12 Comments

1. 

   rob war December 10, 2014 Reply

   thanks for the research. I remember when the scandal broke, it was explained at the Church I was attending that it was all Steve's fault but Bill "took" responsibility. I also hear vaguely about subsequent law suites but again it was explained in terms of bitter former employees trying to hold Bill and IBYC accountable for what was being taught and not followed. Some of the links to some of the articles are not working because I would like to read all of them.

2. 

   Betty December 10, 2014 Reply

   Even though I am not able to open many of these articles right now (hopefully they will be available soon), they are still very fresh in my memory when rg shared them earlier 2014.
   If my husband and I would have known this, there is no way we would have ever been involved with any of it-IBLP, ATI, CHARACTER FIRST, ALERT. Because it was hushed, we have given much to enable the wicked behavior manipulated within. I am ashamed.
   That is why I will not hesitate to share now!
   It is rediculous that people refuse to look at this research, and take a stand against it! It has been incredulously harmful to so many innocent people. Shame on those who continue on in this stuff after they know the wickedness sewn throughout it.
   
   Can't turn back the clock. But I can move forward in truth. Never to be gullable again.

3. 

   rob war December 10, 2014 Reply

   I hope Christianity Today will give permission to publish a number of their articles. Shame on them if they don't.

   • 

     Don Rubottom December 11, 2014 Reply

     It is to C.T.'s credit that they were willing to report on what was going on, when prominent pastors and churches were facilitating and providing cover.
     I remember being told, 4th hand, that the only problems were "Steve's" financial indiscretions and that all was being straightened out. That's what they told preachers who were too busy to even inquire.

     • 

       rob war December 11, 2014 Reply

       yes, I hope to be able to read all the links. I was told in the Church I was attending that it was a sex scandal involving Steve but Bill took blame for it and admitted ignoring Steve but it was all straightened out. I was never handed anything to read about it and the statements by those in the Church that were attending the pastor one day seminars is that Bill got on his knees and asked for forgiveness of the pastors. I guess they must have bought it.

4. 

   Arlene December 11, 2014 Reply

   This article says it is the one run on Feb. 6, 1981 in Christianity Today, put online in 2003. (#13 above.)
   http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2003/marchweb-only/3-3-33.0.html?share=NaPamP67muCEWeGhR0nnQcq12F45lHBG

   • 

     MatthewS December 11, 2014 Reply

     go, Arlene!

5. 

   Vanessa December 18, 2014 Reply

   I recently read this quote and think it applies to Bill Gothard:
   
   “As with persons in any other helping profession, sometimes the motivation to enter the ministry is to gain the appreciation, attention, and acceptance which is personally needed but which is not being supplied elsewhere. Sometimes it is the unconscious desire to dominate others and in effect to become little popes, which is an easy goal to achieve if one ministers to immature people. Many pastors receive much unconscious gratification from being able to direct people and set them straight. Many pastors after self examination have discovered that part of their original motivation was the need to be infallible and the church situation often plays right into this pathology.” -Basil Jackson, 'Psychology, Psychiatry, and the Pastor: Part II: Maturity in the Pastor and Parishioner,' Bibliotheca Sacra 135 (April 1975), 111-12.

   • 

     Karen December 22, 2014 Reply

     Thanks, Vanessa.
     
     Your post reminded me of this link (which I may have supplied elsewhere at this site before, but I will do so again because I think it is so applicable and helpful for discernment in these things):
     
     http://dory.typepad.com/wittenberg_gate/2005/05/controlling_per.html

     • 

       P.L. December 28, 2014 Reply

       Thanks for reposting, Karen. I hadn't seen this link before, and as someone who was targeted by a narcissistic pastor, have found it truly helpful. I wish his remaining congregants (many have already fled) would read it and take heed!

   • 

     P.L. December 28, 2014 Reply

     "Many pastors receive much unconscious gratification from being able to direct people and SET THEM STRAIGHT." A pastor who tries to do the work of the Holy Spirit (often combined with a denial of the Holy Spirit's role in leading/correcting individuals, since, of course, the pastor covets that role for himself) is now a big red flag for me. Is there a link to this reference, Vanessa? It sounds helpful.

6. 

   Roger December 22, 2014 Reply

   This is the first I am hearing of all this and as I try to let it sink in I am just shocked, appauled and just sickened by the whole mess.