I would like to start by saying that I am celebrating everyone’s freedom from Grace Church, and I am happy that your lives have improved from the separation. When you read what I’m about to say, I hope you don’t write me off as bitter. I admit that I’m angry. I admit that I’m angry at a lot of /you/. But I hope that you will read and respect my story as I have with yours and recognize the validity in what I have to say.

I was raised into this church without a choice. Read More…

I came to the church in the fall of my sophomore year of college. My first visit, I heard the story in John 3 where Nicodemus goes to Jesus at night, and Jesus says he must be born again. I didn’t know that it was in the Bible that Jesus said to be born again. So that night with a friend who attended the church I prayed to be born again. I still consider my relationship with God a defining part of my identity, and somehow I can’t tell the story without including this. I became involved in ministry at the church. I deeply angered one of my parents when I decided not to come home for the summer, instead finding a part time job and serving at the church. Read More…

In Spring of 2002 I began my first semester at Central Michigan University. My sister, four years my elder, was also a CMU student. Over her time at CMU she became involved in a church called The Young Church. Early in that fall semester I was called on my dormitory phone by a member of the The Young Church, to see if I would be interested in getting to know other freshman students through fun outings led by 2-3 other younger leaders in the church. These individuals ended up being JS, RB, and BL. I do not recall how my number was provided to this caller from the church, only that I certainly have no recollection of disclosing it. Read More…

I am writing this to inform others of my husband and my observations and direct involvement with the abuse that was/is going on at Mt Pleasant Grace Church. For us this started when our daughter was going to CMU. She started going to Young church/ Grace church in her junior year, and attended for greater than 10 years. I was excited for her. I could see she was growing in her faith. We attended several times. Each time however, I would feel a check in my spirit, thinking of the messages. Most of the time the messages were given by others. They were not trained, they didn’t have any seminary training.Read More…

I am a former member of The Young Church. The name change to Grace was on its way when I finally left. Seeing this thread… Is killing me. I have hurt, even thinking of this place, even after leaving Mount Pleasant, daily.Read More…

I grew up in Mt Pleasant and first attended the Young Church on occasion in high school when it was still an extension of First Baptist Church. My father was a minister at a church in town but after I graduated, my parents moved. I started seeking a church of my own and this one felt very different than the traditional church I had grown up in, and the fact that there were so many people my age was a huge draw. I quickly was approached to join baby church, I was shy and not very confident so I was cautious but joined. While I was happy to connect with people and to build relationships there was quickly some things that didn’t settle well. I was told that I was to serve 50 weeks a year, I told RG right up front that I had a wedding of a close friend the following Saturday (I served on the Saturday night team) and I was told I’d need to skip it, which I did.Read More…

I am a former member of Grace Church. I am ashamed of how long I attended, was deeply involved and committed to this church. I wanted to share some of my concerns as a warning to all involved or thinking of being involved.Read More…

Here is my story…. I am a college student and I previously attended Grace Church for 14 years. I left Grace Church with my family 3 years ago after having been there almost my whole life. During that time, I was involved in the coffee team, children’s ministry, music ministry, and helped lead the cleaning ministry. I was also an intern for two years and as a part of those internships, attended two pilgrimage trips. With no exaggeration, this church was my life and leaving was the hardest thing I have ever experienced.Read More…

I was at grace for 14 years before I walked away. I guess I gradually faded out. In the beginning I was valued. I served, was an intern a few times, worked full time, had a leadership role, went on multiple pilgrimages. I loved being part of this and bringing others to know Christ. There were some things that I look back on now and wonder how I didn’t see the control and manipulation.Read More…

My story isn’t as messed up as other ones I’ve heard. When this came up, I started thinking back on various post-Young Church feelings that I had and thought of a brief e-mail exchanged that I had with Scott K that happened after he sent me a “Celebrate our 10-year reunion” e-mail. It got a little hot, but I think the rawness of my email is worth sharing (this was in 2008, so about 3 years after leaving). I certainly don’t have this animosity now (10+) years later. The following is pretty raw, but I think it sums up what was going on in my head and heart at the time. Perhaps it will resonate with some of you who are sorting stuff out.Read More…