I’ve been deficient in blogging the last few months…but not for lack of things to blog about. Teen Mania continues to do crazy things, interns continue to reach out to me with the SAME stories as always and Ron Luce continues his unethical and unbiblical ways…
But today, I’d like to talk specifically about Teen Mania’s latest fundraising tools. The first is a series of emails attempting to capitalize on the tragic death of Austin Anderson in a plane crash earlier this year. The campaign is presumptuously titled, “Austin’s Dream.” Here is one of the recent emails they’ve sent out:
Dear Friend,You know of the unspeakable tragedy on May 11th. It has become a part of our story and the earth-shattering heartbreak we have experienced through the past several months.Only God could redeem something this heartbreaking. And He’s doing it.These four wonderful young men lost their lives serving their Lord and Teen Mania. They are heroes to us. And right now we’re working hard to honor their sacrifice and their memory by carrying on the work they were so passionate about.Austin Anderson was the former Marine and Iraq veteran who, with scorched lungs and burns over 90 percent of his body, managed to assist my daughter Hannah as together they walked through a field to a nearby gravel road to get help. His strength and courage are an example to us all and he will always have a unique place in my heart.I want to share a Divine calling and a dream Austin was committed to even as he stepped foot on this campus.Austin’s DreamThis 27-year old had only recently come to work at Teen Mania as our Marketing Operations Director. At his funeral, a family member called it “his dream career”.A few weeks after the tragedy, we all learned a little more about Austin’s dreams and goals.In his last written words on his office whiteboard, his goal for Teen Mania in the coming year was a God-given vision for the ministry that had captured his soldier-heart.Tragically, he and three fellow gospel warriors died in the line of duty before they could accomplish that mission. That’s where you and I come in. We can redeem their sacrifice. We can Honor Austin’s Dream and see it fulfilled in 2013!The more young people we can get to these ATF events, the more lives we’ll see transformed, the more miracles we’ll see happen, the more lives we’ll see changed with a renewed passion for God and many will hear and answer a call to a life of ministry.Would you consider reaching a teen for Christ through our Acquire the Fire event with a donation of $49 or 3 teens for $147 this year? Or you could sponsor a youth group of 10 teens to attend an ATF near them with your gift of $490?Here is the video of this year’s ATF theme, Relentless Pursuit.As I said, only God can redeem something as heartbreaking as the loss we’ve experienced. Please don’t let this note be put aside without praying and asking God how you fit into this great dream to see lasting fruit of transformed lives.Consumed by the Call,
I also find it distasteful to turn them into martyrs that “died in the line of fire.” They weren’t shot down or tortured by heathens. They were in a transportation accident. Let’s not pretend its something different than what it was.
And lastly, if they truly did die in the service of Teen Mania as Ron claims, did Teen Mania compensate their families accordingly? What workman’s compensation or insurance was provided to the families? My bet is $0. You can’t have it both ways.
What do you think about this form of fundraising? Is this tacky and exploitative or am I off base?
27 comments:
It’s tacky and insulting. These people didn’t die in the line of fire, there was an awful accident. And your right TM SHOULD be compensating the families in some way; funeral expenses, counseling services, something. Not trying to profit and fundraise off of them.
Tasteless, offensive, off-putting, slimey, low-class, and Phillistine are some terms which come to mind.
I couldn’t have put it better myself. They were in a transportation accident. They didn’t die in the line of fire. To think Ron can keep exploiting young people-dead or alive-is seriously gross.
I’m just curious if anyone even gave to them. I wonder if there is a person out there that read this and thought, “Wow. This was Austin’s dream. I really should give $450.”
What a jerk move, Ron. Ewe. It’s just… gross.
I was discussing this a while ago on Facebook, and thought this comment was worth repeating:
From a Christian perspective, the way to “redeem” a tragic death is to believe in the Resurrection and the promise of future life with Christ (1 Corinthians 15).
Contrast:
“But what a redemption it will be when, together, we see attendance doubled at my events.” (Luce-ianity)
“But what a redemption it will be when, together, we see Austin raised with Christ in glory.” (Christianity)
Ergo, Luce is not working to increase Christ’s kingdom. He’s working to increase his own kingdom.
The moral: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” (1 Cor 15:14)
Yeah….pretty tacky to raise money by saying it was someone’s “dream” to promote your own organization. Sounds to me like he was hired to work in the marketing department, which actually means he was doing his job. It was his goal. Saying it was his dream cheapens his life.
