Maranatha/Morning Star
International/Every Nation Timeline
Primary and secondary sources include:
� Corporate filings with various Secretaries of State
� US Patent and Trademark records (www.uspto.gov)
� Active web pages as well as web page archives accessible through
www.archive.org
� Publicly available deed and mortgage records
� News articles, newsletters, etc.
� The Forerunner (www.forerunner.com)
___________________________________________________________________
This is a timeline of the history of Maranatha and
its many affiliates, spin-off/splinter groups, or sub-organizations such as:
� Morning Star International (MSI; now Every Nation Churches)
� Maranatha Campus Ministries (MCM)
� Maranatha Christian Church(es)
(MCC)
� Maranatha Christian Fellowship
� Campus Harvest Ministries
� (Maranatha) Campus Ministries International
� Campus Missions International (CMI)
� Champions For Christ (CFC)
� Victory Campus Ministries (now Every Nation Ministries)
� Victory Leadership Institute (now Every Nation Leadership Institute)
� Every Nation Churches/Ministries (ENC)
etc.
Questions or suggestions regarding specific sources, additions or corrections
should be directed to ulyankee@yahoo.com.
Other links:
Shepherding
Discipleship Movement Survivor�s Blog
Maranatha/Morning
Star International/Every Nation discussion on FACTNet (NEW FORUM!!!!)
__________________________________________________________________
Part 1: Early Maranatha
1972�Maranatha starts on Murray State University (KY)
campus
1975�Maranatha incorporated in KY on 2/28/75 as:
� Maranatha Christian Church, Inc. � based in KY with
a KY address. This is the corporation that is filed under certificates of
authority in multiple states (including
� Maranatha Christian Churches, Inc.�based in KY with
a FL address. No other certificates of authority under this name were filed in
any other state. This is presumably the corporation founded to house the
corporate headquarters.
Part 2: 1980s � Maranatha
comes under increased scrutiny for high-pressure, cult-like tactics and
teachings
1979-1987�Certificates of authority for Maranatha
Christian Church, Inc. are filed in multiple states.
May, 1981�The Forerunner, Maranatha�s magazine, is
first published
December, 1981�Zipser articles critical specifically
of Maranatha, as well as other campus cults, are
published in the Phoenix Gazette.
February, 1982�Kansas deprogramming bill passed by state House, as a result of Dee Dee Tillman�s
involvement with and deprogramming from Maranatha.
(The bill was ultimately defeated, however.)
1983�Maranatha leaves K-State campus under
allegations of mind control/high-pressure, cult-like activities.
1982-1984�Ad-hoc Christian committee investigation of �Maranatha
Campus Ministries;� Maranatha invited the
investigation. Note that this was not yet the legal or even legally assumed
name of this organization.
1983�Myatt articles are published, criticizing Maranatha�s unscriptural theology, over emphasis on
spiritual authority, and mind control/psychospiritual
coercion tactics.
1984-1985�A series of critical articles are published in the Christian and
national press after the ad-hoc committee�s report was released.
1985�Champions for Christ established as a ministry of Maranatha
(was not separately incorporated)
July 15, 1985�Foreign Certificate of Authority for Maranatha
Christian Church, Inc. in Kansas is forfeited due to failure to file a timely
annual report with the Kansas Secretary of State. However, the separately
incorporated Maranatha church in
Dec. 9, 1985�Reel to Real Ministries incorporated in
October, 1986��Champions for Christ� is used in commerce for the first time,
according to records filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office. �Champions
for Christ� logo is registered as a trademark of Maranatha
Christian Churches, Inc.
Part 3: �Break up� of Maranatha
1986-1987�
May 1, 1987��Maranatha Campus Ministries
International� is filed as the legally assumed name of both Maranatha
Christian Church, Inc. and Maranatha Christian
Churches, Inc.
May 27, 1987�Maranatha Christian Church of
1987-88�A number of now-separately incorporated Maranatha
churches amend their articles of incorporation. These include Maranatha churches in
May 1, 1988�Bob and Rose Weiner
close on a property for a new house in
1988-89�Maranatha under increasing scrutiny for
cult-like practices from the press, evangelical Christian groups (including
CRI), counter-cult researchers, and higher education.
