Reggie Joiner, founder of the leading Christian youth curriculum, Orange, and Orange CEO Kristen Ivy have resigned after admitting an “inappropriate relationship” with each other, according to a board statement sent to supporters yesterday.
“Reggie has admitted to past inappropriate adult relationships, which violated our company policy and eroded trust within our organization,” wrote Board Chair Joel Manby and Board Special Governance Chari Jennifer Barnes. “During the course of the Board’s investigation, Kristen also disclosed a past inappropriate relationship with Reggie.”
Neither Joiner nor Ivy responded to The Roys Report’s (TRR) request for comment.
Orange works with more than 10,000 ministry leaders in 40 countries to provide content and curriculum, encouraging influences from both church and family, according to its website. The news of the resignations comes a week before Orange’s annual three-day family ministry conference in Atlanta with speakers like Jon Acuff, Danielle Strickland, Eugene Kim, and Rich Villodas. Neither Joiner nor Ivy will be attending, the statement says.
“We have moved quickly to respond, and we are continuing to engage in a responsible and transparent process,” the board statement says.
Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of “Baptistland: A Memoir of Abuse, Betrayal, and Transformation” by Christa Brown. To donate, click here.
Joiner was also the co-founder with Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church in Georgia, his website bio says. After working there for 11 years, Joiner founded Orange. He’s written more than 30 books, including “Think Orange,” “Seven Practices of Effective Ministry,” and “Lead Small.” He’s married and has four kids, his bio states.
“Reggie has changed the way churches and organizations create environments for and equip leaders, parents, and the next generation,” his bio states.
Maina Mwaura, a former consultant for Orange, described Joiner as a “charismatic” leader who quickly became successful.
“He was the guy in family ministry,” said Mwaura.
Joiner also had a reputation for advocating for women’s careers, Mwaura said.
“He seemed to champion women,” Mwaura said.
But Joiner kept a condo next to his office, which seems strange now, Mwaura said. Joiner’s success came with power, Mwaura added. “You just knew not to cross him.”
Ivy was a high school teacher before joining Orange in 2006, her bio states. She has helped develop Christian curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school students, and has co-authored 24 books. She’s married with three kids.
She was a “rising star,” who quickly moved up the ranks to become CEO, said Mwaura.
In February, she spoke at Liberty University where she challenged students to lean on Christ during uncertain times, the Liberty Champion reported.
“There will come a time when something about your faith isn’t working the way you imagined,” Ivy said at Liberty.
Mike Clear will serve as the acting president of Orange while the board conducts a nationwide search for a new CEO, the board statement says.
“While we do not have a definitive timeline for hiring a CEO, we assure you we are committed to moving forward thoughtfully and diligently, keeping in mind what is best for Orange, our partners, and—above all—our mission,” the board’s statement says. “Again, I realize this is a lot to take in, but let us remain steadfast in our commitment to our shared mission.”
Rebecca Hopkins is a journalist based in Colorado.
English 
Spanish 
11 Responses
There is that phrase again, “inappropriate relationship”, giving people the impression that it was not quite adultery, even though it might have been, and usually turns out to have been, without saying what actually happened. Diluting sin is just “spin”. When I hear “inappropriate relationship” now, I really hear “still covering up”.
Exactly. I knew what adultery was when I was a lost RC and in my teens.
I remember saying to someone that I’d rather “die than be unfaithful and/or have sex with another woman’s husband”.
That still stands. And even more so, of course, now that I’m born again.
These kinds of people know EXACTLY what they’re doing but their hearts are hardened.
And I’m sick of hearing all the pathetic excuses because there are plenty of unsaved people who know how to stay faithful in their marriage (even for decades).
When your behavior is worse than the lost, it’s sort of blasphemous to claim you’re a follower [imitator] of Christ and a Christian by definition (i.e with the Holy Spirit indwelling: Romans 8:9).
Sin is putting self above others and above God.
Romans 13:8-10 says it all…
The fact that he had a condo next to his office (were they connected by internal door as some adjacent hotel rooms?) makes me think that Kristen Ivy was not the only person with whom he had an “inappropriate relationship.” And the cynic in me says he had this relationship with Ivy for years.
I remember utilizing in my ministry, the Seven Checkpoints work that he co-authored while at North point. I’m watching God expose sin, and purge His Church each and every day. It’s painful to see and endure, but He is doing it because of His immeasurable love, unstoppable promises, and for the praise of His Glory!
Both Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy sinned against God, violated their marital vows, and have compromised their Christian example to their families, their supporters, and Christian men and women who every day are being tempted to sin through lust and are resisting. Jesus would call them hypocrites. The American church will probably call them flawed, sincere followers of Christ. The main issue is that their families will feel betrayed, hurt, and looking for answers as to why the faith that promotes a new birth and resurrection power was unable to prevent these two from denying the power.
“having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2Tim 3:5)
The American church is waning in influence. Christians are embracing celebrity culture. Parachurch organizations lack moral accountability. These public sins and confessions make a mockery of Christianity. Elders are to be free from dominant pride. Even deacons need to be tested for character and humility.
“not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” (1TIm 3:6)
“But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.” (1TIm 3:10)
This may well have been akin to clergy sexual abuse. Joiner was a dominating person according to the article, and had a pattern of immorality with more than one “relationship,”, and had authority over her in her work and career.
Were all of the women subordinates?
Were all the persons women?
Were all the persons adults?
Robert, I was thinking the same thing-clergy abuse I wonder what Julie Roys thinks about this.
Janice McKenzie, thank you for your comment.
It’s not surprising that the leaders of a ciriculum that promotes self and unbiblical ideologies like “be human” and “affirm your personal journey” are not displaying godly character. It’s not surprising that leaders of a curriculum that promises a “better future” will contradict God’s word to get it. B/c that’s the goal right? A “better future” as defined by YOU. The steps away from authentic Christianity that proclaims the whole counsel of God are subtle but deadly. When reverence for the word of God, a down playing of sin and total depravity, and a lack of a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus rule and reign a form of godliness that denies its power will prevail. Faith is not about making yourself and others “feel good” it’s about conforming to the identity of Christ, obedience to His word, kingdom work, and living a life filled with the power and love of Jesus that proclaims His glory. The biblical examples of Paul, Stephen, John and believers all through the centuries do not show people who got a “better life from their personal journey”. They got Christ himself and a life that displayed his glory through the suffering, sacrifices, and persecutions they endured for His Name. We have failed an entire generation of children with this watered down message. We need a generation of children discipled on the beatitudes because this fluff does not endure.
I’m curious if more of this will happen in leadership at North Point church too. Time will tell.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeQdTMbAQYA
“They’ve really given into the spirit of the age and tried to make the self the hero of the story.” Elizabeth Urbanowicz on Think Orange
This story is yet another example proving my belief that some number of fallen “Christian” ministry leaders aren’t Christians who lost their way, but never were believers. Instead of attempting to restore such people, they need to hear the Gospel again. Except that most of them have vaccinated themselves and are immune to it. They know it better than anyone else yet in their heart, have rejected its core message. They think it’s good and necessary for someone else, but not for them. They are skilled at turning the Gospel and Christian living into a highly profitable enterprise. They have been playing the game so long they appear sincere and know all the jargon and how to behave in public. Behind the scenes, the real person exists and when they are exposed, they know how to put on the correct show.
Is it me or does he look old enough to be her dad. Ewwww. Creepy American evangelicals. They are exponential growing.