It’s like saying it is the dream of a kid with a paper route to deliver all his papers every day. Come on, there was way more to Austin’s life than this job he just started. Show some respect.
Tacky. Does Ron run anything through his PR team? That man is killing his ministry, one terrible publicity stunt at a time.
I’d do a dear poopy head comment in celebration of a new blog post, but in respect of the dead I’ll refrain.
As everyone else agrees, DISGUSTING. If Ron really cared these young people died, he’d be running a fundraiser for the poor families devastated by the event. I have to wonder if he’d be the same way if his own daughter died.
Sadly I can see him exploiting his daughter’s death as well. Luce, get a grip.
Wow…..I am apalled…..seriously….so completely apalled.
Not by Ron’s email but by this post and these comments. How dare you….seriously how dare you. I understand that you do not like Teen Mania. I understand you can’t stand Ron Luce. I agree that Teen Mania has done some things that have hurt a lot of people in this community. Seriously though, how you can find a place to jump all over something with assumptions when you have absolutely no idea what is actually happening. For your information, his family, the people that survive him, asked that this be done. This was the idea of the family that lost a child and wished for his legacy to continue on through the ministry that not only he loved but that they love. This was the wish from all 3 men’s families who asked nothing more, that their childrens legacies would live on, how dare you judge that wish and pretend to know anything about it. These men lived lives that truly honored and glorified God in all that they did….their lives were dedicated to reaching the lost and not so caught up in the garbage of this world. That my friends, is the duty that they were fulfilling.
I am legimately sitting here writing this with tears in my eyes….I just cannot believe this….Listen, I understand there is hurt in this community. I understand there is heartache. Bottom line, there are some things that are just off limits and the way that you call Ron and his ministry disgusting, I find this post and these comments disgusting. There has got to be more than resentment and bitterness…there has just got to be more.
Whats done is done….I won’t be checking back on this post so please don’t feel the need to comment for my benefit…I am finished with this site. Good Luck to you all, may you find the peace your searching for.
Dissapointed [sic]: Sorry you feel that way.
The problem is this. If Austin’s family had sent around an email saying “It is our wish that you honor Austin’s memory by giving money to Teen Mania,” that would be totally appropriate. I don’t condone giving money to TM, myself, but respect for their wishes would certainly be in order.
But this email didn’t come from them. It came from a person who will benefit directly from the gifts he’s asking for. When Ron Luce, who isn’t even related to Austin, sends around an email saying “It was this guy’s wish that you give lots of money to my organization,” that’s a blatant conflict of interest, which makes it extraordinarily poor taste at best.
Even worse, Ron’s manipulative language about “redeeming the sacrifice” suggests that Austin’s death will have been in vain if you don’t give money… again, to the same person who’s bringing it up. (As if saving Hannah’s life wasn’t redemptive enough? And again, no mention of the Resurrection?) Sorry, but that’s simply despicable.
In other words, even if the family does want to support Teen Mania, it is manipulative and exploitive for TM themselves to attempt to capitalize on it like this. That’s why we’re disgusted.
Eric, I was going to reply, but your reply is must more perfect.
Also, I just noticed this:
“Only God could redeem something this heartbreaking.”
“That’s where you and I come in. We can redeem their sacrifice.”
So, who’s doing the redeeming again? God, or you and me giving money?
yeah…. I simply don’t believe “disappointed”. If such a request existed from the families of those who died, Ron would have for 100% certain produced those letters up front to back up his plea for money.
“But this email didn’t come from them. It came from a person who will benefit directly from the gifts he’s asking for. When Ron Luce, who isn’t even related to Austin, sends around an email saying “It was this guy’s wish that you give lots of money to my organization,” that’s a blatant conflict of interest, which makes it extraordinarily poor taste at best.”
I don’t really think it is a conflict of interest if Ron is carrying out the wishes of Austin’s family. I understand no organization is perfect, and many have been hurt as a result of some things that have taken place at TM… I get it, I really do. It seems though as I read through many of the posts on this blog, that regardless of what TM does or says, it will more than likely be viewed through a filter or lens of hurt, anger, hatred, or unforgiveness.
Jasper,
That is a serious big “if” you stated there. We have NO proof or evidence that this was in fact “Austin’s Wish.”
I can say all day long that my mom’s wish was for me to go to culinary school (which is wasn’t even a thought), but that doesn’t mean it actually was her wish.
