This is heartbreaking, yet holds the promise of healing if rightly responded to in TRUE openness, humility and repentance by our leaders. Let us walk in the light of truth together as Jesus is in the light, that forgiveness and healing can flow. May our leaders have the courage to receive and respond to what the light is revealing.
C
Courtnie Ruebesam
4 years ago
Signed 05-28-2022
T
Teresa Koop
4 years ago
I believe you and have experienced the 'great silence and circling of the wagons' after truth is told. You are brave.
H
Heather Mayer
4 years ago
I have too many friends who were assaulted in the Foursquare church
C
Craig Littlejohn
4 years ago
What grows in the dark dies in the light.
A
Amanda Erdmanczyk
4 years ago
Accountability. Do the right thing.
S
Sandra Mott
4 years ago
I stand with Heidi!
C
Courtnie Christensen
4 years ago
Accountability needs to be addressed in all areas of leadership to not abuse power and hurt those who wish to grow in Christ.
F
Former Missionary
4 years ago
It has been known since at least 2004 that Mike Larkin was a bullying "leader" who used intimidation to get his way and to demean people. It was never publicly disclosed why he was pushed out of FMI. By why in the world did those who had the authority make the unGodly decision to allow this man to go work with vulnerable young people? Did the send him to Virginia to get him as far awat from LA as possible. Who made this decision. What had been buried and never revealed. Whay was he allowed to bully and intimidate people for so many years?
The issue is deeper than Larkin. It is systemic. Why does Foursquare promote the abusive teaching of John Bevere? Is it because he promotes fear and intimidation? Don't touch the pastor or leader because you are under them? What BS. the system is sick and needs a complete overhaul. I have no hope it will happen. There are far too many type A bullies at the top protecting their positions. Foursquare is a "Family"? perhaps, but a highly dysfunctional family that is in desperate need of shock therapy. We walked away several years ago, never to return. It is a crime that the supposed GenNext was sent to be abused by this wicked system. Is it any wonder. Foursquare is not growing in the United States?
Please, surprise me. Open the books. Expose those who have intimidated and abused in any way. Stop hiding behind lawyers and your supposed spiritual authority. Does Foursquare have a hidden database similar to the Southern Baptist Convention?
D
Derwin Castillo
4 years ago
I have read all the info online about this case. Not sure I have it all nor need to have it all. First thing it did was put me on my knees to pray for all involved. Have you done that? Next I spoke the names of those mentioned to God our Father. Then I repented for the times I made poor decisions or hurt someone or treated someone in a way they could feel damaged. Jesus is Savior, Baptizer and Soon Returning King and HEALER. Dear God, Heal Us All. Amen
M
Matthew Elkin
4 years ago
Foursquare refused to investigate the two cases of abuse I alleged against a former pastor who was later "un-credentialed" for other reasons.
A
Anonymous
4 years ago
Not been anytime part of Firsquare. I totally support this initiative.
C
Corey Grinder
4 years ago
Let’s speak the truth in love while remembering that Christ alone is Lord, Savior and Judge, and encourage one another to personally and corporately better resemble and represent Christ, seeking first the kingdom of God and it’s righteousness, becoming a community that confronts, forgives, reconciles and restores in that manner which most glorifies God in each and every expression of our shared life in Christ.
T
Tim Gowin
4 years ago
I knew Mike back in the late 90s as very verbally abusive and unkind. There are more like him in Foursquare.
W
Wendy Haynes
4 years ago
This is happening in more ways than just the situation with Mike Larkin. It is also happening in ways that widows copastor and other women in ministry have been treated. The abuse of power goes well beyond even what Heidi has suggested and people have been silenced way too much. Something needs to be done we are better than this.
M
Mike Hammond
4 years ago
We cannot place institutions over people. While considering yourself family can be a good thing it can also foster environments of abuse. We need to do our part in owning up to the fact that there are many covered stories out there. Let’s do the hard work of telling the truth.
