We know our voluntary resignation and our departure from the movement has likely confused our partners in the gospel. We share this with you because we care for you deeply and hope to provide some clarity as to why we stepped down. Our goal is to not pull people away from Christ, but to give them knowledge so they can decide to stay in the ICC or be faithful Christians outside of the ICC, in a clear conscience with the scriptures. Our prayer is that every disciple stays faithful to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
In all my leadership of different churches, I was at the fundraisers. When people couldn’t come, or didn’t want too, that was their choice, but I was there. When certain people shared about a financial hardship, I asked them to scale down their weekly giving, or to not participate at all in Missions. I encouraged people to make a decision based on their faith and ability. When people needed help with rent, I gave from church benevolence to help their needs. When the church didn’t have the funds Mandee and I took a pay cut per our request. If people needed a place to stay, they stayed with us rent free on a number of occasions. When we share about the pressure given to us, this was as a “church leader”. When goals were short, Mandee and I would give extra, or raise extra, or just come in short on the goal as church (2017, 2020 & 2022). When asking people to help meet a goal, my theme scriptures has always been: 2 Corinthians 8:12 “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”
Our Timeline Of Events
April 2022 Missions “Victory” was followed by feelings of the Spirit being off, and concerns for God’s people in the movement.
July 2022 Coltin and I decided we wanted some time to further study out biblical giving and we requested a sabbatical (time of rest) via email as we desired time to sort out our convictions in regards to 2 Corinthians 9:7, and Ephesians 5:3 (not a hint of greed/extortion.) and Matthew 15:1-9 in regards to how the movement handled raising funds for Missions. Request was denied for sabbatical and was disregarded. (We were also surprised to learn from Kip that the term sabbatical was used as a nice way of firing someone. We found this interesting as we knew of John Causeys “sabbatical” before he joined the ICC).
After we sent the email. Coltin had talks with Kip, John, and the Shelbracks. Kip seemed upset and strongly tried to shut down Coltin’s concern surround 2 Corinthians 9:7 and the pressure put on churches from central leadership. The talks were unproductive and Coltin was told that he was stretching the scripture and adding to it. This resulted in Coltin being willing to revisit his study of the scripture, and us remaining in our role as leaders of the Church and president of ICCM Columbus and overseeing ICCM for the Northern Federation of Churches. During this time Coltin and I continued to study this out.
August 2022 Went to GLC and met with the Kirshners. (I detail our conversation with them in my email to John) and Coltin was unsettled by Kip’s call from the pulpit for everyone in LA to give $20 more, and if they do not have it, go find it to give to God. Coltin felt strongly that this was undeniably putting people into a position to give under compulsion and was wrong for leadership to put on people. When other church leaders asked their people to raise their contribution by $20; Coltin refused to do this in Ohio.
November 2022 Fall Missions “Love Offering” goal was soon to be due. Coltin had presented the amount that LA had requested before the church so that people could give if they wanted too based entirely on their free will.. By this time Coltin and I had further studied and cemented our convictions that the approach to special missions is in conflict with 2 Corinthians 9:7 and so were unwilling to go about the raising of funds the way that leadership expected. We believe in generosity, sacrifice, and giving to missions but we don’t believe in the approach as it puts some people into a position to give from a place of compulsion (biblical study and sermon examples in my letter to John.) We were willing to miss the goal, and willing to displease leadership so as not to support compulsory giving.
Coltin and I worked together on this letter to John. Coltin was having talks on the phone, and I needed a place to express how I was feeling and so Coltin helped me with the email below where I highlighted a few additional doctinal concerns that were on my heart. At the time I wrote this email I had a lot of respect for John. I no longer have these feelings of respect for him.
11/18/22 Email sent to John Causey (one name is blocked out for their protection and privacy)
Dear John,
I have a deep respect for you, and your leadership style. With that said it has been on my heart to reach out to you because I need help understanding some of our practices. I have been studying the scriptures, and can’t make sense of what we do in comparison. There are four topics at hand. Specifically, the approach to special missions contributions, The biblical role of women as it pertains to wives and mothers, and also duties being laid upon newly married couples. I will also close this email out with one additional concern that weighs upon my heart. I decided to send this to you only at this time as you are my world sector leader, and I appreciate some of the things I’ve heard you share surrounding the movement’s finances. There is some emotion here, and so I earnestly ask that you please forgive me in advance if any of what I share comes across as disrespectful. Some of the content includes you. I mean no harm, I certainly mean no disrespect. This comes from a place of love, indignation, and passionate concern for God’s people. “….His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” Jeremiah 20:9 I write this email with a fear of the Lord before me, and a reverence for his word. This stems from a hope to better understand why certain things are done, and also from a desire to promote positive changes within the family of God.
Deuteronomy 24:5. The scripture says, “If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.”
If my memory serves me well I do remember Emma once shared this scripture, and how you and she had time to adjust to marriage before being sent out. I’m speaking from experience when I say assuming a leadership role puts a heavy strain on a newly married couple. Coltin and I were married for only two weeks before becoming the unpaid region planters, and mission team leaders of the Inland Empire in 2010. Though I am unaware of the details surrounding *********** challenges, I do believe it to be inevitable that young women such as ***** are struggling as very shortly after getting married she was sent to Iowa so that she and her new husband could lead the church. I believe the Spirit desires the protection of newly married couples as they embrace the major life transition that comes with marriage. I seek to understand why in many cases this scripture isn’t being applied to the selection of new church leaders.
Secondly, I believe it to be unarguable that the approach to special missions contributed to the downfall of the ICOC. There is much evidence, including apology letters from evangelists that eventually took ownership for the damage the approach to special missions contribution had on both individuals & the families within their fellowships. I’m perplexed as to why seasoned leaders that witnessed the devastation of the former fellowship, though given a second chance, seem to be leading us on what may be a similar path of financial wreckage. While generous financial giving and fundraising are good to do, I believe the tactics as currently practiced have been proven harmful by both past and present. If I’m completely honest, much of the approach to the collecting of special missions feels both coercive and oppressive. I think it’s fair to acknowledge that there is an undeniable exasperation within the hearts of some leaders, and for certain among the members. Perhaps a survey, asking the exceedingly sacrificial disciples how they are doing financially amid soaring inflation, and their thoughts about the approach to missions would be insightful.
I have been around long enough to know that many have fallen away over this, and the casualties include the weak, young, vulnerable, and also a decent amount of leaders. Though their qualms were likely not limited to the approach to special missions, it is by & large a contributing factor. The words “special missions” are recurrent in many of the marking letters. (A wave of fear hit me as I wrote those words, as I do fear that the writing of this email could hurt my family and me) though the price I would pay for not writing it would be even greater. If the many marked leaders had been able to keep their hearts free from bitterness (a serious battle indeed) perhaps, some of them would still be around. Personally, as I’ve seen these letters via email after email I can no longer help but speculate. It is evident in the marking letters that the approach to the collections of money was a serious stumbling block to so many “fallen heroes.”
