Conservative leader Bill Gothard resigns following abuse allegations

I don’t know how this will turn out, James; but sexual harassment can mean anything(!) these days. As for the allegations of molestation, they are at this point, allegations. I hope they are not true, but as everyone is open to all sorts of temptation, nothing will surprise me. Like you and me; if he’s not guilty of this, he is at least guilty of something else that will send him straight to Hell (apart from God’s grace).

Though I have attended a couple of IBLP conferences, I never got into ATI; but I know many people who have done so. Of those, quite a few are pretty resentful toward Bill Gothard, and I think will be tickled pink if this pans out. The ex-ATI people I know, generally are just hacked off because they spent much of their lives wearing one piece bathing suits, and listening to boring music, when they could have been wearing bikinis and listening to popular radio.

Personally, I got a lot of good out of the seminars I attended. I happen to agree that modesty is a good thing, and that friendship with the world is enmity with God; because that is scriptural. I know Gothard goes too far in his analogies and applications of scripture; but in those cases, I just say I don’t agree with that part, and go on. Perhaps the “Kill Bill” crowd just followed him too closely and made him an idol.

I’m sure my ex-ATI friends will keep me up to date on this story as it progresses.

Where did you get the 98% statistic? I would be interested in knowing.

@ron, i agree with you, you have a balanced view, sexual harassment could be anythi these days, just a pat on the back when its on someone who is ultra conservative and doesnt touch in their family could be taken the wrong way. And at this point its allegations, nothing more, there isnt hard evidence. So until then we cant proclaim him guilty. And like you said its the youth that resented their parents getting involved in ATI who have a vendetta out to destroy the guy who stole all the fun out of their lives. My opinion is grow up and use your energy for causes that are worthy. Its not your responsibilty to warn others of the super conservative view of one organization, who cares, if you dont agree then move on. And for people that recovering grace thinks they are showing the light to, if its that important for families to know the truth, i think God is plenty capable to show it to them on His own if He so chooses.

My wife survived his ministry. She refused to talk about it, so I did my own research. After I had an idea what went on in his ministry, she opened up to me about it. Mr. Gothard might have started out with an honest and Christian ministry, but he surrounded himself with yes men and included in his teachings a lot of pop psych (much of it based on outdated/disproven research) that had nothing to do with the Bible, and his ministry became a cult of personality.

I am not a religious man, so all I have to offer is common sense.

I think Gothard, uses scripture to manipulate people into doing what *he* thinks is right and what is best for *him*. He cites scripture to justify his going out and trying to seek reconciliation with his victims. Next, he will point out Mark 11:25 to victims, but only for their own good, of course.

But it is really all about *him* and it always has been. He thinks he is very special. He thinks he is some kind of Messiah who understands God’s words and will better than others who read the same scripture. If the victims fall for his machinations they will forgive him, “knowing” that God will judge him in the end. And you can bet he is hoping they will fall for it. That way, he will not have to deal with any *real* consequences for his actions.

You can use scripture to justify just about anything. And if people are gullible enough, you can use the same to make them believe that they must act according to *your* will or be damned. Charlatans have been doing it for millennia. As I see it, Gothard is just another religious thug, plain and simple.

Don’t you in the American way? INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY? After all, the devil’s target is on those of his caliber and realm of influence.

Gothard certainly deserves his day in court, although I worry he may not get it.

James, It’s always difficult for us when someone we care for goes astray. But this is what Satan wants. Personally, I’ve never been to the seminar, but I have many friends who gained a lot from it.
To keep this generic b/c we do not know if the allegations are true, I’ll say it this way:
Just because a leader falls to the temptations Satan puts before him, doesn’t mean his former ministry was not of God. Satan STRONGLY tempts those who are doing good. Why would Satan need to bother with those he has already led astray?
So I pray that no matter what happens in this case, the people will continue to receive a blessing from the good work that gone before.

