MinistryWatch Podcast

On today’s program, author and teacher Dr Michael Brown of the radio program Line of Fire has agreed to a third-party investigation after being accused of sexual impropriety. We’ll have details. And, we remember two anniversaries this week—the release of a GRACE investigation into Bob Jones University and their handling of sexual abuse cases, and the fall of Mars Hill Church. We take time to reflect on both—lessons learned and where things stand now. Plus, overall membership in the Presbyterian Church USA continues to fall—except among people who identify as genderqueer. We’ll take a look. But first, after a year-long battle, an Ohio church is NOT being allowed to shelter the homeless this winter. The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Kim Roberts, Jessica Eturralde, Marci Seither, Bob Smietana, David Fairchild, Jeffrey Walton, Brittany Smith, and Christina Darnell. A special thanks to Juicy Ecumenism for contributing material for this week’s podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.   MANUSCRIPT:   FIRST SEGMENT Warren: Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina. Natasha: And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren: On today’s program, author and teacher Dr Michael Brown of the radio program Line of Fire has agreed to a third-party investigation after being accused of sexual impropriety. We’ll have details. And, we remember two anniversaries this week—the release of a GRACE investigation into Bob Jones University and their handling of sexual abuse cases, and the fall of Mars Hill Church. We take time to reflect on both—lessons learned and where things stand now. Plus, overall membership in the Presbyterian Church USA continues to fall—except among people who identify as genderqueer. We’ll take a look. Natasha: But first, after a year-long battle, an Ohio church is NOT being allowed to shelter the homeless this winter. Warren: An Ohio judge has issued a preliminary injunction against Dad’s Place and its pastor Chris Avell, preventing the church from using its first floor to shelter homeless people, even as temperatures are expected to plummet later this week. Dad’s Place and Avell have been involved in a dispute with Bryan, Ohio, since last year over whether it can open the first floor of the church in a business district to allow homeless persons to escape the cold. In January, a federal district court issued an order “forbidding [the city] from enforcing any alleged violations of the City’s zoning or fire codes without the court’s approval or the church’s agreement.” Natasha: What happened? Warren: The City of Bryan and the church, through its counsel at First Liberty Institute, tried to resolve their differences, but negotiations broke down in April. In July 2024, the federal court denied Dad’s Place request for a preliminary injunction to prevent the city from enforcing its fire regulations against the church. Then in September a three-judge panel of the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the church’s appeal of the district court’s decision. Now, Ohio Judge J.T. Stelzer has issued an injunction preventing the church from offering its building for use by homeless persons in the city. Natasha: What happens next? Warren: Dad’s Place remains in violation of several fire safety code regulations, including failure to install a sprinkler system, said Stelzer. The decision also pointed to two other shelters near Dad’s Place that utilize their second floors as temporary residences to shelter the city’s needy and homeless residents while in “full compliance with the city’s fire code and zoning ordinances.”

We have a special treat on today’s program, and that’s a conversation with musician and songwriter Fernando Ortega. Fernando Ortega is one of my favorites, in part because he takes both the theology and the traditions of the church seriously in his music. Both his original music, such as “This Good Day,” and his interpretations of many traditional hymns and songs, such as "Give Me Jesus", "Be Thou My Vision" and "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty", are known for their rich musical and theological palette. Fernando Ortega is, in short, someone I think the church needs today. However, we haven’t seen him in a while. His last album, which I argue might have been the best of his career, was 2017’s “The Crucifixion of Jesus.” But now he’s back. He has a new EP called “For All The Saints.” I’ve heard it. It’s beautiful, and I’m delighted to have these new songs out there in the world, and equally delighted to have Fernando on the program. Ortega was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, near the banks of the Rio Grande, which is where he lives today. He started learning piano at eight years of age. His family lived in Chimayó, New Mexico, for eight generations, a legacy cited as an influence on his music. Fernando had this conversation with me from his home in Albuquerque. His new EP is “For All The Saints,” and I encourage you to check it out on all your favorite streaming platforms. Thanks to Jeff McIntosh for producing today’s program, and for Rick Hoganson for his help in arranging this interview. I hope you’ll join me on Friday, with my co-host Natasha Cowden, when we return with our weekly roundup of the stories we’ve been covering here at MinistryWatch. Until then, may God bless you.