Currently, I find solace in Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” I’m praying for God to lead us by his Spirit. I hope that you can help us as figuratively speaking it feels as though we are wedged tightly between a rock and a hard place. With the deadline for the fall missions quickly approaching Coltin has been lovingly inquiring as to what people can give, and encouraging all to be generous in a way that our conscience will allow. We are determined to operate in a way that is within biblical parameters.
However, for me, the pressure is mounting as it’s spiritually difficult for me to comprehend why we are already raising another set missions amount so shortly after we just had a mission contribution. Our discomforts over this were communicated to you, the Mckeans, and Shelbracks via email (and Coltin by phone) shortly after the last missions cycle. It is especially disheartening to feel like we weren’t heard. It feels as though no changes in the approach to missions have taken place, and despite the harm done it is rendered justifiable. We have extended years of trust, and the faithful followership of our leaders. I assumed that how we felt about the scriptures in relation to missions would matter. Though currently, it seems how we feel about it matters very little or not at all. Despite these feelings, I will maintain a spirit of surrender, and faithfulness. Though my faithfulness is to God and His word before all else.
I’ve served alongside my husband for 12 years in ministry. Our mission fields include Long Beach, Inland Empire, London, England, Boston MA, Super-regional leaders in OC (overseeing I.E/ San Diego & Las Vegas), and Columbus, Ohio. God has allowed precious souls to have been added to the ministries we’ve led. Some of which are notable. I share this not to boast but in hopes to communicate that we have invested in a way that I believe should permit some level of feeling heard as I voice my concerns. I hope my 12 years of humble service will communicate that I am not a “rocker of the boat” or one to “tip the apple cart” without reason. (*Though I did upset Tim on multiple occasions while in L.A. While under his leadership I wrestled with the number of ministry responsibilities I had as a wife and mother. I at that time was overextended and unable to responsibly formulate my thoughts, or support them with scripture the way that I can now.) All that to say I hope that you will hear my concerns as I believe they come from a pure heart. I deeply love God, and I desire to be regarded as one who has heeded the following warning from Kip as it highlights the dangers of turning a blind eye to the past.
“…… It has been stated, “Those who forget about the past are condemned to repeat it.” I think in retrospect, over the last few years, like so many other Christian renewal movements, we lost our spirit of continual restoration of the Bible. This led to a stagnation of the heart, among both leaders and members. . . “after beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law or because you believe what you heard?” (Galatians 3:3-5) What once was a joyous sacrifice for missions became a burdensome missions contribution multiple given under compulsion. What once was the spirit of a disciple to go anywhere, do anything, give up everything, in time became the same behavior without the heart. …… ~Kip Mckean From Babylon to Zion Pg. 15 (I need to look up which volume)
After our last “victory” I couldn’t help but acknowledge that where there should have been a spirit of relief I was rendered with a lingering sadness and guilt. The spirit felt off. Perhaps this was a result of my knowledge that in addition to the efforts the disciples made, the tagging, plasma donations, door to door cupcake sales, and regular calls to give from the pulpit, there was accountability upon us that I believe was out of line when it comes to God’s word and biblical parameters. When missing a “goal” comes with consequences for a leader or feelings of failure for God’s people then it is no longer a freewill offering or gift. Is there any healthy instance where a gift can be demanded of someone? I can’t imagine this going over well among loved ones at Christmas. It would, and it does damage relationships, hearts, and souls.
Though we achieved “our goal” last spring and we treated people with love, grace, and respect to the best of our ability. Some members were downcast as they felt like they didn’t give as much as they should have, and others gave in a way that caused financial suffering to themselves or their families. One example: An elderly sister gave above and beyond, and then struggled with gas money. She was also insecure about how she would afford the repairs that were needed for her car. This saddened my heart. Coltin and I called through any such member that may have feelings of defeat to thoroughly express our gratitude for their sacrifice and to let them know their gift was acceptable. (2 Cor 8:12) The heaviness and guilt that followed such a “victory” are telling, though I rejoice that my conscience on this matter has not been seared; it has instead motivated me to be open.
In our 12 years of ministry, we have only fallen short of “our goal” twice. Once was when we took over the OC super region (2016) in the middle of a “missions season” Coltin did spend 10 near straight hours calling through the membership (as incoming leaders we were barely acquainted with the people before these calls had to be made) Despite this immense effort “our goal” was missed. The only other shortfall we experienced was in 2021, and miscommunication was the contributing factor.
All other missions “goals” we were issued over the last 12 years were either met or exceeded. Including the one last spring (2022.) I share this to communicate that this letter is being written from a place of “success” and not “failure.”
The reality is that when it comes to the getting of these goals they cannot be missed. If they are missed God’s people are combed through repeatedly just like they were in the past. They are called upon to tag, give plasma, give up their stimulus checks or tax returns, or told to just go find it because they could find money to attend a conference. This pressure is exceedingly heavy. I bear the guilt that I too have at times participated in the redistribution of that “make it happen” level of pressure. God forgive me. I can’t imagine how this pressure is pressed down upon the people who are led by the newest/ least experienced leadership couples. Especially when they are reminded of what it takes to operate “at this level”. Failure is not an option without some level of consequence. This can be a heavy weight on any leader, and perhaps even more so on the leader that has just recently married.
I firmly believe that being given a set goal is coercive, and oppressive. The approach to missions is not asking for a gift but an expectation of a required payment. So is calling everyone to “just give $20 more.” In my opinion, this is undeniably calling people to give under compulsion. Why wouldn’t a leader be concerned for the unique needs of the individual, or family. I understand that disciples found the money to get to the GLC, but how many of those disciples were sleeping on floors in overpacked hotel rooms? Some barely made it there, and others who are already steeped in debt put the trip and the rather large conference fees on their credit cards. Some lower-level leaders jumped on what they heard from Kip and began placing pressure to increase $20 upon their people almost immediately. From my perspective additional oppressive, coercive tactics, and at the very least hints of extortion can be found in sermons surrounding mission seasons. I brought my genuine concerns to Coltin after listening to sermons that made me uneasy last spring. Matt Sullivan preached something that implies giving ½ a mission’s goal can somehow be parallelled to salvation. He asked, “Can you be ½ saved, ½ baptized, or is Jesus ½ half your lord? “ (The youtube video is available online.) This invokes fear. How does this not coerce people to give from a place of fear? I just can’t seem to understand how is this not an example of extortion.