We were in ATI for many years. We have 6 children, and homeschooled all 6 of them. I thank ATI for helping me understand the Bible and how to live the Christian life, and for helping me school our children. Our oldest is a foreign missionary/photojournalist, then we have a mechanical engineer and then a nurse, then an Air Force guy who went to Alert, then two more engineering students.

greg

What gives you the right to say Bill has misused scripture? Are you the all knowing “greg” that knows the true meaning behind the entirety of the bible?
I’m not saying I agree with everything he has said, but where do you get off saying “undo his multiple misuses of Scripture”?

Wisdom indeed, Sunni.

Well said!

You’ve obviously never met the man.

No, he isn’t perfect, but he’s one of the most selfless people I’ve ever met, and he has sacrificed a lot more than his critics have for the sake of the Lord. And, contrary to most of his critics, he would be *unwilling* to criticize in print those who have no qualms vilifying him publicly (just read some of the comments above and below).

I personally have benefited immensely from his ministry–his teachings helped me to find direction in life, to resolve a huge guilt issue in my youth, to take steps that the Lord used to lead me to my wife, to conquer the plague of lust that’s swept our generation, and to build a family that others admire.

There are at least two sides to every story. When will the body of Christ learn to hold judgment until both sides have been told? It’s usually immature believers and unbelievers who are quick to comment on hearsay, rather than to wait, to find out all of the facts before commenting on the alleged offenses of others (this is in fact what the Lord warned against when he commanded us to not judge others).

Just as you would want if you were the object of accusations, let us wait until we’ve heard his side, instead of tearing down a fellow brother in the body of Christ.

These are not’alleged’ offenses. This has been going on for years and years, have been documented and swept under the rug. He has , over the years, been confronted by Godly, knowledgeable men over his aberrant Bible doctrine. Always refusing to listen or heed advice.

thank you Jessica; I am very sure that Bill would not have lasted 6 months where I work if he harassed the young women here in the way he is said to have done at IBLP HQ. seems like the world has a higher standard here than the some parts of the church

Gothard’s teaching has always been extra-biblical at best. I’m not sure how anyone truly benefited from this ministry.

I’m very interested in understanding the negative atmosphere around Bill and IBLP. Is it more about ATI than the basic or advanced seminars? I just skimmed my basic seminar book. It’s conservative for sure, but very little seems extreme. Love to briefly dialogue with someone. I’m a campus pastor at the U of Illinois.

He’s left with a quotation from Scripture left hanging in the air, something about the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus is said to direct his followers to “go and be reconciled” if “your brother or sister has something against you.”

Fine.

My impression is that truth and honesty are prerequisites of reconciliation.

-dlj.

David,

If what you say is true, who is responsible for his being in such a position for the last 25 years? (And I’m sorry, it looks as though this would include you…)

-dlj.

Wager W: shoot me an email at jmrice54@hotmail.com and I would be glad to get you started. Or go to the recovering grace site andcheck out the archives. they have a lot of solid research about
Bill’s false teaching, which is widespread, sad to say. He really doesn’t even get GRACE correct. thanks

you obviously haven’t read enough to get your facts straight

To all those who state they don’t have problem with Gothard because all your children turned out just fine, do you understand the banality of this attitude? You espouse that the end justifies the means. This is why the church is in such a mess. History is full of dictators who lived by this creed. The only right response is righteous anger over even one of these Gothardites being abused. Where is the outrage?

Careful. folks Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. The principles taught in the Institute of Basic Youth Conflicts seminars have salvaged many lives and the principles are Bible based. Mightier men of God than Gothard have fallen under the temptations of the flesh. I do not condone his actions, but be careful about using your tongue as a sword to cut a man to pieces when he has fallen into the ditch.