On today’s program, MorningStar Fellowship Church in South Carolina reaches a settlement with York County after a decade-long dispute over Heritage Tower—a building originally owned by Jim Bakker’s Praise the Lord Ministries. We’ll have details. And, Christian philanthropist Bill Hwang was sentenced for a $10 billion fraud. We’ll take a look. Plus, another Christian college is on the ropes. Saint Augustine’s University in North Carolina slashes its workforce by 50% in its fight to retain accreditation. But first, a week after suffering a dangerous health incident during a Sunday morning church service, Bishop T.D. Jakes updated his congregation via live video. “Many of you don’t realize that you’re looking at a miracle,” Bishop T.D. Jakes said in a live video message to the congregation on Sunday (Dec. 1). “I faced a life-threatening calamity, was rushed to the ICU unit. I had emergency surgery. Survived this surgery” He said.  The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Adelle Banks, Jessica Eturralde, Kim Roberts, Tony Mator, Paul Clolery, and Brittany Smith. A special thanks to The NonProfit Times for contributing material for this week’s podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.   MANUSCRIPT   FIRST SEGMENT Warren: Hello everybody. I'm Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina. Natasha: And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren: On today’s program, MorningStar Fellowship Church in South Carolina reaches a settlement with York County after a decade-long dispute over Heritage Tower—a building originally owned by Jim Bakker’s Praise the Lord Ministries. We’ll have details. And, Christian philanthropist Bill Hwang was sentenced for a $10 BILLION fraud. We’ll take a look. Plus, Saint Augustine’s University in North Carolina slashes its workforce by 50% in its fight to retain accreditation. Natasha: But first, a week after suffering a dangerous health incident during a Sunday morning church service, Bishop T.D. Jakes updated his congregation via live video. Warren: “Many of you don’t realize that you’re looking at a miracle,” Bishop T.D. Jakes said in a live video message to the congregation on Sunday (Dec. 1). “I faced a life-threatening calamity, was rushed to the ICU unit. I had emergency surgery. Survived this surgery” He said. Natasha: What happened? Warren: Jakes, 67, an evangelist, author and business executive, suffered what his church initially called “a slight health incident” during the Nov. 24 worship service at The Potter’s House. At that time, about a dozen people rushed to his side after he lowered his microphone and was shaking in his seat. In the seven-minute video he said he would be following doctor’s orders to rest. Jakes, whose remarks were also posted on his Instagram page, said he was not in pain and is in good spirits. “I didn’t want you to be worried about me,” he told his congregation, expressing thanks for their prayers and support. “I’m trying to be obedient to what the doctor said [to] do, in terms of just taking a few weeks to just heal and recover and relax and just reflect.” Natasha: And he has a lot to reflect on these days. Warren: Yes. Lawyers for Jakes filed a defamation lawsuit the day after the medical incident, saying another minister, Duane Youngblood, had falsely accused him of attempted sexual assault. The suit linked the accusations to Jakes’ health. “Youngblood’s intentional and malicious lies have taken a substantial emotional and physical toll on Bishop Jakes,” reads the suit. Natasha: Who is Youngblood? Warren: Duane Youngblood, 57, a Pennsylvania man who Jakes’ suit notes is on parole after felony convictions for sexual ass...

On today’s EXTRA episode I take a look at MinistryWatch’s annual “Shining Light” awardees. These are ministries that earned the top rating in the three categories MinistryWatch evaluates: financial efficiency, transparency, and overall donor confidence. Only 18 of the more than 1000 ministries in the MinistryWatch database made the list this year. They are truly the “best of the best.” We hope you will use this list as your guide to year-end giving. You can see the complete list here. The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you!