Yes, we view things through a filter/lens— not one of hate, but of hurt. We can’t escape that lens, just as those who view TM through the lens of greatness can’t escape it, UNTIL something exposes that lens to be unfit for viewing.
TM’s actions haven’t changed in the slightest. We continue to expose their actions because it exposes a pattern of decision making that is detrimental and filled with lies and manipulation indicative of a cult-like organization.
Jasper, thanks for your comments.
I think we’re all at different places in our recovery here and the truth is that people are genuinely hurt. And frustrated after repeated attempts to talk to TM leadership.
Personally, I do not wish to view TM through any of those filters. But I understand why others will see it as such. Mica has written previous posts on this very topic so I wont rehash it. I’ll just say that while no organization is perfect, spiritual abuse is very real in most every church and it’s worth speaking out on the damage it causes.
Jasper – Since you quoted my comment, it’s probably worth pointing out that I’m not a TM alumnus. Thus (unlike many others) I was never directly hurt by anything that happened at TM, so I don’t have anything to be hateful or unforgiving about. I’m simply offering my opinion as an objective outside observer.
I think Ron Luce’s email is tasteless not because he hurt me or because I hate him, but because exploiting someone’s death for your own gain is a just plain tacky thing to do. It’s all too easy for both sides to play the “you just say that because…” game. The question is, what’s really going on?
Speaking as someone without the “lens” of having been hurt, I believe Teen Mania is one of the most spiritually abusive organizations in the Evangelical world. I came to that conclusion long before this website, I might add.
I understand that ppl are at different places of recovery. I also understand that many have gone through the HA and have had a very rewarding experience, I am one of them. I am not naive enough to think that ppl who had a negative experience are somehow at fault, misguided, or even vengeful. At times I struggle to see how the negative nature of the majority of posts on this site is helping people recover or get healing.I am not trying to stir up an argument or correct certain behaviors or perspectives… Just being honest about something I question as an alumni.
Jasper,
This blog is NOT just about recovery. It started out as just about recovery, but overtime has evolved into more than just recovery.
It is about advocacy and education. Educating others about the dangerous things that happen at the HA is important. Advocating for those who are stuck without a voice is another purpose.
Jasper: Here’s one post that answers that objection, dated July 2009. “You’re just focusing on the negative.”
Salient quote: “No matter what “good” they do, there is nothing that gives the leadership at the Honor Academy the right to abuse any intern, whether emotionally, spiritually or mentally. NOTHING makes abuse okay.”
The fact is, for those who were hurt by HA, focusing on the “negative” is simply focusing on the truth. (Of course, these things are also true even for those who had “positive” experiences, or no experiences at all; they just happened to other people.) Acknowledging the truth is, of course, a very big and important step in healing.
Also, as How Cults Work says, “Legitimate groups have nothing to fear from their members reading critical information about them.” Interesting that TM spends so much effort telling people not to “focus on the negative”…
It’s bad enough that they can’t afford the necessary safety for the victim but to leech from his tragic fate is just beyond inhumane!
Hi There, What a pity that all these so called ministers of god do all this sort of things. I had the misfortune to help as a translator when teen mania was in Peru, at that time I observed behaviours that did not seem Christian at all, and to my surprise I have recently discovered that teen mania has gone from bad to worse. I hope people wake up and instead following doctrines follow Jesus. I pray for more people like you, mighty man of God, to stand and denounce scammers.
Ruth
My sister, after contributing $20 to TM received not one, but several of these letters. She was so disgusted by the obvious exploitation of this tragedy she vowed to never contribute another dime.
Do you want to know what Teen Mania is all about? Follow the money!
I am reminded of a quote Bono made on the the Rattle & Hum album: “My God doesn’t need your money Mister.”
It’s tacky and insulting. These people didn’t die in the line of fire, there was an awful accident. And your right TM SHOULD be compensating the families in some way; funeral expenses, counseling services, something. Not trying to profit and fundraise off of them.
Tasteless, offensive, off-putting, slimey, low-class, and Phillistine are some terms which come to mind.
I couldn’t have put it better myself. They were in a transportation accident. They didn’t die in the line of fire. To think Ron can keep exploiting young people-dead or alive-is seriously gross.
I’m just curious if anyone even gave to them. I wonder if there is a person out there that read this and thought, “Wow. This was Austin’s dream. I really should give $450.”
What a jerk move, Ron. Ewe. It’s just… gross.
I was discussing this a while ago on Facebook, and thought this comment was worth repeating:
From a Christian perspective, the way to “redeem” a tragic death is to believe in the Resurrection and the promise of future life with Christ (1 Corinthians 15).