Dear many Godly Christian men over the past 40 years have gone to Bill Gothard over his twisting of God’s word. Bill Gothard refused to be held accountable. Not only did he refuse to be held accountable but he SLANDERD AND LIED about the character of any who disagreed with him. When in 1980 the sex scandle came out he fired many of his staff (those who investigated and knew the truth) and RUINED their name and ministry so as to protect him and his ministry. Anyone who disagrees with Mr. Gothard is in danger of his vindictiveness and vengeance. If only you really knew.

@Darling, please take your own advice. I would encourage you to research this and see how all of this came to a head before accusing others of being wolves or buzzards. Thank you.

I won,t beat this into the ground, but the bill Gothards of the world are counting on the “Eugenes” to do crowd control, and allow their rule to go unchecked and unchallenged. That’s largely how this big mess came to be. If you agree with Eugene, then hush yourself and pray. If this looks like gross abuse of power and position, pray and speak up.

Diane,

I understand what you are wanting to see but I caution you that if these allegations are true (and the documentation is looking pretty solid) it is not in spite of his teachings, it is because of them. Gothard’s teachings directly enabled such abuse, authoritarian systems of structure combined with teachings that going against your authority is sin or that instruct on only giving “good reports” make it ripe for taking advantage of the vulnerable. It is the very doctrine that is problematic in the first place. Any blessings of his work have not been because of the teachings, only by the grace of God.

To suggest that such temptation and sin is actually verification of his ministry’s legitimacy is a bit short sighted. Would you say that of someone in leadership with teachings you did not embrace? Or in the face of a scandalized politician of whom you did not approve? “Why would Satan need to bother with those he has already led astray” makes it sound as though you think Satan doesn’t tempt nor do those that have rejected following Jesus ever sin. I assure you, they do.

All the best.

Eugene,
I find it interesting that you and so many through the verse around about not casting the first stone “He without sin cast the first stone.”
With your mouth, you say these things……as you,,,,,pick up stones and hurl them at others.
“You sound like a bunch of wolves or better yet buzzards.”
“It is my experience that those who are quick to condemn are ones who are struggling in their own Christian walk & want to pull others down with them. If the truth were known about you…! ”

Talk about being quick to judge! Really? You know so much about those who are critical of Gothard?

“The true spiritual ones in the church are the ones who are at this time praying earnestly for their brothers & sisters.”

Careful, that is sounding awfully prideful.

His twisting of Scripture is very well documented. He has been confronted by biblical scholars, seminary presidents and members of his own board. Some have resigned over it. His false teaching on the chain of authority is the backbone of his teaching, as well as his false teaching on grace, as something that is merit. This is very well done and covers many of the areas of his false teaching.
http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2011/10/a-call-for-discernment/ed.

Gothard’s definition of Grace: “The desire and power to do God’s will.”
Gothard’s definition of Faith: “Visualizing what God intends to do.”

The problem:
Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith.

Becomes:

For by ‘the desire and power to do God’s will’ you have been saved through ‘visualizing what God intends to do’

Grace is God’s free gift. Gothard turns Grace into something that is earned.

Many of his principles and rules are good. The problem is his claim that his principles are non-optional. So, this leads to a big problem when there is a conflict between Scripture and a Gothard principle. Gothard’s solution- twist God’s word to fit his principles. That is a problem and he does this over and over again- the teachings on Abigail, Moses, Job, it is a long list.

One more example of the toxic nature of the fundamentalism in which I grew up. Gothard-Hyles-Bob Jones University-Pensacola Christian world may be many things but truly Christian would not be one of them.

