YORK (SC)
The Roys Report [Chicago IL]
October 3, 2024
By Rebecca Hopkins
Chris Reed, former president of MorningStar Ministries, is starting a new church in South Carolina five weeks after resigning from the prophetic ministry and admitting to sexual misconduct with an adult student.
“Coming soon! Very soon. How this came together was/is a miracle,” Reed wrote in a Facebook post, which he’s since deleted. “Do not despise the day of small beginnings . . . (I)t’s been said ‘every move of God starts in a manger and dies in a cathedral.”
Jesus Revolution Church will open in York, South Carolina, on Oct. 13, Reed wrote in a letter to ministry subscribers today. Reed wrote that Christians need a revolution, so Reed’s church will restore “the Fear of the Lord” and will be a base for people to learn how to heal the sick and cast out demons.
“Some may say, ‘Why the rush? Take your time; this will be the same old story,’” Reed wrote. “But no! Time is running short. We cannot silence true Apostolic and Prophetic voices right now. We need a Jesus REVOLUTION.”
Reed posted a picture of a church building and asked for donations.
“There’s always a couple haters but so many have been so kind,” Reed wrote. “Your contributions are much appreciated.”
Reed’s website is filled with prophecies. In early August, he prophesied that “we are on the verge of World War III.”
Three weeks later, Reed said he was “surprised” and “shocked” when The Roys Report (TRR) reported an allegation that Reed used prophecy to pursue a sexual relationship with a former MorningStar adult student in 2021.
At that time, Reed was in line to be MorningStar’s CEO, but he resigned as CEO in late August. Reed said he didn’t want to stay on to defend the ministry against a recent lawsuit filed by a child sexual abuse victim.
Reed’s church is taking donations through Chris Reed Ministries.
The IRS revoked the tax-exempt status for Chris Reed Ministries in May due to the ministry not filing 990 returns or notice for three years. However, the IRS restored the ministry’s status Sept. 5.
Rick Joyner, MorningStar’s founder and current president, told TRR that he’s seen no repentance in Reed and doesn’t believe Reed is ready for leadership. But Joyner said he believes Reed could be restored to leadership with time and help.
“I believe his gift is real, but he’s got some serious issues and definitely should not be in leadership,” Joyner said. “I hope he gets the help and can get into a place where he can be the leader he’s called to be.”
Joyner has become a controversial voice for MorningStar for his belief that pastors and spiritual leaders who’ve engaged in clergy sexual abuse can be restored to positions of spiritual authority. Joyner previously told TRR he knew of Reed’s sexual texts and kissing in early 2022 but didn’t publicize this when Joyner turned over the CEO position to Reed a few months later.
Also, in the last two months, MorningStar has been sued by three different John Does who claim MorningStar mishandled their reports that former youth leader Erickson Lee sexually abused them. Lee, also a former cop, is now serving nine years in prison.
Joyner has called the lawsuits’ accusations against the ministry “outrageous.”
Joyner also recently told the congregation that he’s “good with” anyone who leaves due to the recent scandals because “we need their seats” and he expects “major growth” and expansion.
Former MorningStar student launches petition
At the same time Reed is planting a church, former MorningStar student, Emily Elston, has launched a petition condemning MorningStar for its alleged lack of accountability and poor treatment of victims. The petition also calls for the resignation of Rick Joyner and for an independent investigation into how the ministry handles abuse.
“We strongly condemn the MorningStar Board, its leader Rick Joyner, and other executive church leaders for their inadequate response to grave allegations,” the petition states. “Their attempts to ignore, downplay, and discredit victims and the severity of their claims are not only morally reprehensible but also betray the trust placed in them.”
It adds, “We believe it is this corrupt and toxic leadership culture that enabled various forms of abuse to take place, including a child predator being able to abuse children for years.”
Elston told TRR that the petition is a grassroots effort whose signers include ministry associates from every year since its 1993 founding. It includes former Morningstar conference speakers, interns, church volunteers, members, worship leaders, and staff, including a former communications director. Also, former students, teachers, and a coach from Morningstar’s Comenius School for Creative Leadership (CSCL) signed the letter.
Joyner told TRR the petition signers are “disgruntled.”
He also said in a statement posted Tuesday on YouTube that MorningStar’s critics are “wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
“We also are being attacked in every way you could think of,” Joyner said. “It’s an onslaught. . . . We’re having wolves like you wouldn’t believe rise up among us.”
Joyner told TRR he wants to hire a third party to investigate MorningStar’s ministry for how it protects children, but the hurricane has delayed progress. He said he doesn’t believe the investigation should include Reed’s actions, since Reed is no longer with MorningStar.
Concerns Reed will misuse prophecy
For decades leaders at MorningStar, including Reed, operated without accountability and used their claims of special prophetic gifting to abuse people, Elston said. She said she’s concerned Reed will continue that pattern at his new church.
“Based on everything Chris Reed has said and not said, it stands to reason that he will bring to whatever new church he starts this same kind of culture/system in which has free reign to use his ‘prophetic’ insight however he wishes,” Elston said.
Reed did not immediately return TRR’s call to ask for the accountability structure for his new church.
Elston added that she’s also concerned Reed will use the money he raises to continue issuing “apocalyptic” prophecies that create fear.
“He can do these prophecies and self-proclaim to hold an office of the prophet, and no one is checking him,” Elston said. “If you still want to peddle your prophetic warnings, be my guest, but do it for free.”