Contrast:
“But what a redemption it will be when, together, we see attendance doubled at my events.” (Luce-ianity)
“But what a redemption it will be when, together, we see Austin raised with Christ in glory.” (Christianity)
Ergo, Luce is not working to increase Christ’s kingdom. He’s working to increase his own kingdom.
The moral: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” (1 Cor 15:14)
Yeah….pretty tacky to raise money by saying it was someone’s “dream” to promote your own organization. Sounds to me like he was hired to work in the marketing department, which actually means he was doing his job. It was his goal. Saying it was his dream cheapens his life.
It’s like saying it is the dream of a kid with a paper route to deliver all his papers every day. Come on, there was way more to Austin’s life than this job he just started. Show some respect.
Tacky. Does Ron run anything through his PR team? That man is killing his ministry, one terrible publicity stunt at a time.
This is sickening! They have NO shame.
I’d do a dear poopy head comment in celebration of a new blog post, but in respect of the dead I’ll refrain.
As everyone else agrees, DISGUSTING. If Ron really cared these young people died, he’d be running a fundraiser for the poor families devastated by the event. I have to wonder if he’d be the same way if his own daughter died.
Sadly I can see him exploiting his daughter’s death as well. Luce, get a grip.
Wow…..I am apalled…..seriously….so completely apalled.
Not by Ron’s email but by this post and these comments. How dare you….seriously how dare you. I understand that you do not like Teen Mania. I understand you can’t stand Ron Luce. I agree that Teen Mania has done some things that have hurt a lot of people in this community. Seriously though, how you can find a place to jump all over something with assumptions when you have absolutely no idea what is actually happening. For your information, his family, the people that survive him, asked that this be done. This was the idea of the family that lost a child and wished for his legacy to continue on through the ministry that not only he loved but that they love. This was the wish from all 3 men’s families who asked nothing more, that their childrens legacies would live on, how dare you judge that wish and pretend to know anything about it. These men lived lives that truly honored and glorified God in all that they did….their lives were dedicated to reaching the lost and not so caught up in the garbage of this world. That my friends, is the duty that they were fulfilling.
I am legimately sitting here writing this with tears in my eyes….I just cannot believe this….Listen, I understand there is hurt in this community. I understand there is heartache. Bottom line, there are some things that are just off limits and the way that you call Ron and his ministry disgusting, I find this post and these comments disgusting. There has got to be more than resentment and bitterness…there has just got to be more.
Whats done is done….I won’t be checking back on this post so please don’t feel the need to comment for my benefit…I am finished with this site. Good Luck to you all, may you find the peace your searching for.
Dissapointed [sic]: Sorry you feel that way.
The problem is this. If Austin’s family had sent around an email saying “It is our wish that you honor Austin’s memory by giving money to Teen Mania,” that would be totally appropriate. I don’t condone giving money to TM, myself, but respect for their wishes would certainly be in order.
But this email didn’t come from them. It came from a person who will benefit directly from the gifts he’s asking for. When Ron Luce, who isn’t even related to Austin, sends around an email saying “It was this guy’s wish that you give lots of money to my organization,” that’s a blatant conflict of interest, which makes it extraordinarily poor taste at best.
Even worse, Ron’s manipulative language about “redeeming the sacrifice” suggests that Austin’s death will have been in vain if you don’t give money… again, to the same person who’s bringing it up. (As if saving Hannah’s life wasn’t redemptive enough? And again, no mention of the Resurrection?) Sorry, but that’s simply despicable.
In other words, even if the family does want to support Teen Mania, it is manipulative and exploitive for TM themselves to attempt to capitalize on it like this. That’s why we’re disgusted.
Eric, I was going to reply, but your reply is must more perfect.
Also, I just noticed this:
“Only God could redeem something this heartbreaking.”
“That’s where you and I come in. We can redeem their sacrifice.”
So, who’s doing the redeeming again? God, or you and me giving money?
yeah…. I simply don’t believe “disappointed”. If such a request existed from the families of those who died, Ron would have for 100% certain produced those letters up front to back up his plea for money.
I noticed that too, Eric.
This really blows me away.
“But this email didn’t come from them. It came from a person who will benefit directly from the gifts he’s asking for. When Ron Luce, who isn’t even related to Austin, sends around an email saying “It was this guy’s wish that you give lots of money to my organization,” that’s a blatant conflict of interest, which makes it extraordinarily poor taste at best.”