On today’s program, a former member of Village Church of Bartlett in Illinois is suing the church for defamation after the pastor allegedly accused her of an affair. Another family who supported the victim was also excommunicated. We’ll have details. And, last year, Texas Christians provided Thanksgiving dinner to a group of Ukrainian refugees. This year, those same refugees thanked the Texas church with a festive feast of their own. We’ll take a look. Plus, Tony Campolo, sociologist and famed ‘Red Letter Christian,’ has died at 89. But first, donations to Gateway Church has taken a nosedive following scandals there, signaling tough decisions ahead. Gateway Church outside of Dallas is facing more issues after the church was shaken by allegations of sexual abuse by founding pastor Robert Morris. According to a video leaked on social media, elder Kenneth Fambro said the church’s offering receipts are down 35-40%. The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Kim Roberts, Neva Rae Fox, Bobby Ross Jr., Bob Smietana, Tessa Sanchez, Christina Darnell—and you, Warren. A special thanks to The Living Christian, The Christian Chronicle, and Baptist Press for contributing material for this week’s podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.   MANUSCRIPT   FIRST SEGMENT Warren: Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you this week from West Palm Beach, Florida, Natasha: And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren: On today’s program, a former member of Village Church of Bartlett in Illinois is suing the church for defamation after the pastor allegedly accused her of an affair. Another family who supported the victim was also excommunicated. We’ll have details. And, last year, Texas Christians provided Thanksgiving dinner to a group of Ukrainian refugees. This year, those same refugees thanked the Texas church with a festive feast of their own. We’ll take a look. Plus, Tony Campolo, sociologist and famed ‘Red Letter Christian,’ has died at 89. Natasha: But first, donations to Gateway Church has taken a nosedive following scandals there, signaling tough decisions ahead. Warren: Gateway Church outside of Dallas is facing more issues after the church was shaken by allegations of sexual abuse by founding pastor Robert Morris. According to a video leaked on social media, elder Kenneth Fambro said the church’s tithe receipts are down 35-40%. In June, allegations of Morris’s sexual abuse of Cindy Clemishire, 54, in the 1980s starting when she was only 12 years old led to his resignation. Natasha: Since then, Gateway has faced other challenges and resignations. Warren: That’s right. The church canceled its annual Gateway Conference as the “congregation and staff are in the midst of navigating Robert Morris’ resignation and the emotions surrounding it.” In August, a lawsuit was filed in Tarrant County, Texas, alleging a member of the Gateway Church youth group sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl also attending the church youth group. Gateway recently settled another lawsuit that accused church leadership of covering up the alleged sexual abuse of a child by a member of the congregation in March 2018. And Executive Pastor Kemtal Glasgow was removed in August from his position for a “moral issue.” Natasha: There have also been questions about money, but Gateway is working hard to make positive changes Warren: In an effort to increase transparency and accountability, Gateway is conducting a comprehensive financial audit and is “making significant changes to its bylaws” so it can become a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. Some of the changes include eliminating the office of “apostolic e...

Christian ministries need volunteers. Christian retirees need purpose and meaning. It’s a match that models for the world the Kingdom of God. Articles or other resources mentioned in today’s podcast: Article in Yahoo Finance explaining a trend among rich older Americans to pay millions of dollars to get into luxury retirement campuses. A recent article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review noted that in 19th century America every major aspect of daily life was age integrated. Bruce Bruinsma has been a champion of what he calls a “Retirement Reformation.” Bruinsma says he is “on a mission to shake up our ‘me-centered’ retirement culture, and inject God-given purpose, joy, and real contentment into the Golden Years.” Bruinsma says, “When asked what they plan to do in retirement, most people say: “Nothing!” They’re clear about what they’re retiring FROM — but not what they’re retiring TO.” He goes on to say, “Thirty years is a long time to do nothing.” Since “retiring” again from The Colson Center, Steve Verleye has become a mentor and coach to other Christian entrepreneurs part of an organization called C-12, which is itself quietly making its mark as a networking and support group for Christian businesspeople. Evangelical pastor and theologian John Piper’s famous “Seashell Sermon.”