February 2, 1989�Maranatha Campus Ministries,
International, Inc. is incorporated in
June 1989 �Maranatha (Maranatha
Christian Church(es), Inc.) holds a board meeting in
which it decides to disband. This story is what is announced to its membership
in November 1989, and to the Christian press in March, 1990.
November 1989�Maranatha announces the break up to its
membership during its world conference.
November 1989�Table Talk newsletter by Walter
Walker (published by Maranatha) announces that
the international office would be closed and that the central organizational
structure of Maranatha Christian Churches, Inc. would
be dismantled.
November 15, 1989�Chronicle of Higher Education article, �Some Colleges warn
Students that Cult-like Methods are Being Used by Christian Fundamentalist
Groups� is published; article primarily focuses on Maranatha.
December, 1989�News of breakup has been announced to membership. Last
Forerunner published by �old� Maranatha Campus
Ministries is published.
1990 (n.d.)�Victory Campus Ministries is established
on two campuses (unspecified on its website) with ten campus ministers (see
www.vcm.org). These were probably
February 26, 1990�Maranatha Christian Church of
March, 1990�Self-published Forerunner is printed; same
March, 1990�Bob Weiner announces Brady Clark as the new executive
director of Maranatha Campus Ministries in his
personal letter to �partners.�
March 19, 1990�Christianity Today article on Maranatha�s
break up is published.
March, 1990�Charisma and Christian Life�s article on Maranatha�s
break up is published.
Spring, 1990�Maranatha newsletter announces name
change from �Maranatha Campus Ministries� to �Campus
Ministries International.� The justification is that Maranatha
was a popular name used by many ministries. Also Brady Clark�s naming as executive director is announced, as
approved by �Maranatha Campus Ministries� board� and
also personally endorsed by Bob Weiner.
April 15, 1990�Georgia Certificate of Authority for Maranatha
Christian Church, Inc. is withdrawn.
April 23, 1990�Georgia Certificate of Authority filed for FL-incorporated Maranatha Campus Ministries, International, Inc.
April 24, 1990�Maranatha Christian Church of the
South Bay (Phil Bonasso,
pastor and president) changes its name to Los Angeles�Victory Christian Church,
Inc. in California. The Filipino church changes its name to
April 27, 1990�Iowa Certificate of Authority filed for FL-incorporated Maranatha Campus Ministries, International, Inc.
May 2, 1990�North Carolina Certificate of Authority filed for FL-incorporated Maranatha Campus Ministries, International, Inc. Ron Lewis (pastor and president of Maranatha Christian Church of the Triangle), registered
agent. Note: this is still an active legal name today in
May 9, 1990�
May 9, 1990�Kansas Certificate of Authority filed for FL-incorporated Maranatha Campus Ministries, International, Inc. John McDermott (who is currently the
pastor of what is now Morning Star Christian Church of Lawrence, KS),
registered agent. 3/4/2006 note: Morning Star Christian Church of Lawrence, KS
left what is today Every Nation Churches in late 2005.
1990�Maranatha Christian Church of
May 17, 1990�Kentucky Certificate of Authority filed for FL-incorporated Maranatha Campus Ministries, International, Inc. Kim Carroll (pastor of what is now
Cornerstone Christian Church of
May 23, 1990�Maranatha Christian Church of the
Triangle (
June 1, 1990�Maranatha Christian Church of Houston,
Inc. (
June 1, 1990�Maranatha Campus Ministries,
International, Inc. assumes
June 11, 1990�Maranatha Publications, Inc.
incorporated by Bob and Rose Weiner
as a for-profit organization in Gainesville, FL.
June 14, 1990�Maranatha Christian Church of Iowa City
(Iowa) changes its name to Solid Rock Church.