I don’t really think it is a conflict of interest if Ron is carrying out the wishes of Austin’s family. I understand no organization is perfect, and many have been hurt as a result of some things that have taken place at TM… I get it, I really do. It seems though as I read through many of the posts on this blog, that regardless of what TM does or says, it will more than likely be viewed through a filter or lens of hurt, anger, hatred, or unforgiveness.
Jasper,
That is a serious big “if” you stated there. We have NO proof or evidence that this was in fact “Austin’s Wish.”
I can say all day long that my mom’s wish was for me to go to culinary school (which is wasn’t even a thought), but that doesn’t mean it actually was her wish.
Yes, we view things through a filter/lens— not one of hate, but of hurt. We can’t escape that lens, just as those who view TM through the lens of greatness can’t escape it, UNTIL something exposes that lens to be unfit for viewing.
TM’s actions haven’t changed in the slightest. We continue to expose their actions because it exposes a pattern of decision making that is detrimental and filled with lies and manipulation indicative of a cult-like organization.
Jasper, thanks for your comments.
I think we’re all at different places in our recovery here and the truth is that people are genuinely hurt. And frustrated after repeated attempts to talk to TM leadership.
Personally, I do not wish to view TM through any of those filters. But I understand why others will see it as such. Mica has written previous posts on this very topic so I wont rehash it. I’ll just say that while no organization is perfect, spiritual abuse is very real in most every church and it’s worth speaking out on the damage it causes.
Thanks, Shannon Kish 🙂
Jasper – Since you quoted my comment, it’s probably worth pointing out that I’m not a TM alumnus. Thus (unlike many others) I was never directly hurt by anything that happened at TM, so I don’t have anything to be hateful or unforgiving about. I’m simply offering my opinion as an objective outside observer.
I think Ron Luce’s email is tasteless not because he hurt me or because I hate him, but because exploiting someone’s death for your own gain is a just plain tacky thing to do. It’s all too easy for both sides to play the “you just say that because…” game. The question is, what’s really going on?
Speaking as someone without the “lens” of having been hurt, I believe Teen Mania is one of the most spiritually abusive organizations in the Evangelical world. I came to that conclusion long before this website, I might add.
I understand that ppl are at different places of recovery. I also understand that many have gone through the HA and have had a very rewarding experience, I am one of them. I am not naive enough to think that ppl who had a negative experience are somehow at fault, misguided, or even vengeful. At times I struggle to see how the negative nature of the majority of posts on this site is helping people recover or get healing.I am not trying to stir up an argument or correct certain behaviors or perspectives… Just being honest about something I question as an alumni.
Jasper,
This blog is NOT just about recovery. It started out as just about recovery, but overtime has evolved into more than just recovery.
It is about advocacy and education. Educating others about the dangerous things that happen at the HA is important. Advocating for those who are stuck without a voice is another purpose.
Jasper: Here’s one post that answers that objection, dated July 2009. “You’re just focusing on the negative.”
Salient quote: “No matter what “good” they do, there is nothing that gives the leadership at the Honor Academy the right to abuse any intern, whether emotionally, spiritually or mentally. NOTHING makes abuse okay.”
The fact is, for those who were hurt by HA, focusing on the “negative” is simply focusing on the truth. (Of course, these things are also true even for those who had “positive” experiences, or no experiences at all; they just happened to other people.) Acknowledging the truth is, of course, a very big and important step in healing.
Also, as How Cults Work says, “Legitimate groups have nothing to fear from their members reading critical information about them.” Interesting that TM spends so much effort telling people not to “focus on the negative”…
That is disgusting.
It’s bad enough that they can’t afford the necessary safety for the victim but to leech from his tragic fate is just beyond inhumane!
Hi There, What a pity that all these so called ministers of god do all this sort of things. I had the misfortune to help as a translator when teen mania was in Peru, at that time I observed behaviours that did not seem Christian at all, and to my surprise I have recently discovered that teen mania has gone from bad to worse. I hope people wake up and instead following doctrines follow Jesus. I pray for more people like you, mighty man of God, to stand and denounce scammers.
Ruth
My sister, after contributing $20 to TM received not one, but several of these letters. She was so disgusted by the obvious exploitation of this tragedy she vowed to never contribute another dime.
Do you want to know what Teen Mania is all about? Follow the money!
I am reminded of a quote Bono made on the the Rattle & Hum album: “My God doesn’t need your money Mister.”