MorningStar Ministries Official Statement
Date: September 24, 2024 (Fort Mill, SC)
To Our MorningStar Family, Community, and the Public,
In times of trial and adversity, we are reminded of the Lord’s command to walk in truth, love, and humility. As a ministry, we are deeply concerned by the recent issues that have come to light, and we want to state clearly that MorningStar stands with the victims of any form of abuse. We are grieved by the suffering caused, and we are fully committed to their healing and restoration. We are steadfast in upholding the safety and security of all, particularly our youth and children, and will always strive to ensure their protection.
A Call for Truth and Healing
MorningStar Ministries is currently working with independent, third-party investigators to thoroughly examine our policies and practices. While no failures have been found so far, we are committed to seeking the most thorough review to identify any areas where we can improve. Once these findings are available, we will share them openly. Transparency is not just a responsibility—it is a sacred trust we hold in serving the Lord and protecting His people.
Commitment to Cultural Change
We recognize the concerns regarding leadership culture at MorningStar. While some accusations are extreme and unfounded, we acknowledge the importance of creating an environment that promotes accountability, transparency, and safety. We are continuously reviewing our policies and leadership practices to ensure there are no gaps that could enable abuse or neglect. This process is essential to walking in integrity and truth as we seek to learn and grow through this season.
Safety Measures and Protection
We take all allegations seriously, as shown by our immediate referral to law enforcement when issues arise. At the same time, we honor the dedicated teachers, parent volunteers, and staff who have faithfully served thousands of young people with integrity and clear boundaries. Our ministries and schools operate weekly with strong safeguards, including mandated training and compliance with legal standards, to ensure the safety and spiritual growth of the children we serve. While we will continue to enhance these measures, we stand by the integrity of those who have served with honor and dedication.
Protecting children and vulnerable members of our community is a sacred responsibility. They are not just our children—they are the Lord’s children. We have always been, and will continue to be, committed to the highest standards of safety and security. While total protection in an increasingly dangerous world may seem unattainable, we will always do our utmost to safeguard those in our care, trusting in God’s guidance and protection.
Leadership Accountability
We have consistently sought to maintain high standards of leadership accountability and integrity. We are committed to learning from past challenges and failures and addressing them with humility and transparency. We acknowledge that no leader is perfect, but we are dedicated to ensuring that mistakes are not hidden, nor are failures covered up. We will accept just consequences and resist unjust or unfounded accusations.
While some individuals who were dismissed from our organization for incompetence or misconduct may seek to challenge our leadership, we are committed to protecting the flock entrusted to us. We trust the Lord to reveal truth and hold ourselves accountable to Him first and foremost.
Clarity of Investigation and Transparency
MorningStar has fully cooperated with law enforcement and multiple independent investigations in the past and will continue to do so. We believe these investigations have been handled seriously and impartially. However, we are pursuing even more thorough examinations by those with the highest standards and integrity. To date, no findings of negligence have been made against the ministry, but we will ensure complete transparency with any future findings.
Ongoing and Future Measures
Our ministry has established rigorous child protection policies, thorough background checks, and mandated ongoing training for staff and volunteers. These protocols ensure a safe, welcoming environment for all, especially the most vulnerable. We remain committed to proactively improving in every area and will continue collaborating with the most qualified professionals to keep our community safe. While we know that only the Lord can provide ultimate protection, we will continue striving to make MorningStar a place of spiritual growth and safety for all.
A Call for Prayer and Unity
As we navigate this challenging season, we ask the MorningStar family and broader community to pray for the Lord’s wisdom, correction, and grace. His discipline is a sign of His love, and though it may be difficult, it is necessary for growth. We commit to addressing legitimate concerns while rejecting methods and approaches that are contrary to biblical principles and the fruit of the Spirit. We believe the Lord allows crises like this to refine His people and expose areas where we can grow wiser and more effective in service to Him.
We earnestly seek the Lord’s discipline and correction, while resisting anything that does not come from Him. Through this season, we choose to remain steadfast, trusting that He will lead us through to healing and triumph. As we move forward, we are dedicated to ensuring MorningStar remains a place of safety, spiritual growth, and integrity.
In His Service,
MorningStar Ministries Leadership