I, too, was benefited from Bill’s teaching and ministry. In fact, I truly became free in Christ through his Biblical teaching. I consider him my greatest Christian mentor. Do I agree with every single thing he teaches? No, but neither will any two Christians agree on every single thing. I really believe there were people under his teaching (namely, the kids) who were following a set of rules, which were never a conviction with them. I believe their parents never knew their hearts. That is a MAJOR issue. And rules without a relationship = rebellion. I had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ which gave me a heart to want to obey and be holy as He is holy. Gothard is not the only teacher, preacher, ministry, school, etc. that holds these same standards for dress, music, courtship, etc. If you are not convicted of having these standards, then live your life the way you want. When parents don’t know their children’s hearts, they stray, and one day it will be revealed. Rules without a relationship = rebellion. I personally think most of these kid’s problems stemmed from not having spiritual unity in their family, and had minimal to do with Bill’s ministry. RG said there were 34 allegations, but they are not all posted on their website. In fact, there are no names or faces behind that website. I can’t find it’s founder, or even one staff member. Not one name is connected to that site. You have to ask yourself, why are they withholding their names? That shows me that they are trying to hide something. And when Bill invited them over to discuss the allegations, they just wanted him to repent, right there on the spot. They were not fostering Biblical reconciliation (Matthew 18:15-16). What they are doing is sowing discord among the brethren (Proverbs 16: 19b). Bill has said he will reach out to these girls in reconciliation. I will wait to hear what happens. We will all know the truth one day about each one of us. The Lord will judge all of the motives of our heart. That includes every one connected with RG, as well as Bill.

“Bill has said he will reach out to these girls in reconciliation.” Huh? If he is not guilty of what he is accused then what could he possibly need to reconcile?

I agree with you. My family and children have attended several of his conferences back in the 1980’s. Godly and Biblical principles. Thankful God does forgive us when we go astray. And He helps us get back on His path.

The woman caught in adultery is one thing but she was not a well known preacher.It’s no surprise to me that this man is a hypocrite money making fraud.
I understand human weakness,but if that was the case he should have quit the ministry years ago instead of hurting and abusing his flock,and his own soul.Whether God forgives him or not I say shame to him! I don’t pray for him but for the poor souls he’s hurt and deluded.

Amen to Diane Yiannas’ post.

respond to “timeless wisdom” Well said.

I beg to differ Anna. Although the books may not be entirely accurate, they may still hold important knowledge. You can only know the errors when compared with the scriptures. I simply over look these mistakes / opinions etc and see what related info I can glean form this publication.

let ye without sin cast the first stone.

@greg: If we take you as cannon, your statement would be valid. Regrettably for you your not canonical – the Word of God is. All you can offer is your opinion. Its up to us all as individuals to compare what Mr Gothard is/was saying to what the Bible says and rely on the person and work of the Holy Ghost to lead us and guide us in all truth.
You will have to pardon the bunch of us who dont take your opinions to seriously — You may be good – but your not that good.

I have never agreed with everything that anyone has said — research it! Paul praised the Berean Believers for looking up everything he said. Myself and my family benefitted much from most of IBLP’s teaching. We will continue to use that part that is good…

No it is NOT innocent until proved guilty. That is totally misquoted. It is only presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. It is only talking about law proceedings.

Amen, Ed. I appreciate the gracious and cautious spirit on the RG website. The very fact that people are so quick to defend him, regardless of evidence, is proof that he misused his authority. He is God to these people, and that is just sad.

Time for the church to get back to Jesus and HIM crucified instead of worshipping leaders like rock stars.

25 years ago I attended 2 of gothards, video shows both in Dayton , Ohio. I thought it funny to pay that kind of money for books and watching him on a video screen through a VCR instead of him being there live. While I read the material and he spoke on screen, he came across as to gentle & meek bordering on having gay mannerisms. But… His materials was very Old Testament legalism through self discipline ., the existence of New Testament teaching was virtually non-existent. He was so caught up with submission and authority, especially his views and his position of authority…kind of a …. Submit to me ! Attitude., only using a very very gentle voice , scary. I was always suspicious of him after this, along with the home teachings done by his most faithful. He (Gothard) scared the hell out of me. I also wondered how can a man be and know so much about family, love, relationships, mercy, forgiveness , etc., when he’s never had any of these experiences. No wife, no children, no daily family problems. I am even suspicious of his sexual orientation or other psych sexual related problems. At his age, no experiences…strange. A few years later I had a major falling out with the person who introduced me to this character and so called ministry… During this confrontation I told lew that he is involved with a CULT, and his reply was…SO ! SO ! I have always been suspicious of the Gothard ministries and Last Days Ministries….I have seen some strange – strange VooDoo between these to.

