This is the true story of a church in America's Bible Belt, the First Christian Church in Florissant, Missouri--a church with a meager beginning and record of steady growth for forty-nine years until the weight of sexual abuse charges against a youth minister left it, and its congregation, broken. This is a case history and analysis of those events.
This is for the victims.—Joy S. Taylor, Author
Come along with me through discussion of
characteristics of churches and pastors that tend to
operate this way under the threat of misconduct
exposure. Let’s look at common techniques of
leadership during the cover-up process.
Good morning, Father. Thank you for pushing at the walls between us and breaking through my protective exterior. You called me by my name to come serve You. You put me on the stone that was higher than I in order to speak your encouragement . Forgive me when I fail You. Touch the hearts…
Today is a beautiful day, because “Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, and I say to you, “Let my son go that he may serve me.”’” (Exodus 4: 22-23 ESV) Thus says the LORD #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday
The issues at Eastview Christian Church crowed the headlines in 2023. What began in 2016 as allegations of sexual misconduct of the senior pastor’s son, who was asked by the senior pastor to terminate his pastoral position at the church. Seven years rolled around until the potential sexual abuse and cover-up bubbled to the surface…
Holy Spirit, I pray You guide my thoughts and steps to stay within the circle of the Father’s will. Don’t allow me to turn to the right nor to the left, but keep my eyes and my momentum trained in the direction of my Savior Jesus. May I spend my hours abiding in God’s love,…
Today is a beautiful day, because ” But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by…
Lord, I’m banking my sanity on your sovereignty. The world spins off kilter in reaction to divulged corruption, deportation confusion, declared and undeclared wars, and devastation from disasters. Though we reel on our axes, You are Who holds it all together. You are the anchor of our strength for today and our hope for tomorrow….
Today is a beautiful day, because “May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.” (Jude 2 ESV) Mercy #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday
Father, thank You showing me love. Thank You for teaching me how to love others in truth. I am ever grateful that I am capable of giving love because your truth and love abide in me forever. I am saved by the blood of Jesus and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Grace, mercy and peace…
Today is a beautiful day, because believers know love and the truth that abides in us forever, “Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.” (2 John 3 ESV) Mercy #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday
Father, I have tasted and seen that You are good. Your love is everlasting. There is no one like You who goes out for the benefit of your beloved. You have set your Cornerstone, Jesus, chosen and precious that whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame. Rejected by men, we are deemed…
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