G
Grace Fincom
4 years ago
Sad news and I am hurting for all the victims but make sure you don't throw stones at anyone.
T
Timothy P Mabe
4 years ago
finally.
R
Ron McCabe
4 years ago
This is a part of a trend that needs to be addressed
D
Deborah Stewart
4 years ago
These abuses need to be dealt with accordingly. Neglecting to do so is not holding one another accountable and compromises all that we believe.
This is heartbreaking, yet holds the promise of healing if rightly responded to in TRUE openness, humility and repentance by our leaders. Let us walk in the light of truth together as Jesus is in the light, that forgiveness and healing can flow. May our leaders have the courage to receive and respond to what the light is revealing.
Signed 05-28-2022
I believe you and have experienced the 'great silence and circling of the wagons' after truth is told. You are brave.
I have too many friends who were assaulted in the Foursquare church
What grows in the dark dies in the light.
Accountability. Do the right thing.
I stand with Heidi!
Accountability needs to be addressed in all areas of leadership to not abuse power and hurt those who wish to grow in Christ.
It has been known since at least 2004 that Mike Larkin was a bullying "leader" who used intimidation to get his way and to demean people. It was never publicly disclosed why he was pushed out of FMI. By why in the world did those who had the authority make the unGodly decision to allow this man to go work with vulnerable young people? Did the send him to Virginia to get him as far awat from LA as possible. Who made this decision. What had been buried and never revealed. Whay was he allowed to bully and intimidate people for so many years? The issue is deeper than Larkin. It is systemic. Why does Foursquare promote the abusive teaching of John Bevere? Is it because he promotes fear and intimidation? Don't touch the pastor or leader because you are under them? What BS. the system is sick and needs a complete overhaul. I have no hope it will happen. There are far too many type A bullies at the top protecting their positions. Foursquare is a "Family"? perhaps, but a highly dysfunctional family that is in desperate need of shock therapy. We walked away several years ago, never to return. It is a crime that the supposed GenNext was sent to be abused by this wicked system. Is it any wonder. Foursquare is not growing in the United States? Please, surprise me. Open the books. Expose those who have intimidated and abused in any way. Stop hiding behind lawyers and your supposed spiritual authority. Does Foursquare have a hidden database similar to the Southern Baptist Convention?
I have read all the info online about this case. Not sure I have it all nor need to have it all. First thing it did was put me on my knees to pray for all involved. Have you done that? Next I spoke the names of those mentioned to God our Father. Then I repented for the times I made poor decisions or hurt someone or treated someone in a way they could feel damaged. Jesus is Savior, Baptizer and Soon Returning King and HEALER. Dear God, Heal Us All. Amen
Foursquare refused to investigate the two cases of abuse I alleged against a former pastor who was later "un-credentialed" for other reasons.
Not been anytime part of Firsquare. I totally support this initiative.
Let’s speak the truth in love while remembering that Christ alone is Lord, Savior and Judge, and encourage one another to personally and corporately better resemble and represent Christ, seeking first the kingdom of God and it’s righteousness, becoming a community that confronts, forgives, reconciles and restores in that manner which most glorifies God in each and every expression of our shared life in Christ.
I knew Mike back in the late 90s as very verbally abusive and unkind. There are more like him in Foursquare.
This is happening in more ways than just the situation with Mike Larkin. It is also happening in ways that widows copastor and other women in ministry have been treated. The abuse of power goes well beyond even what Heidi has suggested and people have been silenced way too much. Something needs to be done we are better than this.
We cannot place institutions over people. While considering yourself family can be a good thing it can also foster environments of abuse. We need to do our part in owning up to the fact that there are many covered stories out there. Let’s do the hard work of telling the truth.
Sad news and I am hurting for all the victims but make sure you don't throw stones at anyone.
finally.
This is a part of a trend that needs to be addressed
These abuses need to be dealt with accordingly. Neglecting to do so is not holding one another accountable and compromises all that we believe.