While Bill Gothard might have a large following, a biblical exegesis of his teachings would show that they are unbiblical, particularly his beliefs on the issue of submission by adult children to their parents. There are also a number of illustrations used by his syllabus that are poor interpretations of scripture. And I went to his seminars so I am not talking without knowledge. While his teachings may have been sincere, many are just plain incorrect. For those that disagree with me, study the scriptures and examine his teachings.

Touché!

What about the “millstone” principle taught by Jesus? I sincerely hope he does spend eternity with Jesus, but it must be predicated upon sincere repentance, which it seems by his statement that he has made. He does go way beyond other ministers who have failed morally, by not just just saying he made a mistake, but he fully admits his transgressions by spelling them out individually.

It is the most believable public statement of repentance I have yet seen. My hope and prayer is that he is restored in the eyes of the Lord. It matters little what others think if he truly has repented.

Of course there is the issue of all the pain and suffering he has caused others by his actions. May the Lord heal and deliver ALL of them by His Unfathomable riches of grace and power.

Undoubtedly, Bill Gothard will suffer eternal rewards as well as shame and disgrace in this life. I sincerely hope that he inherits eternal life in Christ.

Moise,
The number of women who have reported that he harassed and/or abused them has now grown to 50. Your position is that Gothard is a godly man, and their testimony is just an attack from Satan against a godly man? Really? How do yo know this? Do you know that Gothard has now confessed to crossing boundaries in touching young girl’s hair, holding their hands and touching their feet? He has denied the more serious allegations,but his admission should tell you that there is truth in their testimonies.
Do you think he would have made this confession had it not been for Recovering Grace and these women bravely coming forward?
Bill Gothard said: “My actions of holding of hands, hugs, and touching of feet or hair with young ladies crossed the boundaries of discretion and were wrong. They demonstrated a double-standard and violated a trust.”
Do you feel that you owe the victims an apology for characterizing their testimonies as a Satanic attack against a godly man?

Bill Gothard even “rubbed shoulders” with Republican leaders? Whoa! Now that’s going too far!

AMEN!!!

If Satan can destroy an entire ministry and all the wonderful things it has done by bringing down one person then WE are placing too much emphasis on that one person. Our greatest weakness if often the stars in our eyes for human leaders and celebrities.

I think most people have love and concern for our Christian brother, but we have more for his alleged victims. The church has promoted leadership to the point of idolatry. FEW are actually called to be leaders. Too many people want to be leaders for the perks and to advance their own agenda or mission. But being a genuine leader means you take responsibility when you screw up, as well.

I hope you had more than one source to “help you understand the Bible.” There are some within Christianity who believe all we need to understand the Christian life is a Bible and the help of the Holy Spirit. I’m just saying.

No man has all the answers. That’s why we are never to follow a man. We all see through that glass dimly.
When Bill fasted for days at the beginning, God most certainly answered his prayers.
He shared with us all that he gleaned.
King David asked God to take that light and shine it in him to see if there be any evil way in him and set him on the right way.
We are Adam and Eve’s grandkids.
That evil nature has been passed down.
NO MAN HAS IT ALL, JESUS IS GOD, HE DOES!

