The evangelical world continued to reel from revelations of corruption and abuse among some of its most well-known leaders and ministries in 2021.
Some of The Roys Report’s top stories of 2021 came as no surprise, and featured already disgraced leaders, like Mark Driscoll and Ravi Zacharias. But other top stories involved leaders and ministries that remain highly regarded in evangelicalism.
These include John MacArthur, whose prosperous lifestyle, apparent nepotism, and misleading handling of COVID was covered extensively at The Roys Report in 2021. They also include Bethlehem Baptist Church where John Piper pastored for over 30 years. This year, the church experienced a major upheaval amid accusations of spiritual abuse and a culture of fear and intimidation.
Other notable stories included allegations of sexual misconduct against both Ben Courson and his father, Jon Courson—former pastors of a megachurch in Oregon. Jon Courson was also a leading figure in the Calvary Chapel movement, which has been the focus of several investigative stories at The Roys Report.
Though these stories can sometimes be difficult to read and digest, it’s our belief at The Roys Report that sunlight is the best disinfectant. So, we will continue to hold ministries accountable and expose evil as Ephesians 5:11 instructs. We trust that in the end, this will prompt necessary reform.
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Here are the top 20 stories published by The Roys Report in 2021:
Former Members at Mark Driscoll’s The Trinity Church say the church operates like a cult, surveilling people 24/7 & using a loyalty scale.
John MacArthur rails against prosperity preachers, but owns three houses, takes multiple salaries, and has given millions in ministry funds to relatives.
Oregon megachurch pastor and social influencer Ben Courson steps down from ministry amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
Jason Meyer, the successor to John Piper, has resigned in a major shake-up at Bethlehem Baptist Church amid allegations of abusive leadership.
Margie Zacharias, the widow of Ravi Zacharias, has broken her silence regarding her late husband’s alleged sexual abuse and is defending him.
TikTok videos mocking Christianity by Abraham Piper, son of renowned pastor John Piper, have gone viral. But theologians say they lack substance.
In recordings released exclusively to The Roys Report, a co-owner of spas with Ravi Zacharias tells of “happy endings” and Ravi’s requests to delete information.
Angela Dela Cruz makes a living as a porn star. She’s also a pastor of Living Faith Church, a new church plant in downtown San Diego, California.
Dr. Paul Maxwell—an author, former Moody Bible Institute professor, and writer for Desiring God—has announced he’s no longer a Christian.
Jon Courson, founder of Applegate Christian Fellowship, is now facing sexual misconduct allegations similar to those leveled against his son.
Make Driscoll’s demands for absolute loyalty have reportedly caused Driscoll’s son, Zac, and his wife, Chloe, to dissociate from Chloe’s parents.
After months of silence and calling reports on a COVID outbreak at his church “misleading,” John MacArthur acknowledges that COVID-19 swept through Grace Community Church last winter and was the cause of his mysterious absence.
A pastor who preached “weight control” by wives as the solution for marital problems has resigned as moderator of a General Baptist group and is being investigated by his denomination.
Several leaders who recently resigned from Bethlehem Baptist Church, including John Piper’s successor Jason Meyer, say the church’s culture breeds fear and tolerates abuse.
- Whistleblowers Say Classical Conversations is Multi-Level Marketing Scheme that Exploits Homeschool Parents
Classical Conversations (CC) makes millions as a leading homeschool curriculum. But CC directors make next to nothing in what whistleblowers allege is a multi-level marketing scheme.
A co-owner of a spa with Ravi Zacharias tells her story of abuse, saying she stayed quiet for years because Zacharias threatened to ‘ruin’ her.
Todd Wagner, the embattled pastor of Watermark Church, a multisite megachurch in Dallas, has resigned. Another pastor/elder has resigned, as well, saying he’s lost trust in Wagner’s leadership.
Lori Anne Thompson, a survivor of Ravi Zacharias’ sexual abuse, releases an emotional video statement, recounting the impact the abuse had on her family.
Naomi Zacharias, a daughter of Ravi Zacharias, announced an end to her leadership of Wellspring International, RZIM’s former humanitarian arm.
- Sam Horn Resigns as President of The Master’s University and Seminary, Capping Three Years of Tumult
Sam Horn has resigned as president of The Master’s University and Seminary, following three years of tumult at the schools associated with John MacArthur.
As many of these investigations are ongoing, we encourage you to subscribe to The Roys Report e-mail list (see below) and follow us via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up-to-date on these and other important stories.