Kip communicated in this excerpt that “What once was a joyous sacrifice for missions became a burdensome mission’s contribution multiple given under compulsion.” So my question is, “ was the past forgotten?” Why are we doing it this way? My inability to understand this on my own, and with the knowledge that “those who forget about the past are condemned to repeat it” I’ve been doing some research. I have sought out the past. I wanted to know if we are on the same track as before. To my disappointment, I now fear that we are. Tragically there are people that walk away broken and ridicule us over this. I use the word “ridicule” and not persecute as I believe that to be reserved for matters of righteousness and sound doctrine. In my opinion “Persecution” is not an appropriate word choice for financial mishandling. One person that left the church said, “ultimately, I could not afford to be an ICC Christian.” One disciple (a relative of mine) that walked away told me in conversation regarding missions, “I really struggled with it. People are putting themselves out…. a lot of those kids don’t have money.. . one guy didn’t have food but he still gave.”
The very definition of coercion is to compel by force, intimidation, or authority, especially without regard for individual desire or volition. The definition of exhorting is to wrest or wring (money, information, etc.) from a person by violence, intimidation, or abuse of authority; obtain by force, torture, threat, or the like. ) I will include further scriptures below to further express my convictions. Perhaps one scripture of the most concern is Ephesians 5:3 where God teaches, “But among you, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”
The word “greed” in the greek is πλεονεξία pleonexía, pleh-on-ex-ee’-ah; from G4123; avarice, i.e. (by implication) fraudulency, extortion:—covetous(-ness) practices, greediness.
πλεονεξία pleonexía – is not limited to but does include extortion.
God says for there not to be a hint, and that word translates to “let it not be once named.” And yet those against us, some within our “walls”, or those named in many of the marking letters have let their concerns be named more times than could be counted. There is much indication that people over the years have spoken up and yet sadly it seems to have been to no avail.
To make someone question their salvation over money is very intimidating. And simply by definition -intimidation is a form of extortion. Has Matt issued any sort of apology, or do the more vulnerable members of that church have the notion that though unequivocal ½ missions = ½ saved bouncing around in their minds? Coltin talked to Kip about this, and Coltin was told to talk to Matt, which he did. I however don’t feel like it’s Coltin’s responsibility to correct such a concerning message by a WSL. I feel it should be denounced from the top. I take responsibility for how I feel about all of this, as I know opinions differ.
In addition to Matt’s message, there are at least two other sermons from the last missions cycle that I am unsettled by:
Tim Kernans sermon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwJ6I3Jbyqw
“And we don’t have an attitude in the city of angels church of ‘o hey, this is how much I can give…. That’s garbage!!” That’s not true worship. True worship is, what does it cost? What do we need to hit? ……
So I see a tremendous problem with this, as God says, “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”
~2 Corinthians 8:12
Tim also talks about idol worship in comparison to special missions. He says, “trust me everyone is giving special missions this year trust me ….and the guy that doesn’t give special missions gave it to his idol.” “Just go look in the garage … just go to his house and you’ll see where he gave his special missions.”
What is being implied here? If the multiple/amount that people are told to give isn’t met then they are idol worshipers. The implications that come with his message are huge. Is this message biblically accurate? I certainly don’t think so. He taught that if someone does not give the goal they are expected to give then they are idolaters. If they draw lines in the sand it will not go well with them… calls them out on disrespect ect… The more I listened to his sermon the more I felt like there was a strong spirit of intimidation, guilting, coercing, and extortion. As if his words were not heavy enough, I feel as though his appearance of anger was both threatening and demeaning. It sounded to me like Tim told God’s people to go into one another’s homes and to cast judgment based on what they see there.
God considers a gift acceptable according to what one has, whereas, in contrast, Tim considers someone’s monetary giving “garbage” if it’s not the set amount asked for. (this is what I heard) This is completely unbiblical, and I fear it could be heretical.
How can one feel cheerful in giving in accordance with what they do have? How can anyone feel confident that their gift to God is acceptable? Sounds like giving anything less than “how much it cost” is unacceptable to Tim. What is acceptable to God = Unacceptable to Tim Kernan. Acceptable to God = Garbage to Tim; a church leader, a World Sector Leader, an overseer.
He then goes on to talk about the immense suffering of impoverished people around the world, as motivation for missions. But how much of the mission’s money goes to the poor? He also talked about the suffering in Ukraine, though if my memory serves me correctly there was an additional collection for Ukraine, for Sadhvi, and those in Manila, as these were not in the Mission’s budget. I believe the money for the poor comes from additional offerings and so I don’t quite understand why Tim talked about poverty in this message. It felt like a guilt tactic, and to me, it feels deceptive.
As if Tim and Matt’s rhetoric weren’t concerning enough, I also listened to part of Joe Willis’s sermon that he was flown into LA from Australia to preach. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f8-3FEE4CA) In his lesson, he shared about how impressive his kids are, and how much money they have. He is proud of their success and speaks of their accomplishments. He did also share that his children don’t believe in God. I think it’s fair for me to assume that if they don’t believe in God then they likely don’t give to Him either. That could be part of the reason that they have so much money.
He talked about his non-christian children as if that were to provide some sort of inspiration for God’s people to give more. I can’t speak for those on the receiving end of his message, but I have serious concerns. Specifically, the part about his kids, and also the part that felt as though he was (though likely unintentionally) talking down to and also pitting disciples against one another. He brought up how much a sister’s hair costs to be done. Do we want leaders looking down on already sacrificial sisters for getting their hair done? Many of the disciples work hard and should be able to enjoy some level of self-care. Especially when they see some of their leaders’ level of self-care, travel, and comfortability. And aren’t we also called to make the gospel attractive (Titus 2:10) by being attractive ourselves?
(*side note: when talking about his kids he also said, “when they pay for my meals I feel obligated to listen to them” and “When I paid for them I felt no obligation.” This made me sad. Should there not be more obligatory factors to listen to one’s own children especially considering their lostness? He doesn’t listen to his lost kids when they have no money? Do they get his ear when they pay for it? Did I hear him correctly?)
Is it possible that Joe W did not carefully consider that his audience was a room full of disciples? Many of them have sacrificed their dreams of success to instead build the Kingdom. Maybe he forgot that those he spoke to that night are financially strapped because of their poor widow level of sacrifice giving multiple times a year, every year. They in addition to their own sacrifice have exerted tremendous efforts by tagging and the like to help raise millions of dollars…..
And yet it seems that their leaders felt as though a rebuke from Joe Willis was in order.