I agree completely, the false legalistic teachings and “principles” 5 steps to this and 7 steps to that, are little more than Pharisee ism and rather than leading people into a closer walk with the Lord, and depending on the Bible itself and the indwelling teacher (for Christians) His name is The Holy Spirit.
Bill Gothard’s teachings were extreme and lead to a system of extreme control through his trying to keep his “principles”. His false teachings and his strong advisement against adoption, which thankfully most normal Christians see exact opposing view. Thankfully many young women have seen giving up their babies to adoption to good families over abortion. Bill Gothard while firing people for just talking to a young person of the opposite sex while he himself was found in his private quarters with a young woman sitting on his lap in a thin nightgown is much more than simply his thigh touching their thigh, and as most people know there is thigh touching and there is thigh touching combined with holding hands rubbing a young woman’s leg up and down with his sock feet. I know Gothardites will say anything and everything to protect their idol. This nightgown incident was seen first hand by Gary Smalley who was Bill Gothard’s personal friend. Gary Smalley had warned his friend that his behavior would take his ministry down if he did not chose to change his ways. It is the teachings of his “ministry” itself which are flawed, creating his lists of principles based own his opinions and finding scriptures that he took out of context to “prove” his principles. I have seen the pain this way of trying to attain what has already been given to us through Jesus Christ by faith creates in those who get caught in this type of system. I think he must never have studied the book of Romans or the book of Galatians. But the Gothardites will defend him and his flawed teachings because it is difficult to believe that one they have put up as the person to be like, has himself lived a hypocritical life for 40+ years. It is a very very sick system out of which these sick actions naturally would develop. The way Satan goes after men is through their own pride, seeing their goodness which they have worked to achieve as the thing rather than looking to Jesus Christ who has done for us what we can never achieve. Legalists are going to be blind until their eyes are opened by the eventually heaviness and burden of the Law. Remember that the Bible says if you have broken one law you have broken them all. So you who will try to attain by your principles and systems ignoring the simplicity of walking in the spirit, simply focusing on Jesus and what He has accomplished for us.

You say his teachings helped you find direction in life. Do you suppose an actual study of the scriptures for yourself, asking the Holy Spirit who among other things has been called a teacher, you may have been helped just as much. Do you suppose that perhaps if you had studied Romans or John or any of the New Testament scriptures in context you might have been helped even more to resolve guilt problems. Since there is a simply solution, read the Word, read that Christ took your guilt and imputed to you, His Righteousness. Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Nothing about 5 steps here and 7 steps there, or agreeing with Bill Gothard’s un-biblical opinions. I believe that many who were close to him confronted him over the years. He either fired them for disloyalty or simply did not see himself as one who needed to be accountable, as he expected others to be accountable. His very weird teachings on the chain of command, husband is the hammer, the wife the chisel, the children the ones to be chiseled upon. This is so far from scriptural as to be laughable. Anyone who actually studies the Bible itself by itself will see. Bill Gothard’s teachings and systems are like every other cult. Focused primarily on one man, who does not see himself accountable to anyone but God. Wake up folks before it is too late. God will have no other idols before Himself.

You are so right. Gothardites as long as they continue to ignore scripture will not see the truth.

If you actually read the different stories from these women who were once girls who felt, at first, honored to work for such a great man. I think the main problem was with an older much more experienced and sophisticated man and powerful man took advantage in full of the innocence of these young girls. With most I do not read any bitterness, most are married with children and these stories are from many years past. I believe they want to put out the alarm to other young women and the parents of young women be aware of what they may encounter working at the HQ. I would hope that parents would say, oh no, I didn’t send my daughter there to be used. Bill Gothard took a real pride in having never kissed a woman. But what is a kiss in comparison with being in the room of young innocent women who had no power or recourse to rebuke this man for his inappropriateness at least and his outright sexual harassment and abuse at most. This kind of thing is built into the results of living under a works religion to “attain holiness”. In Romans there is a verse that says, the strength of sin (some versions say power) of sin is in the law. What it means is the more law you live under, the greater the hold sin will have over you. I think it is just laziness that people would rather get their information from the Gothard Red Book than the pure Word of God. Every religion in the world is about doing to attain God’s favor or blessing, Authentic Christianity alone is about done. What Jesus has already done and our faith that itself is a gift, to believe that Christ has accomplished what we can never accomplish. Long dresses, only older hymns, courtship, chain of authority teachings can never ever do what Christ has done. Praise the Lord. As long as my focus is on Him and not on me, then I am walking in the spirit and if I walk in the spirit by faith, I will not fulfil the deeds of the flesh. The Word of God makes this very clear.. That being the case, that truth will eliminate the need for most of BG’s teaching. Satan doesn’t mind if we do “good” things as long as it keeps our mind on ourselves and off of Jesus Christ.

