From Mark Driscoll to Bill Hybels and Ravi Zacharias, there is no shortage of Christian scandals in recent memory. Abusive leaders not only leave a trail of victims in their wake but also cultivate toxic cultures within their organizations.
So when they are removed from their places of power, the question that often remains for these churches and Christian non-profits is this: Where do we go from here? How can organizations come back? Are there some that just shouldn’t come back at all?
In this episode, we explore the next steps of RZIM and how they intend to move past the sins of their namesake. From changing their name to completely retooling their organizational vision, they seem to be overhauling everything.
We also take some time to talk about the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, and what the decisions made their mean for the future of the denomination. With issues like how to deal with sexual abuse investigations to critical race theory and intersectionality on the table, the SBC has seemed to stave off a right-wing redirection for the time being. But will that last?
Here are the links to the resources we reference in this episode.
- Apology video from Sarah Davis (RZIM CEO)
- Abdu Murray interview with Josh and Sean McDowell
- TODAY: Hillsong Founder Breaks Silence on Scandals Surrounding Carl Lentz
QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE
The apologies from RZIM leaders are honestly some of the best we've heard in terms of a public leader taking responsibility for their part in a scandal. Share on X
When it comes to scandals like this, opinions are always divided. Some are completely ready for reconciliation and restoration, while others are understandable skeptical. Share on X
People say cancel culture this and wokeness that, but you just can't have the name of an abuser as the name of your organization. Share on X
There should be no line that we're not willing to cross to bring about restoration for those who have been hurt and abused. Share on X
It's a rarity for a public apology to not also serve as an explanation for why the person giving it isn't at fault. Share on X
You can simultaneously be a victim and a perpetrator. Share on X
It's amazing the grace it elicits in the people listening to you when you're honest, vulnerable, and you take responsibility for your shortcomings. Share on X
Ravi Zacharias will never be forced to face his victims, and that's a grace he doesn't deserve. Share on X
It's hugely important how the SBC approaches issues of race and abuse, because they influence hundreds upon hundreds of church––both inside and outside the denomination. Share on X
From the outside, non-Christians often see the actions of the SBC and just associate that with all American Christians. Share on X
The right-wing people in the SBC aren't going anywhere. And they're actually scaring off a fair number of other people and churches. Share on X
When you're trying to patch things and the ship is still sinking, it's probably a sign that the bones are rotting. Share on X
When systems and structures are man-made, they're guaranteed to have flaws. Share on X
The next generation of leaders tends to have only a slightly adjusted version of the thought process of the previous generation. Share on X
Change is hard. We all like tradition. Share on X
It's not worth it to keep a piece of history if it's going to lead us to a place of idolatry. Share on X
The legacy of fallen, broken people should never be more important to us than sharing the legacy of Jesus. Share on X