I am not one to throw the baby out with the bathwater, and I do appreciate that these men have sacrificed and shared many great sermons over the years. I have not the capacity to even comprehend their level of sacrifice for the Lord. With that said I wish I could let these sermons go and chalk them up to a few irresponsible miscommunications, mishaps, or slips of the tongue. But the rhetoric continues, and my heart hurts for what I perceive to be at the very least, a hint of the financial extortion of God’s people. Honestly, I believe it exceeds a hint. Given the repetitiveness of this type of talking down to God’s people, and the way of getting finances, I now believe this to be doctrinal, and perhaps in some cases a salvational issue. I can’t help but wonder if these sermons are being corrected from the top, or if the younger evangelists being trained in this way are dealing with God’s people responsibly. After the call for everyone in LA, not to excel in their giving, but to give $20 more.
[https://youtu.be/44gCfYgIp00?t=2939 this link was not in original email but added for this post]
Despite Coltin voicing our concerns last spring and being told that he was “heard.” I have seen no positive changes, but instead, after being told there would be no fall missions, we received a call to come up with a 3x mission in the fall, and that number quickly increased to a 4.5x goal. And why? We have been given a very vague explanation. And where I believe church leaders and members should have received an apology for the (“no fall missions; yes fall missions”) violation of Matthew 5:37 “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” I don’t believe any apologies have been given, it is considered justifiable because there is a “need.” I do believe that you have expressed your disapproval to LA. However, I can’t be entirely sure as things currently stand a set mission amount is still due from us this Sunday.
Michael K said in his last email, “…. we have made every conceivable effort to avoid any fall missions.” To which I’d like to respectfully reply, “Michael, I don’t see any evidence of this claim as it appears that expensive trips are still being taken. Retreats and conferences abroad are being hosted where nice hotel stays, and classy meals are enjoyed, and massive transitions will happen regardless of whether or not the people of God can afford it. Is it the honest truth that every conceivable effort was made?” I truly hate to feel this way. I’ve for many years viewed Michael with tremendous respect and held him in high esteem. But I cannot believe his words that “every conceivable effort was made” because plans are pushed forward regardless of the cost, and frankly I have seen at times that the cost is far far greater than financial.
Perhaps in light of Matthew 18:15-17, I should send this email to him as well…? Though regardless of the outcome, I know deep down that this needs to be said. I am responsible for what I say, and also for what I do not say.
I believe Paul is to be imitated as he did make every conceivable effort.
2 Corinthians 8:20-21 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. 21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
The liberal gift Paul collected and administered was for the poor, and he took great pains to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and to avoid any criticism.
I before God do not want to succumb to cowardice and remain silent on this glaring issue. My fear tells me to let it go, but my silence is causing my conscience to gnaw at me. I love God, my family, my partners in the gospel, and God’s people too much to ignore this any longer. I am saddened that I “hear” no voice that has been loud enough to promote a change to align us with the scriptures. I didn’t want a message like this to come from me. I have to hope and believe that great stands are being taken behind the scenes and that changes are well underway. Time will tell. I believe something must be done before more people walk away, or are silently growing bitter whilst remaining on our membership roles. Tragically, bitterness has the potential to keep people out of heaven. I know that no one wants that, so why are we in this place? I certainly don’t want to be the cause of anyone’s bitterness. Additionally, I greatly fear that we are upholding a tradition (MT 15) that has the potential to keep us a leadership out of heaven.
To reiterate:
Ephesians 5:3
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”
Greed in the greek = pleonexia
Pleonexia- avarice, i.e. (by implication) fraudulency, extortion:—covetous(-ness) practices, greediness.
Avarice, i.e. (by implication) fraudulency, extortion:—covetous(-ness) practices, greediness.
Extortion- an act or instance of extorting.
- to wrest or wring (money, information, etc.) from a person by violence, intimidation, or abuse of authority; obtain by force, torture, threat, or the like.
The bible says there must not be even a “hint” of greed/ extortion:
Hint = let it not be named even once among you.
Extortion = Where there is any level of intimidation.
I believe the solution could be simple if just the leaders were allowed to decide their own mission’s goals. How wonderful it would be if every member had the freedom to communicate to their evangelist what they have decided in their hearts and have the faith to give. After all, “anything done without faith is sin.” Romans 14:23 Perhaps if we could set our own goals, we could then operate from the place of cheerfulness that God desires for us. How wonderful that would be. How happy we could be. In my opinion, the current model unfortunately is harmful at best, and spiritually deadly at worst. Though with a heart that deeply desires repentance for all guilty parties, I shamefully acknowledge that I too have participated in the current structure for far too long. Part of my motivation is writing this is my Godly sorrow, I have an eagerness to clear myself.
When a leader misses their mission goal how do they feel? Do they feel intimidated or forced? I’d like to answer that question with a personal journal entry I wrote after we fell short due to miscommunication in 2021.
Below is an excerpt from my personal journaling last spring:
“….we missed our mission’s goal- primarily over a miscommunication. We thought we had raised all that was asked of us and so we declared victory to the Columbus church. It was then communicated that we didn’t raise the correct amount. Coltin spoke with Michael K who understood that there was a miscommunication and was gracious. John C also seemed as though he would be gracious. John then spoke to Coltin a second time and was firmer this time around. Coltin was told that he would ask the pack to help make up for our shortfall and sent Coltin back to our members to see how much more we could come up with. When John told Coltin this, Coltin went silent for but a brief moment to process what he was being told to do. Coltin’s moment of silence from my perspective was displeasing to John as I heard him say something along the lines of “Bro, if you shut down I’m going to get angry.” Though probably not his intention, what I overheard made me feel intimidated. My husband appeared to be intimated as well, and my heart went out to him. Coltin handled himself well, agreed to the task, and then hung up the phone. While alone, or with just me, the guilt of coming up short, and the push to go back to God’s people for more was overwhelming to Coltin and he on several occasions broke down in tears…”
The reality is that even the strongest of men like my husband from my perspective was being forced, intimidated & embarrassed. Though the Pack did kindly pull together to help, I don’t think they should have had to as our gift should have been acceptable. Coltin was told that if he shut down his leader would be angry, we were embarrassed that the pack would have to make up for our shortfall, ashamed to call the Columbus disciples to give more, all of this was forced because no option was given. If Coltin shut down, anger was seemingly imminent.