I attended one of his seminars once and asked Bill gothard directly why he thought my marriage fell apart. He asked do you listen to any kind of music that has a beat? Like rock,country an such. To which I replied yes. He shrugged and said there ya go! That’s why…..turned an walked away. Now I am a Christian but after reading this and knowing what happened with Doug Phillips with vision forum I say I will hold to my faith but screw you Bill ….not the kind of example or christian I want to be associated with.

I’ve seen the basic so many times I’ve lost count. But I’m sure there must be just three simple steps to making all this go away.

1) Can you imagine the saviour, letting some KNOW HARLOT wash (((touching))) his bare feet, I wonder how far the dust went up the leg, and then drying them with her hair… YES, this who thing sounds a lot like this.

2) BG is 79, now he knows he should have let his brother and him marry… There just probably wasn’t any woman PURE enough for Bill though.

3) I still find it CRAZY how people can remember something 30 years ago and be worried about it now…. Just where does christianity figure forgive and forget… What is the legal statute of limitations? WHY wasn’t it done then? dah, such a bunch of hate mongers at work, forget gossip and slander.

Oh the point I forgot, I’ll be closing soon:-) No one here is perfect and BG is human I think. God will be the final judge. I hope everyone’s forgiveness is up to date by that time, or you are going to be in big trouble. and it won’t be gothard you will have to worry about….

tell them, grandpa told you, but what do i know at 63? I will perhaps see things different if I”m so blessed to think about it at 79.

Life is short people. YOU better get ready for the final judgment. YOU too Bill… YOU should follow what you have so greatly preached for decades:::—)))))))

right down to the last 10 steps…

Mr. Zimmerman,
Don’t penalize the company because of what one man did. The man is not the whole company nor is he the sole teacher. The ministry does a good job for what it does. I went to FL. Bible College when the Pres. got caught in a scandal, the school is almost gone, they lost all their property on Hollywood beach (in the millions) and all because the kids and supports lost their faith in the school and what it did. They had put all their faith in one man (man, remember that “man”) and not in God, this was everyone’s mistake. I liked the school not because anyone connected with it, so the scandal did not really effect me. I think the public should do the same with the Institute.

We attended IBLP when we were young parents and really grew in our faith in Christ. And were able to put some principles of rearing children to use. The principles do NOT encourage abuse of any kind, in fact it’s the opposite. I’m SAD if the allegations are true of Bill. But ‘all have sinned and come short of the glory of God’ (Rom 3:23) – and we need to be mindful of Jesus’ teaching not to judge too quickly (Matt 7) – instead we need to take personal inventory and see where WE ourselves have missed the mark. And THEN to confront our brother. Did any of the women who claim his misconduct confront Bill one-on-one first, or did they just go public? Lots of questions come to mind. We do not idolize Bill or think he’s perfect, but let’s have some grace here. I’ve sure fallen short myself many times.

Hey Sister Sandy. Funny place to find you but cool non the less. Hope everything is going well for you. Love and miss you. I think I will be in Talla at Christmas this year.

The Lord warns us of false teachers and skewing His word for their benefit. And He Also tells us that they will be held to account and Exposed for their lies and deceit. God will deal swiftly and harshly with them.

2 Peter 2:1-10

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;

James 3:1-18

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

I am not understanding why we need to follow some one else (man) if we believe in the BIBLE and Jesus. Our GOD Jehovah and Jesus give us all of what we need and it is written in the BIBLE. Why do we need an imperfect man to tell us what we need to do and what to follow. The BIBLE tells us how to train up a boy from infancy, how we are not to be irritating them. Set an example for them to follow. Respect your elders and to take care of them when they get older. I have heard nothing of a sort about the BIBLE from this man. All I hear are his ways of doing things.