June 27, 1990�Bob and Rose Weiner Ministries incorporated in
June 29, 1990�Ohio Certificate of Authority filed for FL-incorporated Maranatha Campus Ministries, International, Inc. The
mailing address listed on the receipt is
July 20, 1990�Maranatha Campus Ministries,
International, Inc. files a name change to Campus Ministries International,
Inc. in
July 27, 1990�Champions for Christ, International is incorporated in
August 2, 1990�Texas Certificate of Authority filed for FL-incorporated Maranatha Campus Ministries, International, Inc. The local
address was in
September 1990�Dawson Lewis becomes
the full-time administrator for the South African Maranatha
church. The South African Maranatha church was
established by Bill Bennot
in 1987. This church would later merge into His People Christian Ministries.
October 5, 1990�Both Maranatha Christian Church, Inc.
and Maranatha Christian Churches, Inc. are filed as
dissolved with the Kentucky Secretary of State�s office.
October 30, 1990�Phil Bonasso files himself as the new registered agent for Maranatha Christian Church, Inc. (KY based corporation) in
November, 1990�The Forerunner is now published by Bob and Rose Weiner
Ministries.
November 28, 1990�The now defunct Maranatha Christian
Churches, Inc. transfers the entire interest and goodwill of the Champions for
Christ name and logo to Word of Life Church,
Part 4: Post-Maranatha
ministries reconverge as Morning Star International
April 23, 1991�Reel to Real Ministries files a Certificate of Authority in
September 3, 1991�California Certificate of Authority for Maranatha
Christian Church, Inc. (Phil Bonasso, registered agent) is allowed to lapse due to
�franchise tax board� forfeiture.
August 31, 1992�Defunct Maranatha Christian Churches,
Inc. transfers the entire interest and goodwill for Champions for Christ�s name
and logo to Champions for Christ International, Inc. This is despite the fact
that (1) Maranatha had not been a legally viable
entity for nearly two years and (2) it had already transferred the name and
logo once to Word of Life/Mid Cities Community Church of Midland, TX in
November 1990.
September 15, 1992�New Hope Christian Fellowship of Lawrence, Kansas
(previously Maranatha Christian Church of Lawrence,
KS) dissolves.
December 7, 1992�
December 12, 1992�Executives for Christ, Inc. is incorporated in
March 27, 1993�Morning Star Christian Church of
April 26, 1993�Maranatha Campus Ministries,
International, Inc./Campus Ministries International officially files a physical
address change to Austin TX with the Florida Secretary of State�s office.
June, 1993�Victory Leadership Institute (VLI) begins in
June 11, 1993�Rice Broocks
purchases a home in Nashville, TN.
September, 1993�The Forerunner begins a new South African publication for the
South African Maranatha church (Bill Bennot), which had recently merged
with His People Ministries under Paul
Daniel (this church network is today part of Every Nation Churches)
December 9, 1993�Campus Harvest Ministries, Inc. is incorporated in Durham,
North Carolina. Ron Lewis,
registered agent. Jim Laffoon is one of the leading ministers in this
organization. However, according to its own website, it had been in existence
as the �conference arm� of Victory Campus Ministries since 1990.
December 16, 1993�Media House International, Inc. is incorporated in
March, 1994�According to MSI leaders, Morning Star International is
established, merging Rice Broocks�, Phil Bonasso�s, and Steve
Murrell�s ministries�Champions for Christ, Victory Churches and associated
former-Maranatha ministries in the Philippines, and
Los Angeles-based Morning Star Christian Church, Inc. (which includes Victory
Campus Ministries). However, the paper trail indicates that Morning Star (under
that name) was established as early as late 92-93, based on
cooperative/covenantal relationships that did not cease when Maranatha �disbanded� in 1990. Ministries incorporated into what would
become MSI, including Victory Campus Ministries and Champions for Christ, trace
their histories all the way back to Maranatha�s break
up in 1990.
