(**Note: If it is your first time visiting this page, please read the first post from July 6, 2016, on this same page)
We wanted to provide a special word (and some proof) on Hope Church ASU and their use of "front groups", which has been of great interest to ASU administration in the investigation, with Lisa Porter and Carla Mahnke (from Student Rights/Responsibilities) multiple times requesting more information on this issue.
This is important because the ASU students who are met by Hope Church are deceived as to the nature of what they are getting into, and the real purpose of the "clubs" they are joining, and in addition, ASU admin is deceived in approving the clubs, as well as granting them time, space, and even money for their operations. Essentially, ASU is an unknowing party to the recruitment of Hope Church. While all of our contributors believe sharing and representing the Gospel is a great thing, we likewise believe in boldness and authenticity in doing so, not deception.
Below, we have several pieces of proof detailing Hope's use of these clubs as front groups, these are:
1. A Prezi presentation by the Outreach Coordinator at Hope, showing how the clubs contribute toward Hope recruitment goals (The Pastor took the Prezi down, so we have now provided screenshots instead)
2. A picture from Hope Church's website, which names Outlaw Comedy as an Outreach of Hope Church (although the students they engage do now know this, nor does ASU)
3. A copy of the 2015 "Hope Magazine" which references all the clubs.
Prezi:
Screenshot from Hope's Website:
"Hope Magazine" 2015:
Hi, I just noticed a flier mentioning this sight on ASU's campus today. Thank you for doing this important work. I wonder if there is a way to contact the author of this site in order to support your effort. I would leave my own information but I'm frankly afraid of being harassed by members of Hope's community.
ReplyDeleteHi, thanks, glad people are seeing the flyers. Most of our team wants to be anonymous b/c of fear of backlash, but I personally (I'm the author) am past that. Email me at SWicker@asu.edu if you want to talk, I can give you my number too over email.
DeleteAlso, I'm curious, which of the locations we posted at did you see the flyers?
DeleteI'm afraid of being harassed too! I know a friend who left Hope and she moved in the middle of the night because she was afraid other members would harass her too.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteUnfortunately we've heard several such stories, some of which were included in our report... One of the more compelling reasons for speaking out is the fear that gets inspired by Hope's unhealthy ministry model, and this is one of the #1 concerns that is mentioned when we've talked to leaders of other local ministries about HC.
DeleteIf you'd like to talk about anything, feel free to reach out.
It is devastating how many stories we hear similar to your friend's. The more we involve ourselves in this process, the more and more we hear of situations like this. This does nothing but propel us forward to show us that we are doing the right thing by standing up together against Hope. As Stephen said, please feel free to reach out. I personally am willing to meet with you to support you and your friend. I'll be praying for you!
Delete