Once sgain, I do not like the report abuse button. I do not find your comment abusive or offensive. It was an accidental hit on it. My apologies to you.

Question: Have you ever sat down and talked with the man acocording to Matt. 18 to seek an answer? I have been young and now a little older and did not grow up in a Christian home (far from one). Married a young Christian lady who introduced me to the Basic seminar. I accepted Jesus later in life. I was skeptical of anything new as I was drafted and served as an MP Investigator during the end of the Vietnam days. Consequently I was taught to check out everything, believe nothing. I had the opportunity to work with the man for a couple of weeks and ask lots of questions. He’s not an idol or perfect man but he does like ice cream. However he is a man of principle. From Scripture “when a man’s way please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him”. Our goal should always be self examination rather than stone throwing. I learned in the MPs by pointing at someone else, I can try to remove the charges against me and try to ease my guilt. Caution!

Yeah… you just keep tellin’ yourself that! Did you even read his statement? He ADMITS that he chose only good-looking workers, but that what he did to those female, good-looking workers was not immoral or sexual in nature. Hmmm… really? Playing footsie with, holding hands with, laying your hand on someone’s thigh or arm is not a crime, that is true. Doing it with young girls and women you admittedly hand selected to work for you because they fit your idea of being attractive sure seems perverted, immoral, or unethical, especially when they are 30 years your junior and under you in terms of a position of authority. More so when it is done in the context of a “ministry”. Yes, innocent until proven guilty, of course, but please read it for yourself and think! If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck. A sad duck, but nevertheless, a duck. http://billgothard.com/content/statement-bill-gothard

The apostle Paul wasn’t shy about calling people out for what they did. If this is true about bg, and has gone on for decades, then Christians should be the first to deal with the mess, out it and help the victims. The “do not gossip” line has been misused too many times to avoid dealing with cancerous sin In the body.

What makes Bill Gothard radical is 1)understanding that throughout history certain behaviors always bring negative results (every time) which spread to those around you with unintended consequences. He lays it out pretty right on. 2)Living debt free, a Solid Biblical Principle, is now opposite our current economy 3) Over time and through his Chalk talks to kids with issues, he gained understanding of how certain problems happened again and again in light of Biblical Principles not “The Psychology of Adolescent Behavior” Over time he was able to make solid connections with Biblical Principles and individual actions with great charts that make sense. He helped us to see. The tough part for all of us is in the living of those Principles. It is all in the Bible and it works. Bill helped me find it and organize it for myself. I got a great deal out of the Seminar. “Who will throw the first stone?” Not I.

Where conspiracy theory and religion intersect, madness lies in wait.

It seems Mr. Gothard, and his followers have missed the mark completely. Grace, not obedience to any set of rules, is GAWDs answer. Any time you turn your back on grace, you automatically fall under the law. It’s more like gravity than consensus. Even Jesus said sins would be inevitable. None of us get past that nagging conscience, or the absolute horror of some grievous error. Paul was quite clear about our depravity, generation after generation. But that’s only something that GAWD can deal with. Starting with grace, salvation, and redemption. It won’t happen overnight. Loving the sinner, not gossiping behind their back, is the mark we aspire to. Mr. Gothard has, for decades missed the mark. And these hidden things are being shouted across the (media) rooftops. And that, to the good.

I hope you don’t wear wool on Sunday and if a women, that you have curly hair?? Seems legit! Man wrote the bible not God..

Familiarity breeds contempt.
Billy Graham never was alone in the company of a female, he made sure there was always a male from his ministry teem like a chaperon
because there are people out there whose flesh is weak. It only takes a moment and whoops a ministry is marked for life.
Helene