May 1, 1994�Campus Ministries International�s mailing address is changed from
May 1, 1994�Bob and Rose Weiner Ministries� mailing address is changed to
August 15, 1994�Registered trademarks of Maranatha
Christian Church(es), �Champions for Christ� and �
August 24, 1994�Rice Broocks
appears as a newly named director on Bethel Chapel�s Board of Directors,
according to the annual report filed with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
This is what would eventually become MSI�s
headquarters in
November 4, 1994�Massachusetts Certificate of Authority for Maranatha
Christian Church, Inc. (Maranatha�s original
December 2, 1994�Morning Star Christian Church incorporates in
1994�Rice Broocks
is listed both as having a
May 25, 1995�Campus Harvest Ministries, Inc. legally changes name to Triangle
Christian Fellowship Campus Ministries, Inc. Ron Lewis remains the registered agent. However, it still operates
under the name �Campus Harvest� to the present day.
July, 1995�Media House International and Champions for Christ co-publish El Campione, Champions for Christ�s Spanish language
equivalent to the Forerunner. Franco Gennarro (now based in
November, 1995�Mail to Rice Broocks in
1996 (n.d.)�Champions for Christ is an active U of M
ministry operating out of the Minneapolis Maranatha
Christian Fellowship church pastored by Bruce Harpel.
However, Bruce Harpel�s
church is not officially part of the Morning Star �family� of churches. 3/4/2006
note: According to Bruce Harpel, there is no
connection between this campus group which operates out of his church and the
international Champions for Christ ministry affiliated with Every Nation
Ministries, nor is there a relationship between Maranatha
Christian Fellowship and Every Nation � source, email communication, 2/28/2006.
February 29, 1996�Victory Campus Ministries formally
incorporates in
March 15, 1996�Champions for Christ is deactivated by the Texas Secretary of
State office for failure to submit an annual report. Note that CFC was not a
legally viable corporation from this date until August 11, 1998�so more than
two years. However, they remained in operation during this time period.
June 26, 1996�Victory Campus Ministries amends its incorporation papers as an
official subsidiary of Morning Star Christian Church, Inc.
November 22, 1996�Champions for Christ refiles the
old Maranatha-owned CFC logo and the typed name,
�Champions for Christ� with the US Patent and Trademark Office, claiming
10/1986 as the first use in commerce, thus claiming CFC�s Maranatha
history. Note that CFC was not a legally viable corporation at this time. These
filings were not initially approved for registration by the USPTO.
March 31, 1997�Morning Star International, Inc. formally incorporates in
April 22, 1997�Triangle Christian Fellowship changes its name to Kings Park
International Church, Inc.
Part 5: Morning Star International
becomes fully established, but not without controversy
1997�Victory Leadership Institute begins its first
February 13, 1998�Bethel Chapel changes its name to
late July�early August 1998�A series of articles critical of CFC are published
first in the Chicago Tribune, then the Jacksonville Times-Union.
August 11, 1998�Just as the national press starts taking notice of CFC, it
files the necessary reports needed to reestablish itself as a legal
corporation, after a lapse of over two years. Board members now also include Ron Lewis, pastor of the former Maranatha church in
Week of August 23, 1998�national news articles (incl. New York Times, Sports
Illustrated, etc.) critical of CFC are published.
October 27, 1998�Morning Star Christian Church, Inc. is incorporated as a
domestic corporation in
1998�The (Darrell Green) Youth Life Foundation is incorporated in
July, 1999�Champions for Christ files a new logo and refiles
the typed name �Champions for Christ� with the USPTO. CFC again claims 10/1986
as the date when �Champions for Christ� was first used in commerce. These were
accepted as registered trademarks with the USPTO.
Oct 28, 1999�The Youth Life and Community Foundation is incorporated in
November 9, 1999�Longtime Bethel board members, Elizabeth McCollum (Ray
McCollum�s wife) and Jerry Postell are replaced on Bethel World Outreach Center�s
board with John Rohrer (former Maranatha), Ronald
Caldwell and Deborah Caldwell.
