Open Letter on Abuse in Foursquare

Let us lead the way in appropriately handling all forms of abuse. Let our response glorify God as we, the Foursquare Church, take the straight and narrow road of righteousness and justice.

As a parent of a former Ignite student, I found Mr. Larkin to be very manipulative. He encouraged students not to communicate with their parents and in a meeting with parents of new students he made it clear that he expected us as parents to accept that as being in their best interest and made fun of a parent who snuck around so that they could actually see and speak to their student. Mike’s words, and manipulative influence had a profoundly negative impact on my daughter that has adversely effected her ever since her time at Ignite.

Leaders- Admitting that a person in leadership has sinned is not a sign of weakness nor a reflection of your leadership. Addressing it, making it right and admitting to the sin is a sign of STRENGTH. What a missed moment to demonstrate rebuke and discipline tempered with love as Jesus did. And a reminder to all involved in the "business" of Church; PEOPLE are the Church. And as such, listen to your CHURCH! Respectfully, the daughter of 3 generations of Foursquare ministers.

The victims are many.

I hear ya! Matthew 18 can be weaponized to silence victims.

I have signed this petition to support Heidi and the other victims of abuse at the hands of Foursquare ministers and leaders. I am so sorry that Heidi had to tell her own story. No one should stand alone. I am not calling for leaders to resign because many people, over many years, bear various degrees of responsibility and I believe we have come to a forced moment of realization … and hopefully recognition with Godly repentance. We have arrived, painfully for too many, at a place of fractured institutional responsibility. Should there be an open dialog and accountability from our most senior leaders? Yes! Can we corporately lament for our family’s wrongdoing, listen together for God’s word in repentance and work together to bring change? Yes, we must. As a senior leader I stand with the victims of abuse. We must change. Though I cannot erase the pain you have endured, may I ask for your forgiveness and commit to walk beside you in healing and restoration?

The secrecy, negligence and continuation of broken promises must not go without consequences. Do better Foursquare. You are causing immense pain to your "family". Take ownership, truly repent and make things right.

Daniel, If you'd like to share more, let me know. I get it if it's too much. [email protected]

David, I can't imagine how difficult it is to share this publicly. If you'd like to tell your story, let me know. [email protected]

Tammy Dunahoo, Glenn Burris, Wendy Nolasco, Randy Remington, Josh Best. these are names of people who could have and should have done better. I pray for them to step up and do what is right. Glenn is retired but this started when he was President and he was and is a pal of Mike Larkin. Step up, speak up and do the right thing. God be with you all.

I was a student from 2011-2013; suffered from physical abuse that unfortunately led to spiritual abuse. Which caused inner trauma that led to pain for many years. I feel finally it's surfacing. Thank you God for our precious timing

This is frustrating, do better

The punishment must fit the crime! Mike Larkin has consistently displayed a pattern of behavior and abuse towards others and is an arrogant, egotistical bully. As someone who experienced such things first hand, I demand appropriate measures be taken.

We were also victims of abuse by our Supervisor.

Heidi's experience is in line with what I saw and experienced during my time at Ignite (2009-2010). My attempts to raise red flags about Larkin's leadership and abuse of power fell on deaf ears. Reading the GRACE report was painful but validating.

If your reading this and struggling on knowing how to respond because of the wave of emotions it has unlocked, you are not alone. Why I'm signing this: I worked alongside Mike Larken at the Central Offices for 5 years and can attest to the bullying aspect, what other's told me was just his police “command presence”. I never for once doubted he was human, but I also never once fell for that line as justification for behavior unbecoming of leadership. It took just one, near fight, stare down with him for me to learn to steer as far clear of him as I could. I have just finished reading Heidi's investigative results report in full. Thank you so much for sharing it Heidi. And thank you for speaking up. It's something I very much regret not doing myself for the sake of saving others, like yourself, the anguish you have been left the burden of carrying. I want you to know, and to any other survivors reading this, that your voice matters and I am signing this petition today not because I am guilt free myself, but because accountability is everyone's responsibility. After serving at The Church On The Way for over a decade and then the Foursquare Central Offices for another seven, I am now left fully estranged from the Foursquare family I have so dearly loved. There are volumes of history here. Mostly good, but some brutally bad. In the end my family and I raised our hands too many times in meetings, had too many crucial conversations with toxic leaders who chose to not walk in accountability. I personally have seen too much behind the stage. I too have been abused by spiritual leaders most of my life, sadly in almost every possible way imaginable. My heart is broken. Because this is more than just the account of one leader but the account of a systemic system of brokenness, that cultivates leaders who refuse to be broken. We need this more than you could ever know. If anyone is reading this and would care to reach out to me I would more than lov

I paid tuition that funded this abuse and that pisses me off.

There is in this gracious call to lament and action a recognition of a systemic pattern of fear/coverup that needs to be repented of and actively addressed in both heart and policy.

This negligence cannot keep happening. Do better foursquare!

The board is responsible in making a decision to override the wisdom of independent inquiry and a promise for a statement to be released that would chastise Larkin and have brought healing to Heidi and other victims. How can a board of directors made up of male and females do such a thing? What kept them from doing the right thing and President Remington also?