Sunday Morning PFM Update
I hesitate to post an update to this situation because information is hard to get and harder to verify.
We want to be as sure as possible of things when we write to guard the credibility of all concerned.
So, I’ll preface this by saying that these are the things we’re hearing and it’s all subject to clarification at a later date.
It is rumored that Mike Rozell has stepped away in some form or fashion.
I have heard that some well known pastors are going to oversee the ministry for a season,but I have no verification of that.
We have been told that the Ignite program has been discontinued.
We have been told that the MudMan burger enterprise has been closed.
We are told of double digit numbers of people leaving…some place the number over 20 in the last couple of days.
We will continue to monitor and update you as we go forward.
Praise God that good things are happening, even if we can’t be sure of all the details yet.
For the first time for many, they are finding relief and comfort and liberation in being able to share the torment and atrocities they endured. The abused are finding healing.
Others who were still encumbered by this torment are escaping.
Some manner of justice is taking place as the Rozell’s and others are losing much of their empire and position of power.
May God continue the good to come.
And despite the wariness of some to have taken such matters to the “internet”, I believe that is exactly what was needed. It has allowed for healing and escape from evil and justice to come in much greater measure and much more quickly than if not taken to such a public forum. God bless you, Michael, for what you have done here.
I am so grateful for the changes that are happening and that people are getting out. Stepping down for a time is not good enough. I want a public apology. I want his titles to be removed. I want him to step down from Ministry for a VERY LONG TIME. I want transparency. Deleting the PFM Facebook page and sending Michael into hiding is not transparent and it is not taking responsibility for the harm he inflicted on dozens if not hundreds of people. He will be free to do this again if there is no public accountability. He will just rebrand like he has in the past. “Potter’s Field Ranch” “Potter’s Field Discipleship School” “Potter’s Field Bible School” “Ignite”
Thank you, KevinH…it’s been an honor to serve these people.
Jess K…I completely agree…
PFM is still up in the missions page of CC San Jose (Pastor Mike McClure).
Today they had a group (mostly young people) come up to be prayed for as they are going to the Guatemala mission. I was never clear on how PFM was involved there and in Uganda if at all. Of course nothing was said, but with the program shut down, I’m sure we won’t be praying for any more young adults going into Ignite.
The New Victor,
I can’t believe that they’re still sending kids anywhere.
My guess is that the web page will soon be down…
A couple of them looked like teens, most at least 18 into the 20s. One of the elder assistant pastors was going with them.
The New Victor,
I started going to on Mission trips by myself to other countries when I was 14. I wouldn’t be surprised it they were much younger than 18. Thank you for keeping the Rozell’s and associated pastor’s/churches accountable.
Not sure how much I’m doing other than reporting observations. I thought about asking a kind of buddy there who is much more involved if he is aware of this debacle. All I know is that now given all this I’m not keen at all on sending my kids even to junior high or high school church camp, though my experience having done so in 6th grade was positive.
The New Victor –
Just FYI to you guys, there are other people on the ground in these countries that have been working “along-side” of PFM but they are not always directly subject to them. Many of these people have a mind of their own and will be a force for good to the local people, and also capable to invest into the young adults who serve with them.
In my experience, and what I’ve heard since I left is that the authoritarian abuse is directly connected to the top of the pyramid and one’s interaction there, not so much, if at all, with those outside the immediate group of key leaders.
These international mission bases typically have connections with other healthy churches and are affiliated with them, they are not solely PFM run. I could be wrong on this, but it seems like PFM partnered with existing groups looking to expand their “sponsorship” reach.
I say that to give clarity and dismiss potential fear that all PFM touched is now tainted with authoritarian abuses, that seems to be an overreach.
God is still using the faithful boots on the ground in many places to serve His people, even though the pinnacle leadership is deeply flawed.
Jeff
Jeff,
Well said and an important point.
How do we help young people? Is there a contact person?