On today’s program, the wife of slain missionary Beau Shroyer has been arrested in connection with his death—investigators suspect she hired the man she was having an affair with to kill her husband. We’ll have details. And, a Pennsylvania church trying to disassociate from the Evangelical Presbyterian Church has been charged for sharing information with MinistryWatch. We’ll take a look. Plus, South Carolina pastor John-Paul Miller—whose wife Mica Miller died by suicide earlier this year—has been hit with an assault charge just days after FBI raided his house. But first, the Church of England head Justice Welby has resigned over his handling of a sexual abuse case. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, resigned Tuesday. 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 Danica Kirka, Jessica Eturralde, Kim Roberts, Tony Mator, Marissa Greene, Shannon Cuthrell, and Brittany Smith. 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, also coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren:  On today’s program, the wife of slain missionary Beau Shroyer has been arrested in connection with his death—investigators suspect she hired the man she was having an affair with to kill her husband. We’ll have details. And, a Pennsylvania church trying to disassociate from the Evangelical Presbyterian Church has been charged for sharing information with MinistryWatch. We’ll take a look. Plus, South Carolina pastor John-Paul Miller—whose wife Mica Miller died by suicide earlier this year—has been hit with an assault charge just days after FBI raided his house. Christina:  But first, the Church of England head Justice Welby has resigned over his handling of a sexual abuse case. Warren:  Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, resigned Tuesday. The resignation came after an investigation found that he failed to tell police about serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps as soon as he became aware of it. Pressure on Welby had been building since Thursday, when release of the inquiry’s findings kindled anger about a lack of accountability at the highest reaches of the church. Welby’s resignation comes against the backdrop of widespread historical sexual abuse in the Church of England. A 2022 report by the Independent Inquiry Child Sexual Abuse found that the Church of England had become “a place where abusers could hide.” Christina:  Welby’s supporters had argued that he had been instrumental in changing the culture of the church since he became Archbishop of Canterbury in 2013. Warren: But it was an investigation into crimes that began long before that date that ultimately led to his downfall. The church on Thursday released the results of an independent investigation into Smyth, who sexually, psychologically and physically abused about 30 boys and young men in the United Kingdom and 85 in Africa beginning in the 1970s. The 251-page report of the Makin Review concluded that Welby failed to report Smyth to authorities when he was informed of the abuse in August 2013, soon after he became Archbishop of Canterbury. Christina: Our next story is a sad and strange tale involving American missionaries in Angola. Warren: Investigators suspect the wife of a slain missionary in the West African country of Angola was the "mastermind" of his killing and was having an affair with one of the men...

Randall Goodgame is one of my favorite people. For one thing, he is unfailingly nice, one of the nicest guys I know. And he’s enormously talented. He began his musical career while still an undergraduate in the 1990s playing keyboards for a southern rock band called Black Creek that had regional success and developed a cult following even though it released only a single live album. But, man, that album rocks. Randall’s senior thesis at Birmingham Southern College was an account of his year on the road with the band. From there he released a couple of independent solo albums before finding success as a songwriter for such Christian artists as Andrew Peterson, Caedmon’s Call, and Jason Gray. As an artist, he toured with these artists as well as Jars of Clay. His career took yet another turn when he collaborated with Andrew Peterson to produce a children’s album called “Slugs and Bugs and Lullabies.” This album led to more “Slugs and Bugs” albums, albums that combine a high artistic sensibility with solid biblical teaching. His album “Sing The Bible with Slugs and Bugs” takes Bible verses – not paraphrases, but word for word Scripture – and sets them to music. The success of that album led to his latest project, “Scripture Hymnal.” Scripture Hymnal contains more than 100 Bible passages set to music. The book has sheet music, and a link to fully produced versions of every song in the book. It’s really a massive project, and one that is sure to have a big impact on the church and take its place in a growing movement of modern hymn writing we are seeing today. It was a pleasure to talk with Randall Goodgame. We had this conversation last week, via zoom. He joined me from his studio near Nashville. That brings to a close my interview with Randall Goodgame. His newest project is ”Scripture Hymnal.” I’ve got a copy of it myself, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly. The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you. Article Topics An Interview with Randall Goodgame: The Man Behind 'Scripture Hymnal' From Southern Rock to Scripture Songs: Randall Goodgame’s Musical Evolution