1999�Rice Broocks
becomes senior pastor of Bethel World Outreach Center, Nashville, TN, taking
over from Ray McCollum, the founding
senior pastor. Ray McCollum becomes
the senior teaching pastor and begins traveling to teach in MSI churches
worldwide. He is also based for a time at
February 1, 2000�
March 17, 2000�Reel to Real Ministries moves from
March-April 2000�His People Christian Churches of
April 27, 2000�According to the annual report filed with the Tennessee
Secretary of State,
April 30, 2000�Rice Broocks
receives a $182,000 loan (12/27/2019 maturity date, 6.2% interest rate) from
the Malachi Foundation, a �charity� run by Austin-based financier, Morning Star
International Founder�s Club Chairman, and Executives for Christ board member Greg Feste
that makes �grants� almost exclusively to Morning Star International pastors,
ministers, and ministries. Payments on the loan are to be made annually at the
end of each calendar year.
May, 2000�Both Rice Broocks
(5/2) and Phil Bonasso
(5/12) close on their new residential properties. Rice Broocks begins building what would
become a $1.67 million home. Phil Bonasso purchases his home for just under $1.2 million.
September 14, 2000�Phil Bonasso receives a $150,000 loan (12/27/2019 maturity
date, 6.2% interest rate) from the Malachi Foundation, a �charity� run by
Austin-based financier and CFC board member Greg Feste that makes �grants� almost
exclusively to Morning Star International pastors, ministers, and ministries.
Payments on the loan are to be made annually at the end of each calendar year.
September 21, 2000�Morning Star International, Inc. files a Certificate of
Authority in
Part 6: Morning Star International
continues to expand and begins process of changing its name to Every Nation
2001�Bob and Rose Weiner Ministries lists grants to Morning Star Christian
Church (MSI-Los Angeles), Victory Campus Ministries, and Reel to Real
Ministries on its IRS Form 990.
February 1, 2001�Morning Star International adds www.everynation.org
redirect to its website; actual URL remains www.morningstar2010.com.
February, 26, 2001�Victory Productions logo is replaced with Every Nation
Productions name and logo on the Filipino Morning Star International/Victory
Church website (www.victory.org.ph).
Note that Victory Productions (aka Every Nation
Productions) is a separate legal entity in the
Spring 2001�Victory Campus Ministries is established on
September 13, 2001�After driving with a team of Bethel World Outreach Center
pastors and leaders to minister in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy, Rice Broocks
calls in on speaker phone to a prayer meeting assembled at BWOC. He talks about
the distraught people searching for loved ones and says that besides the
Scientologists, they are the only people ministering at Ground Zero. He
apparently did not see the tent that had been set up at Ground Zero by David Wilkerson�s
September 21, 2001�Reel to Real Ministries� Florida Certificate of Authority
lapses due to failure to submit an annual report. To date it has not been
reinstated. However, Reel to Real Ministries remains an active corporate entity
in
October 2001�
October 7, 2001�Morning Star International reports to its membership that a
�new� Morning Star International �planted� in
November 1, 2001�DC pastor and CFC board member Brett Fuller purchases a home in Chantilly, VA for $787,000.
November 16, 2001�Force Ministries, Inc. is incorporated in
November 18, 2001�Tree of Life City Church (formerly Maranatha
Christian Church of
November 29, 2001�The Youth Life Foundation of Tennessee is incorporated in
2002�Reel to Real Ministries lists a small cash donation from Weiner Ministries
on its IRS Form 990.
2002�Frontline Strategic Resources (aka Frontline
Partners), a fund raising arm of Morning Star Christian Church of Dallas, lists
a $5,000 grant to Campus Missions International. Campus Missions International
is an expired (2000) assumed name of Maranatha
Christian Church of Minneapolis, and appears to have been operating under the
aegis of Purpose Ministries, whose board members include former Maranatha pastors/leaders Bruce Harpel, Brad Sherman, Nick Pappis, and Rusty
Russell. 3/4/2006 note: Bruce Harpel states that according to their records, this
contribution was not made to Campus Missions International. It is possible that it was instead given to
what was once called Campus Ministries International to help support former
Campus Ministries International president Brady Clark. Source:
email communication, 2/28/2006.
Since Campus Ministries International (aka Maranatha Campus Ministries International, Inc.) had been
erroneously called Campus Missions International in the past, this is a
plausible explanation for the contribution.