I am not accusing, and I’m doing my best to not come across that way. I am just genuinely confused, and I seek to understand. These very tactics based on my understanding define “extortion.” If this is not the biblical definition of “a hint of greed (extortion)” then what is it? Personally, based on the definition and also what I have witnessed and the ways we have been treated for many years I believe this far exceeds a hint. Additionally, peers being told they need to make up for where another church leader fell short inevitably has great potential to create bad attitudes towards the one who fell short no matter how hard one tries to be a pure-hearted team player. (How is failure even possible in the giving of a “gift”? ) I know this from experience as we have also been on that end of the equation, and have had to at times make up for other leaders’ “shortfalls.” It is rather difficult to not have any attitude or feelings about it. Additionally, it is common knowledge that at any time church leaders could be asked to move for more “strengthening” if they don’t deliver. With all that said, I again believe that this approach includes many forms of intimidation, threat, humiliation, leaders being pitted against one another and their members, and tragically even an abuse of authority. We simply are not allowed to miss. Where freedom is lacking, there is force. And I believe from the scriptures that where there is force there is sin.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
~2 Corinthians 3:17
Perhaps I am out of my mind but I’m going to tiptoe out on a ledge here and by doing so I mean no disrespect. But I sincerely can’t help but wonder how quickly the current model would change if for but one mission’s season those at the very top tiers of leadership, the world sector leaders, head administrators, and movement leadership spent time on the street corners tagging, door to door cupcake selling, or hooked up to the needles in plasma donation centers. My guess is pretty quickly, as doing these things even once is quite challenging; and many of our members do it time and time again. I’ve at times had concerns for my husband’s health as he’s given plasma many times in effort to make missions or to make ends meet for our family. And maybe they are all doing these things, I am not sure, or perhaps there is no need for them to participate because they have the ability to just write the check; unlike so many of God’s people. Again I am unsure but for whatever reason, they (at least not that I’ve seen) are not on the street corners begging alongside us. I say this not to be critical but with a heart of genuine curiosity, and concern. As I write this paragraph this scripture comes to mind and it describes how I feel, “ 4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.” Matthew 23:4 Not to say top leaders aren’t sacrificing money as I believe they do. However, I perceive it to be far easier for the top than for any of us under them. This is my opinion based on what I see and or feel.. I do believe that in frequent instances, “Many rich people threw in large amounts.” Mark 12:41
Equality and concern for the less fortunate among us seem to be significantly lacking. We are called to, “do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Are we doing good, especially to the family of believers? We all want to save the lost, but I don’t believe that wounding the family as a means to accomplish such saving is the way to do it. And regardless of the amount of “fallaways” the speed and cost of all plans seem to continue forward.
I assure you that I’m doing my best to tread lightly here though I can no longer suppress my feelings. Again I mean no disrespect I just can’t bear keeping these feelings from my leaders any longer.
After the last missions Coltin and I met with the Kirschners briefly at the GLC and discussed our concerns. In my opinion, Michael invalidated them immediately by sharing how wealthy the American disciples are, and how much poverty there is out there. (Again, how much goes to the poor?)
He also shared this scripture with us:
“….then you must inquire, probe, and investigate it thoroughly.” Deuteronomy 13:14
He used this scripture within the conversation/context of special missions collecting and told us we need to inquire, probe, or investigate people’s financial situations. However, if you look at the scripture in context it really has nothing to do with the financial giving of God’s people. It has zero relevance whatsoever on this topic. Though let’s acknowledge that I for a moment considered that it might. The following question ensues: As head administer, does Michael K do this? He said the inquiring, probing, and investigating should be done. As the top financial guy for the movement is he doing it? Is Kip telling him to? Anyone?
Do the generators of missions’ contribution multiples, and goals spend any time inquiring, probing, or investigating the needs of God’s people before sums due are decided upon, budgets forced, and accountability spreadsheets sent out? Perhaps goal-issuing administrators have done this somewhere, but they certainly have not applied Michael K’s use of this scripture when generating a goal for any of the ministries Coltin and I have led over the span of twelve years. The numbers are just being crunched based on our average giving. It is undeniable that without an overseer surveying the condition of the flock, the goals are decided for us. Then we are told they are “our goals” when in fact they are not. Calling goals we never made “our goals” is in my opinion manipulative, and it’s important to note that manipulation is a physiological form of abuse. I unfortunately believe this to be an abuse of power. We never set these goals for ourselves, we are deprived of that freedom.
A further look at scriptures and some additional thoughts:
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
We find a good definition for the word “compulsion” in an unrelated scripture:
“….But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will…” 1 Corinthians 7:37
- Control over his own will = Under no compulsion
- No control over his own will=Compulsion
If an evangelist has “no control over his own will” as it pertains to anything including special missions then it is biblically undeniable that he is under compulsion. If the evangelist is under compulsion to get the mission’s money then it is inevitable that the people under his care are as well. We know the evangelists are not in control over their own will because when it comes to the amount of money they must come up with they are given no choice on the matter. Their will is not factored into the equation. The goals are manufactured by a leadership that to some degree feels aloof and unconcerned for the condition of the giver. Not one overseer has any idea of the number of single moms, or indebted families are on our membership role. In the excerpt provided above by Kip, it seems apparent to me that he previously acknowledged that this model creates compulsive giving and yet it is being enforced anyway. I just don’t understand. In light of MT 15, I believe they must be redirected, and/or freed from this mission’s money-getting tradition. And I know that “love never fails”….. ( 1 cor 13)
1 Corinthians 9:27…
“No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
I desperately do not want to be disqualified from the prize.
We all know the following scripture well, and I’ve taught it more times than I could tell you, and yet never before this year did it occur to me that Jesus may be addressing us (ICC leaders) in this passage:
“Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!”
3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’[a] and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’[b] 5 But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ 6 they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:
8 “‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
9
They worship me in vain;
their teachings are merely human rules.’ Matthew 15:1-9
I am afraid.
The special mission goals/set amounts being issued for us is a tradition that to me appears to be in direct conflict with 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
I don’t believe that the current model is within God’s will. I fear that Jesus would say, “you hypocrites… These people honor me with their lips but hearts are far from me…. They worship me in vain, their teachings are merely human rules.”
Tradition: Twice annual compulsory special missions goals/multiples are issued for evangelists/disciples that have no will and in many cases no freedom to decide on a goal of their own. They are told to make it happen, blow it out, that at this level you don’t miss, and/or go back to the people and ask for more. If the issued goal is not met they will likely suffer some level of consequence. Give a set amount as decided on by others….. (insert any of the quotes by Kip, Matt, Tim, or Joe.) I have even heard you once use the words “at this level you don’t miss.” If a disciple doesn’t give what is asked then they may be asked repeatedly for more, encouraged to tag, donate plasma, sell belongings, give their stimulus check or tax return, etc. Guilt and anxiety often follow an inability to give what is being asked. For some, the guilt is too much, and so they will give and suffer the financial burden that follows, or worse people walk away from their faith.
Commands of God: Give what you’ve decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion (compulsion = necessity, imposed either by the circumstances or by the law of duty regarding to one’s advantage, custom, argument
- calamity, distress, straits
†ἀνάγκη anánkē, an-ang-kay’; from G303 and the base of G43; constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress:—distress, must needs, (of) necessity(-sary), needeth, needful.)
