(2021 Update: Video has since been taken down. I believe this video was a training on room inspections during Orange Block. If anyone has a copy, please email a link to recoveringalumni at recoveringalumni dot blog.) I’m really at a loss for words after watching this. I showed some friends and they thought it was […]
Clean Room Standards Read More »
Since my first Acquire the Fire, I knew I wanted to go to the Honor Academy. It took me a few years to make it a reality, but it eventually happened. At first, things were good. They kept us so busy during Gauntlet that I didn’t really have time to think about whether or not
I was an intern with Teen Mania Ministries in 1995 and 1996. It has been a long time since my involvement with Teen Mania, and my memories have faded considerably, I felt compelled to sound my voice, mainly as a part of my healing process, but also out of concern for future potential interns. SHOCK
(To read part 1 of Amber’s story, click here.) Our Gauntlet “week” was more like a month long as leadership scurried to adjust and make plans for the interns based on the new surroundings and resources. We had to run a mile every day – nothing compared to the 3 miles I have read is now
Amber’s Story: Part 2 Read More »
…to our regularly scheduled programming. Whew, is anyone else as exhausted from all this as I am? A couple of people have pointed out the emotional nature of these discussions. I want to acknowledge that there have been times this week when I’ve commented out of impatience, anger or frustration. I’m not exactly apologizing for
As several commenters have pointed out, Ron Luce’s email is actually a classic case of spiritual abuse for those with eyes to see it. Instead of actually addressing the issues, he casts suspicion and blame on any who would dare question him. Once again, we see the classic “blame the victim” attitude which saturates Teen
Response to Ron Luce’s Email: Part 2 Read More »
I intended to post my final thoughts on Ron’s email today, but before I get to that, I’d like to share some thoughts with those of you reading this blog who had a great experience at the Honor Academy and who genuinely love Teen Mania. I know that it might be hard for you to
For Those Who Love Teen Mania Read More »
If you are an Honor Academy alumni, you probably received an email from Ron Luce yesterday in response to an email I sent out to the alumni body. In it, Ron makes some claims about me which portray me as unwilling to dialogue or reconcile. It pains me to say that these are outright lies.
Response to Ron Luce’s Email: Part 1 Read More »
Just to let you know, I have waited for going on 14 years to write my experiences down and have someone hear me and care. At first I wrote a few things down on the alumni website but I was largely ignored or occasionally confronted or my posts were deleted as not conforming to the
Amber’s Story: Part 1 Read More »
Ok, so you’ve seen my original email. Now, here is the response Ron Luce sent out today, in case you haven’t seen it. In my next post, I will respond to his claims: Dear Honor Academy Alumni, I wanted to write a note to you in reference to an email that many of you received recently.
Ron Luce’s Email to Honor Academy Alumni Read More »
Before I post my response to Ron…here is a look at what his email was responding to. Hi Fellow Alumni, Over the past several years, there have been many Honor Academy alumni that look back at the internship and wonder, “What was that all about?” For the most part, we enjoyed our time at the
The Email That Is Loved and Hated Read More »
When an intern quits or is dismissed from the Honor Academy, there are a few common reactions: 1) Wicked sinner!2) They weren’t “called” to the Honor Academy.3) They weren’t cut out for the Honor Academy because its not for everyone. I’d like to especially take a look at this last response. I hear it alot.
Is Ron Luce’s Honor Academy for Everyone? Read More »
There is a “blame the victim” mentality taught at Teen Mania’s Honor Academy that actually compounds the problems we’ve experienced. As we go through the grieving process, we experience many negative emotions – anger, fear, bitterness, rage, doubt, confusion, hopelessness, and depression. But, instead of being able to bring these things into the light by
For the Broken-Hearted Read More »
Here is the 2nd part of Ellen’s letter to the board. If you plan to send your story in, but haven’t yet, please consider doing so by the end of the week. The board hasn’t set a deadline, but I know they need enough information to be able to decide how and if they will convene
Ellen’s Story: Part 2 Read More »
Ellen (not her real name) recently sent me a copy of the letter that she sent to the Board of Directors. I’ve left out her remarks addressing the Board specifically, but here is the rest of her story in its entirety:I left the internship feeling completely chewed up and spit out into a cold and
Ellen’s Story: Part 1 Read More »
This is the “Week of the Ring” at Teen Mania’s Honor Academy. The culmination of this week is a banquet where each intern will recieve an honor ring. According to wikipedia: Interns receive a ring to symbolize commitment to a lifelong pursuit of God. This ring is called the Honor Ring. The inscription on the
Not every single Christian is called to be a leader. Romans 12: 6-8 (NLT) In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others,
There is a current graduate intern who has commented on the blog recently and in reading his Twitter account and blog, he seems like a really genuinely nice guy who loves the Lord. Unfortunately, he has been sucked deep into the bowels of Teen Mania’s Honor Academy and it honestly breaks my heart to read
Inside the Mind of an Intern Read More »
As any intern will tell you, sleep is a precious commodity during your time at the Honor Academy. You are kept SO busy and push your body so hard, that most people spend the year in some stage of sleep-deprivation. I was so tired during the 2nd semester of my undergrad year that I would
No Rest for the Weary Read More »
A few weeks ago I asked people to send in stories about their experiences with the health & safety conditions at Teen Mania. I haven’t posted many yet because I literally have SO much to post about that they’ve kind of been put at the bottom of the pile. One of my readers, Liz (also
Roughing It For Jesus or Unnecessary Deprivation? Read More »
It is a popular misconception that only ignorant or weak-minded people can be brainwashed. On the contrary, most authoritarian and abusive leaders are very charismatic, charming individuals whose brainwashing techniques are cloaked in Bible verses and spiritual sounding reasons. They even represent orthodox doctrine and do seemingly good works. The Bible has a term for
Could You Fall for Mind Control? Read More »
I was put on probation at one point during the year for not having enough money. My honor ring was taken away, which was an important outward sign; not to be allowed to wear the honor ring was something to be ashamed of. The part that seemed most unjust to me was that I was
Katie’s Story: Part 3 Read More »
I was assigned to the International Operations department, (moderator note: this dept. is now Global Expeditions) as a recruiter for Team Leaders. Apparently this was one of the higher level work assignments, in the informal ranking system of jobs, where grounds and kitchen are on the bottom, Acquire the Fire calling somewhere in the middle,
Katie’s Story: Part 2 Read More »
(Moderator’s Note: Katie (yes, her real name!) recently sent me the letter that she sent to the Board of Directors. If you are just now joining us, the Board of Directors is looking into the allegations of spiritual abuse made on this blog. They are looking for former interns to tell their story so they
Katie’s Story: Part 1 Read More »
Former interns will recognize the title of this post instantly. “Our Word is Our Bond” is a teaching given during Gauntlet week (your first week at the Honor Academy). During this sermon, the interns are taught to keep their word no matter what. They are counseled that things may come up to try to distract
Our Word is Our Bond Read More »
