We’ve got a good conversation going on in the forums about eating disorders and whether or not the environment at the Honor Academy contributes to them. Now, this is not something I have personally struggled with, but it got me thinking…For some reason, Teen Mania seems to have a fascination with throwing up. I remember […]
Does Puking = Godliness? Read More »
Sunflowers I hadn’t been an intern for maybe 4 days before I was confronted for having a “sunflower” (how juvenile is that term!!) for a fellow intern. The accusation was absurd. We happened to be interested in the same things. We happened to be at the same place at the same time fairly frequently. But
Karah’s Story: Part 2 Read More »
My Teen Mania experience was kind of middle-of-the-road. There were things that I loved and things I couldn’t stand. The Beginning First, I never wanted to be there. I KNEW that God had told me to go, but I fought it every step of the way. I cried the entire flight to Dallas. My initial
Karah’s Story: Part 1 Read More »
Alumnus Brad Kelly recently sent me his thoughts on the blog, Ron’s email, and Teen Mania and the Honor Academy in general. Its a bit long, but definitely worth a read. Click here to read and then come back and give us your comments. On another note, I’m always open to guest posts. If you feel like
I came across this awesome post last week and its so relevant to what many of us have gone through at Teen Mania. Which of these 7 counterfeit gospels do you most identify with? In one of his books (co-authored with Tim Lane), How People Change, he identifies seven counterfeit gospels—-”religious” ways we try and “justify” or
Idols Inside the Church Read More »
Even though there is no way we can top yesterday’s post (at least I hope not!) I thought we’d keep the theme going and look at another dumb thing the HA teaches about marriage. I can’t point to a particular audio recording, but I know I’ve heard this teaching multiple times (let me know if
More Bad Marriage Advice Read More »
An alumnus recently sent me the above audio. It’s from a marriage talk Heath gave to the women of the Honor Academy. I’m not usually shocked anymore by anything TM does because I feel like I’ve heard it all. But, after listening to this stunningly bizarre teaching, I am absolutely flabbergasted. I honestly don’t think
Honor Academy: WORST Marriage Advice EVER Read More »
I came in contact with Teen Mania Ministries through an ATF when I was in high school. I was “saved” at an ATF. During my first ATF they had a break out session for those that were interested in the Honor Academy. The break out session made the HA sound a lot like the Ministry
Another Shannon’s Story Read More »
Ok, folks…first I’d like to thank everyone for their suggestions and techie help. An anonymous HA alumnus very generously provided the $195 fee to get started with some great forum software. Thanks! You can check out the forums at: http://forums.recoveringalumni.com the forum has since gone under and did not make the migration to this domain.
The Forum Is Here! Read More »
As many of you know, the Board of Directors is looking into the allegations made on this blog and want former interns to contact them to share their story. I know many of you have already sent in your story, but if you are a new reader or if you haven’t had a chance yet,
Have you noticed that we have more girls stories than guys? I’m not sure if that’s because women in general feel more comfortable writing their story…but I know the guys are out there because they call me and they email me. So, if you haven’t sent in your story yet – girl or guy –
(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 »
