rise in embracing artificial intelligence. According to Pushpay’s 2025 State of Church Tech Report, 45% of church leaders currently use AI, up 80% compared to last year’s findings, reflecting that the use of AI in church operations has moved from early-adopter to mainstream status. The report provides a comprehensive overview of how digital tools—from AI-powered platforms and live streaming to mobile engagement—continue to transform ministry connection and interaction. About 1,700 church leaders across the country contributed responses to the report. Natasha: What are churches using AI for? Warren: Only a small minority have ventured into using AI for core ministry work, such as writing sermons, developing devotionals, or creating theological content, the report states. Yet, churches are “overwhelmingly” using AI to assist with generating and editing emails, social media, and graphics and streamlining basic communication. Natasha: What other findings did the report have? Warren: The report states that 86% of church leaders believe technology enhances connection within their communities, and churches are four times more likely to say that technology reduces loneliness rather than increases it. Nearly half of ministry leaders (48%) report that digital innovation has helped deepen faith among congregants, while 70% say technology has contributed to greater generosity in their churches. Natasha: Who did Christina feature in her Ministries Making A Difference column this week? Warren: Another area grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding is Myanmar, where civil war and a March 7.7-magnitude earthquake have only made the monsoon season more devastating. Recovery efforts are slow and dangerous as local military teams commandeer the aid being shipped in. A3, who develops Christian leaders around the world, is staying in touch with partners on the ground in Myanmar, who say that victims are responding “very positively” to the gospel. A3 has a donor confidence score of 80 (“Give With Confidence”). On May 3, alumni from Denton Freedom House’s Women Home shared their transformational testimonies at a Mental Health Conference held at One Community Church in Plano, Texas. The event was from the ministry’s I’ve Been Set Free Tour held throughout Texas in the first half of 2025. Denton Freedom House offers residential programs for men and women ready to overcome addiction and poverty. They also run a community food pantry and a coffee shop that employs program participants. Denton Freedom House Ministries has a donor confidence score of 96 (“Give With Confidence”). A group of medical volunteers with the Nazarene Medical Brigade (NMB) in Mexico hosted a clinic in May, serving over 130 people in Chiapas. Patients received dental consultations, medicines, and other screenings, as well as clothing and prayers. The Sierra region has struggled to access quality healthcare after local clinics closed down. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) launched its NMB in 2017, and has since provided nearly 350 brigades across the country. NCM is one of MinistryWatch’s Shining Light ministries, having earned the highest ratings in each of our three categories—5 stars, an A transparency grade, and a donor confidence score of 100. Natasha: Warren, any final thoughts before we go? Warren: Warren ad-lib ECFA Warren Ad-Lib JULY Stewards Not Owners. Like, share on podcast app and social media. Natasha: 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 Bob Smietana, Kim Roberts, Tony Mator, Jim Vertigo, John Seewer, Jessica Eturralde, and Christina Darnell. I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. Warren: And I’m Warren Smith, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Natasha: You’ve been listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.  Until next time, may God bless you.