On today’s program, Jason Yates—the former president of the Christian advocacy group My Faith Votes—has been charged with possession of child pornography. We’ll have details. Plus, Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA is rallying young people to become active in politics by establishing chapters on Christian college campuses. We’ll take a look. And, results from our quarterly survey of ministry leaders—revenue decline remains the top ministry challenge. But first, Gateway Church has removed four of its elders over former pastor Robert Morris’ sexual abuse scandal. Four elders at Gateway Church, whose senior pastor Robert Morris stepped down earlier this year, have been removed after the results of a law firm’s investigation of sexual abuse allegations against the pastor were announced in a sermon on Sunday (Nov. 3). 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, James Russell, Brittany Smith, 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, Jason Yates—the former president of the Christian advocacy group My Faith Votes—has been charged with possession of child pornography. We’ll have details. Plus, Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA is rallying young people to become active in politics by establishing chapters on Christian college campuses. We’ll take a look. And, results from our quarterly survey of ministry leaders—revenue decline remains the top ministry challenge. Natasha: But first, Gateway Church has removed four of its elders over former pastor Robert Morris’ sexual abuse scandal. Warren: Four elders at Gateway Church, whose senior pastor Robert Morris stepped down earlier this year, have been removed after the results of a law firm’s investigation of sexual abuse allegations against the pastor were announced in a sermon on Sunday (Nov. 3). The removals are the latest responses by one of the country’s largest evangelical Christian churches to allegations brought by Cindy Clemishire in June that Gateway’s founding pastor, Robert Morris, 63, had molested her in the 1980s, when Morris was in his 20s and she was 12. Natasha: Soon afterward, also in June, the church retained law firm Haynes and Boone to conduct an investigation, what did they find? Warren: Church elder Tra Willbanks announced on Sunday, the investigation found that all but three elders had been aware of Morris’ history with Clemishire, now 54, and her age at the time of the alleged abuse. While Willbanks declined to identify the elders who were removed, the names of elders Jeremy Carrasco, Kevin Grove, Gayland Lawshe and Thomas Miller no longer appear on the church website, according to multiple news accounts. Natasha: The investigation’s results also prompted reforms to Gateway’s leadership structure and bylaws. Warren: Church staff will no longer serve as elders. Willbanks said, “We must bring this level of independence and objectivity to our eldership, and it has been lacking in the years past,” The summer’s allegations prompted state legislators to call for changing the statute of limitations for sexual assault, harsher penalties for mandatory reporters who fail to follow up on accusations and reforming nondisclosure agreements for sexual abuse survivors. Secular and religious advocacy organizations have been pushing for such reforms, as well as the elimination of the use of nondisclosure agreements in sexual assault cases. Natasha: Next, Former MY Faith Votes CEO has been charged with serious crime...

If you’ve been around me for a while, you know that I’m a fan of Roland Warren. He’s been the president of Care Net, the nation’s largest network of pregnancy resource centers, for more than a decade. He’s been an advocate for the unborn for much longer than that. Roland Warren has also helped bring fathers into the pro-life conversation, in part because of a tenure as president of the National Fatherhood Initiative, a post he held before coming to Care Net. I’ve interviewed Roland Warren many times over the years, including twice for my “Listening In” podcast, a podcast I did for a decade for WORLD News Group. I’ll include links to those interviews in today’s show notes. Those links are here and here. I have gone back to Roland again and again because…well…he always has something interesting and provocative to say. And that’s certainly the case today. We’re discussing his new book The Alternative to Abortion: Why We Must be Pro Abundant Life. I found this book to be challenging and encouraging and I think you’ll find our conversation to be so, too. Roland Warren has degrees from Princeton University and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and he’s the author of many books on fatherhood and the prolife movement. We had this conversation via zoom last week. Thanks to Jeff McIntosh for producing today’s program. Until next time, may God bless  you.