Do not give out of “necessity” = told how much is needed, to meet the needs, an unavoidable need or compulsion to do something, an imperative requirement or need for something.
Do not give out of “distress” = great pain, anxiety, or sorrow, a state of extreme necessity
Give cheerfully what you in your heart have decided to give…
“Do not grudgingly or reluctantly. “God does not want our giving to be grudging (reluctantly, regretfully given with plenty of complaining) or of necessity (given because someone has made us or manipulated us into giving). This is more the spirit behind taxation, not Biblical giving.” ~David Guzik. Blue letter bible commentary
We are always told/ pressured by our leaders to meet “the need.” Based on my understanding of this scripture God is saying otherwise. Though we do give to needs, I don’t believe the bible supports the needs being used as the perpetual compelling force behind our giving. Oftentimes we are motivated and strongly pressured in this way. Some fight to get their hearts behind their giving to God. God wants us to give cheerfully, and it is clear that many have struggled to do so with the current model in place.
I believe God’s word is very against any form of extortion, exploitation, oppression, and coercion. Topical searches on these words are very insightful. I don’t believe it is necessary for me to share more as the scriptures I shared are already clear to me, and I believe they are more than sufficient in the communication of my convictions.
If you made it this far I would like to thank you for taking the time to “listen” to me. It truly means a lot. I’m open to discussion but most prefer it be with you only John at this time. I would like to talk only if you are not angry with me.
I understand this is a lot. Though there are a couple of additional things I need to be open about.
One is the role of women, specifically the wives and mothers within our churches. I’ve both seen and felt tremendous tiredness in our sisterhood and that has led me to search for answers. This article is very insightful and I hope to talk about it and promote positive reform in order to support and strengthen the family units within our family of churches. I believe that the strength of our families adds greatly to the strength of the Church.
https://www.douglasjacoby.com/wp-content/uploads/WOMEN%20II%20rev.pdf
I am personally extremely grateful that you and Emma are positive about me homeschooling my children. That has meant a great deal to me. I am however spread very thin as I strive to keep up with the needs of my family & home responsibilities, and all of the roles and responsibilities of the ministry. We have just one part-time intern and she can only do so much. In order to operate more effectively in my role I do need more help. We have been told the answer is growth. Though indeed resources are needed to help with that. Replenishing the money and the leaders we have sent out unfortunately does take time, and it takes a toll as I at times feel like I’m floundering. I do need help and cannot in clear conscience expect Deborah who is working two jobs to come and help me with my chores. It is difficult to feel as though I am nearly always failing somewhere, and/or letting someone down. In addition to those we have sent out, others have moved because it was their will and desire to do so. I believe we were in one recent Dtime made to feel a bit guilty for people wanting to move, however, John 3 teaches that we are born of the spirit and that spirit goes wherever it pleases. I struggle with feeling as though it is my responsibility to stand in the Spirit’s way.
Back to the role of the wives and mothers in our churches. I can upon request provide a sample schedule of a working wife/mom/disciple in our ministry, and share with you some of the things that one such sister feels. She is a great-hearted disciple that regularly fights to do what is right in spite of all that is asked of her. Missions, meetings, studies, d-times, special roles and responsibilities etc… I guess I am wondering if reform is possible. I believe it is certainly needed if ever a woman like her will be able to enjoy the light yoke of Jesus. I believe that the biblically accurate application of Titus 2 would be so helpful. I have no need to write further on this as the article above by Douglas Jacoby communicates near perfectly a majority of what I feel; which I found after doing a study myself on Titus 2 and then searching for any other studies out there.
In closing, I would like to share that as a ministry staff person I am very grateful for the pay we receive to serve the church. Coltin, and I are also very grateful for the additional financial support we have received over the years. We are also grateful for the help we received to help us with our debts as that support did help us get into a home a few years back. That was and still is appreciated. Though to be fair I believe it’s important to note that we were not in the amount of debt we were years ago as a result of pure negligence. Not to justify, but important to note that some of the debt we have battled was a result of noble efforts, and also compulsory financial sacrifice. For example, giving to missions more than we could afford to repeatedly because we felt like we had to give in order to meet the mandatory goal, and because we didn’t want to be hypocrites by calling others to give an amount that we couldn’t give. Years ago we took a financial hit as we took out a loan in order to help relatives. We have lent disciples money that we never received back (far more than I’d like to admit, as we couldn’t afford to lose the money we lent.) There have been times we were not paid at all while in leadership or were significantly underpaid. So much so that while in I.E and London both Coltin and I battled food insecurity. Coltin even asked if he could get another job in order to provide for us, to which he was told “no”. On one mission field (where cars among members were limited) we were so underpaid that the day after giving birth I had to wait in the rain for a city bus to ride home with my newborn. This was painful on multiple levels. We could not afford a cab and no disciple was available to pick us up. I also had on one mission field been kicked out of a coffee shop mid-bible study because I couldn’t afford a cup of coffee. I also sold my late great-grandmother’s gold earrings that I wore almost every day to be able to afford groceries to make a spaghetti meal for a family I was studying the bible with. I talked to our former leaders years ago and received a genuine apology and I forgave them years ago. I also forgave my leader years ago when he encouraged my shepherd to tell me to give my rent money to special missions. I do feel terrible bringing these grievances of the past up as they have been forgiven. I am not bitter. I bring this up as I feel there have been factors that have contributed to our financial hardships, and also debt. I share this not because I am upset but because I long to see positive changes, and because the current model stands I fear these things are still happening to others. When finances have been tight in Columbus we have taken self-imposed pay cuts, we were upside down in a car lease that we went over our mileage in as we moved from MASS to CA to assume a new leadership role, and though I have a conviction on frugality we have at times been guilty of overspending. I acknowledge that I at times have fallen short, but I assure you I have sacrificed. I have given my heart. I have strived to never let bitterness, or hurt take me from my role. I believe I have done my absolute best to continue forward.
A prayerful servant in Christ,
Mandee M. Rohn
P.S In light of my ambition to be very very open about my feelings. There is one last concern upon my heart and it comes from Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Perhaps not my place. But I just can’t help but wonder if before moves are made if anyone is checking in on children that are being moved around repeatedly. Are they angry? Are they hurting? Are they exasperated? What lengths are they going to fit in as the new kid at school time and time again? In a time of quickly deteriorating morals within our country, and indeed the moral decline within the public schools, I believe and fear that in some cases we are failing our youth. I fear that “kingdom Kids” are being spiritually abandoned in the name of “advancing the gospel” and “evangelizing the world”. Though I’m sure there are many variables. I can’t help but wonder why so few of those that were brought up in the church became disciples of Jesus.
11/19/2022 After I sent this letter to John I felt fear. Though he did call me and we had a mutually respectful conversation. However, I felt like he strategically talked around the scriptures, and justifies why we don’t follow them the way we should. Sadly, it is a near constant guilting and the narrative is, if we (church leaders) don’t come up with the requested money, then people wouldn’t be saved. The ends don’t justify the means.
11/21/2022 We set up a second time to talk and spoke for about 3 hours total. He again was very kind, however, I felt like I didn’t have the freedom to really talk about the scriptures as I was reminded repeatedly of “my place”, and that I’m not an evangelist, and was told not to be like Miriam (who got leprosy when she spoke out against Moses). I felt hopeful hanging up the phone with John because I did feel like he shared some of my concerns.
I found it alarming that he told me not to listen to the other WSL sermons because their sermons are poison to me, and that I was protected in his world sector. This bothered me because if one part of the body suffers than we all suffer. If John feels other leaders sermons are poison to me than surely they are poison for others? In 1 Corinthians 12:26 it says, “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it.”
John has also said things like you can’t make more bricks with less straw; implying how can we increase our Special Missions goals when we have not grown numerically. He has also stated, each baptism is more missions. This statement was very upsetting to Coltin and I, as people should not be looked at as financial contributors but family. We have members that do not give on a weekly bases because of life situation, let alone be able to contribute to Missions. We felt appalled by this statement. I thought John would help with all of this; I was wrong, and I’m really saddened that he didn’t.
11/22/2022 Coltin spoke with John the next day after our talks. He informed Coltin that I was “stretching the scriptures”. Coltin asked how (as he combed through and new every thing written in the email I sent), and John told him 2 Corinthians 8:5 “And they exceeded our expectations:” saying, “see, the leaders expected a certain amount from the Church.” Coltin then pointed out that the context of that number expected was one that the church decided themselves; 2 Corinthians 9:5 “Finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised.” implying that John was taking the scripture out of context. John then switched gears to talk about fundraising when people do not have the money. Two weeks after missions we only had ~$3,800 for missions when we were asked to give $6,633. (The email to John was written before this “shortfall”)
John graciously said that our world sector would cover our “shortfall.” John also said he knows the people don’t have the money but that they could have raised it if we would of started earlier. He used doordash as an example. Coltin let John know that some are already doing doordash in order to provide for their families during this time of inflation.
Coltin then thanked the other leaders for covering our “shortfall” even though we believe that our generous gift should have been acceptable.
Coltin and I knew shortly after his call that there was no changing the approach to special missions, and therefore felt like though we love the movement we could no longer remain in a position of leadership. Coltin told me he refuses to be a hypocrite, and that we would be resigning and also departing from the membership so as to not support what we believe to be sinful.
We met with our shepherds in training, and the shepherds and let them know in advance that we would be stepping down. Coltin completed the MERCY blood drive 12/3/2022, his ICCM duties 12/10/2022, put leadership in place 12/14/2022, and completed the calendar for the next year, so as not to “abandon the sheep”. Some members wanted to come after us but we encouraged them to stay. We at the time did not have the ability to lead anyone as we needed to restudy and examine our convictions. *At this time I don’t believe it’s healthy for everyone to stay unless there is extreme reform.
12/04/2022 Coltin preached on Traditions & Corban (Mark 7) in his second to last sermon “True Reason For Every Season”.
12/11/2022 Coltin preached his final sunday sermon “Noel” to Columbus ICC
12/13/2022 Coltin removed Noel from the Columbus ICC Youtube Page.
12/14/2022 Coltin texted Kip @2:58PM, “Hey Kip, It’s Coltin. I really need to talk with you. Please call me as soon as you can.”
12/14/2022 After much prayer Coltin felt compelled by God to send our resignation letter. After more prayer, he finally sent it. Without jobs lined up, and without asking for severance.
12/14/2022 Coltin emailed our letter of resignation @4:42PM:
A very heavy hearted resignation
Dear Kip & John,
I want to start by expressing my gratitude to you for all the training, love, sacrifice, and care over the years. You have taught me so much. You have believed in me, and given me responsibilities and opportunities I didn’t deserve. For that, I will be forever grateful. One conviction you have ingrained in me is to stand for what I believe in the scriptures, no matter the cost.
I have been conflicted over the last seven months over the scripture 2 Corinthians 9:7 and our practices on getting money. I have been studying this scripture in greek, other translations, and every commentary. I have also reexamined many scriptures on giving.
I believe in giving consistently, sacrificially, and generously; To provide for the needs of brothers and sisters, church staff, and new church plantings. I also believe in commanding the rich to give, teaching the faith that one could not out-give God. I do not have a problem with these things.
However, I can not continue to practice giving people a number to raise, and if they do not have it, then they must push people to fundraise; Or tell people to donate a certain amount. I can not be under this system, as I believe this violates 2 Corinthians 9:7.
I know that I can not fulfill my duties as an evangelist in the ICC, since this is one of the major focuses through out the year, being able to raise the amount commanded each Spring and Fall. I have been tormented over this, as I love the church, I love the movement, and I love being a preacher. But I value my walk with Jesus even more, and must keep a clear conscience. I can not, in a clear conscience, proceed as a member of the ICC as I believe this is a doctrine issue.
In the parable of Matthew 13:24-30, Jesus shares about weeds being planted with the wheat. Although he is talking about disciples and non Christians in the kingdom, I see this applying to “good” and “bad” doctrine. If one pulls up the weeds, it would up root some of the wheat. That is the last thing I want to do. For the sake of those who are saved because of the ICC (the wheat); I do not want to publicly take a stand on this issue (pull up the weed). I do not wish to take people with me. I do, however, plan to take my wife and kids with me. I do not want to be divisive. I do not want to be marked, I ask that you let me go peacefully.
I know we have fallen behind on Central Admin and Mercy payments as a church. I know without me on the payroll, the church will be able to make it all up by February. I also know with the ERC money coming in, the church should have enough to be able to put more on Staff or bring someone in to lead.
I have only talked to the Trujillos and the Esteps about us resigning. The Trujillo’s encouraged us with Ephesians 4 to fight for the unity of the Spirit and to not have any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths. The Esteps encouraged us to talk directly with you.
I plan to tell the church tonight at midweek that we are stepping out of the ministry. I do not plan to share anything more on the issue at this time. I will ask Joe & Capil Estep to lead the church as they are the appointed Shepherds.
With a heavy heart,
Coltin L Rohn
12/14/2022 We then had a closed (members-only) midweek @6:30pm, where Coltin started with James 3:1” Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” and he then shared our journey in the ministry and how he takes his role very seriously. He announced that we have been having talks with leadership in regards to some doctrinal differences, since it’s not fair to the people to be their leader without being completely unified with leadership we were stepping down over doctrinal differences. Coltin then placed our Shepherd, Joe Estep in charge of the church. He asked everyone to stay close to Christ, and to not let something like this stop them from being a solid disciple. We did not try to take anyone with us, nor did we want too. (Coltin has personally shared that we are in the cave of Adullam.)
12/14/2022 Kip called @7:08PM and left a VM. Kip expressed he just got back from Dubai, that if it’s super urgent we could talk tonight, if not we could talk tomorrow. Coltin was going to call back, but from the VM it was as if Kip had not read the email yet. We dont consider this a response to our resignation.
12/15/2022 Coltin turned his phone off. We spent the day reading, praying and singing songs to God.
12/16/2022 Coltin had a VM from Jeremiah Clark (my new discipling partner). He expressed he just got back from vacation and was just reconnecting with everyone. It was as if he too did not know of anything going on yet, since my email was sent to only John and Kip. This is also not considered a response to our resignation. As there was no indication in the VM that he read it but was instead calling to catch up.
12/16/2022 Coltin had a disturbing phone call with Michael Williamson in which Micahel accused Coltin of leaving God if he left the ICC/Movement.
12/16/2022-12/18/2022 That weekend a number of leaders (John Causey, Chris Adams, the Clarks, the McKays, etc) flew in and announced the new leaders of the Columbus ICC and then stayed and had talks with the members. We didn’t interfere with any of these meetings. Members reported to us some of what was being said and it was very sad to hear. When the leaders were in town no one tried to contact us or meet with us. No WML or Shepherd has tried to call me since Coltin submitted our resignation. (With the expectation of Chenelle Patterson on 12/20/2022)
Sadly it was reported to Coltin and I that the disciples in Columbus were told things like the Rohns are deceived by the enemy, God appoints leaders so they had no right to take themselves out of leadership, only God can do that. They abandoned the sheep, and do not care about them. *We don’t know exactly what was said as we weren’t there but this is some of what we were told.
12/22/22 Without receiving a single warning, Coltin and I received a marking letter @12:34PM.
( Very important to note that we were in good standing (recently added to overseer meetings/chats) before our voluntary resignation, and we received no “warnings” as they claimed. )
12/22/2022 We started to post on Facebook. Uploaded Coltin’s last sermon (Noel) to our own Youtube channel.
12/23/2022 Youtube claimed copyright on the video from Columbus ICC. Coltin edited the video to remove the Columbus ICC logo at the beginning and uploaded a new copy.
We received an email from Aaron Visinchini (with LA church letterhead) threatening us with legal action over Coltin’s sermon NOEL
We deleted the video that we uploaded to youtube to avoid legal action being taken against us. Youtube claimed copyright on the video from City Of Angels ICC.
Someone else anonymously re-uploaded a different video of the sermon. I do not know who uploaded this different video of the sermon “NOEL”.
12/27/2022 Sermon “Stand For Truth” http://rohnfamilyadventure.com/stand-for-truth/
12/29/2022 Sermon “Central Leadership: Kip McKean?” http://rohnfamilyadventure.com/central-leadership-kip-mckean/
01/08/2023 Sermon “Forgiveness & Bitterness” http://rohnfamilyadventure.com/central-leadership-kip-mckean/
P.S This approach to getting finances has been a concern for many people for decades. After our discovery we started to search for more answers, Coltin was shocked when he found this same battle took place in the ICOC. If you research the ED Power story (Indiana ICOC) you will find that he also tried to stop it and was marked.
Additionally below are some documents from other leaders from the ICOC who later apologized to their churches for the approach to the getting of special missions money:
“The Bible commands that each person should decide what they want to give to God and then do it cheerfully and not under compulsion. Often times in the past this passage has been sinfully ignored and people have been compelled to give. This has caused many people heartache and sorrow and caused some to leave the church. These practices are being strongly condemned and will never be repeated. This kind of compulsion has taken the form of excessive accountability during the special contribution…..
There have been times in the past where the special contribution was given and then a second effort was made to try and meet the goal. This should never have been done and amounted to forcing people to give. –Minneapolis Apology Letter, March 12, 2003
I know of church members who were in financial trouble yet still gave as much as they could for the special contribution, though it was not the full amount that they asked for. Rather than being grateful for the gift that these members had given sacrificially, instead the ICC leaders would sit down with them in a private meeting then subject them to character assassination methods; calling them “selfish” and that they should be “ashamed of their negligence” in not being able to come up with the full contribution that they imposed on them. Then once they have the member/victim feeling bad about themselves they tell them to pay the rest of their special contribution at a later time, as if it was some kind of debt that they owe.
Each year we were given a special contribution goal by Seattle and were not involved in deciding for ourselves what we should give. This won’t ever be repeated. All of the above practices were manipulative and controlling. They caused people to stumble and feel compelled to give. We are very sorry that they ever happened and hope you will forgive us for our involvement in them. –Minneapolis Apology Letter, March 12, 2003
HOUSTON APOLOGY LETTER:
At a meeting on Sunday, February 22, 2003, many sins and areas of concern were identified and discussed. Among the key areas that we believe need to be explored and changed are:
• Issues of financial giving such as coercion in giving, improper mandate of the
Special Contribution, and feelings of failure caused by humanistic goals and expectations.
• Abusive leadership and discipleship practices such as impure motivation caused by an undue emphasis on image and statistics, giving “permission” instead of advice, and a lack of approachability and humility on the part of some members of our leadership and staff –Houston ICOC Apology Letter, March 2003
We have fostered a culture of control through harsh “one over another” relationships. Though we deeply believe in the plan of Jesus for maturing the body, we have allowed that plan to degenerate into relationships that are intolerant, judgmental, harsh, and abusive. Advice has been viewed as law, leading to untold interference in many personal areas of your lives, from dating to finances to living situations and much, much more. –Orlando Apology Letter
And lastly: The words of Henry Kriete: “Our seduction with money”
“…..A sacred trust is set in place between those who ask and those who give- a trust that must be upheld at all cost. Every penny we receive and spend is a matter of love and respect for our Christians, especially the poorest among us. It also is a matter of personal integrity and the fear of God. We are no longer above reproach. I am not throwing stones here. I too am guilty. I too am deeply convicted.
We have no choice but to open the books and be utterly transparent in our expenses, especially those that might convey even a ‘hint of greed.’ Mike Taliaferro once told me, ‘If you can’t say it before a thousand people, it’s probably not right’. Good advice. We must once again take pains not only to do what is legally right, but also what is Christ-like and commendable in the eyes of men and God. Only from specific accountability and transparency- not from evasive pie charts at the end of the year- will the total confidence and blessing of the saints be had once again, as well as commending our consciences to the poorest among our flock, the single moms in our fellowship, those who struggle week after week to support us, and the critics who are baying for blood.” 2003
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