However, the parent organization, Campus Ministries International, Inc.,
dissolved as a legal entity in 1995, soon after Morning Star International was
officially founded, even though foreign Certificates of Authority are still
considered active today in
2002�Morning Star International launches VLI online:
www.vlionline.com
February 15, 2002�Victory Campus Ministries amends its incorporation papers as
an official subsidiary of Morning Star International, Inc.
April, 2002�Brett Fuller announces
to his (then) approximately 200 member congregation that the MSI International
Apostolic Team (of which he is a member) have advised Grace Community Church to
stop with its plans to build on its existing property in Fairfax County, VA and
instead think bigger. They begin looking at another property but never purchase
it. At this point, the church had raised $2.7 million toward its building fund.
July 30, 2002�The Global Caf�, Inc. is incorporated in
Summer 2002�Victory Campus Ministries is established as a registered student
group at
August, 2002�Ron Lewis replaces Rice Broocks
as senior pastor of the Morning Star NYC church. He remains the president and
registered agent of KPIC as well as the other ministries based out of KPIC.
August, 2002�
August 27, 2002�Youth Life Foundation of the Triangle is incorporated in
September 16, 2002�Morning Star International (TN) files �Every Nation
Productions� with the
September 16, 2002�Morning Star International (TN) files �Every Nation in Our
Generation� with the US Patent and Trademarks Office; first use in commerce
7/1999.
November, 2002�Charisma Magazine publishes a series of articles supporting
Champions for Christ; CFC is Charisma�s cover story that month.
November, 2002�Paul Daniel steps
down from his position as head of His People Christian Ministries due to
�illness� and is removed to MSI�s Nashville
headquarters by the MSI International Apostolic team: http://www.capeargus.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=148649
December, 2002�Life Christian Church of St. Louis, MO joins with Morning Star
International. Rick Shelton
continues as the senior pastor and Joyce
Meyer continues on the church board of directors. Note: While LCC was listed in MSI�s directory as of this date, the �required bylaw� was
not enacted at this time, which would have made LCC legally part of MSI.
December 31, 2002�Media House International lists Cuban distribution of the
Champion, its Spanish language newspaper co-published with Champions for
Christ, as one of its accomplishments for that year on its annual report. Note
that Media House International/Forerunner (as well as Reel to Real Ministries,
with which it has a close working relationship) is unapologetically Christian Reconstructionist/Dominion Now upon reviewing its website
at http://www.forerunner.com. Its
theology, focus, etc. did not change from the early pre-Maranatha
�breakup� writings posted to present.
2003--Ron Lewis is named to the board of directors of Integrity Worship Ministries, a non-profit subsidiary of Christian music company, Integrity Media, Inc.
January 27, 2003�Morning Star
January 31, 2003�Rick Shelton
purchases a new $673,042 home from Mayer Custom Homes,
2003�Reel to Real Ministries lists a $500 donation to the Bethel World Outreach
Center Building Fund on its Form 990 of this year. It also claims �no
relationship� with Bethel World Outreach which is a patently false statement,
since both Reel to Real and Bethel World Outreach Center are Morning Star
International ministries, and Reel to Real is currently based the Nashville
headquarters of MSI. 3/4/2006 note: Reel to Real is no longer considered an Every
Nation ministry; it is now affiliated with The Apologetics Group - http://www.apologeticsgroup.com/
February 5, 2003�Gareth Stead
replaces Paul Daniel as senior
pastor on His People-Cape Town�s website: http://web.archive.org/web/20030205161746/www.capetown.hispeople.org/capetown
February 14, 2003�Paul Daniel is
removed from the International Apostolic Team as listed on MSI�s
website: http://web.archive.org/web/20030214194056/www.morningstar2010.com/about/board.html This is in accordance with MSI�s officially stated procedures in which pastors/leaders
removed from one board position (i.e., as a head pastor) are removed from all
other MSI board positions. Note that this is before he supposedly confessed of
sin to MSI Apostolic Team members, before he purchased a home in
March, 2003�Paul Daniel purchases a
nearly $600,000 home in Franklin, Tennessee, just a few doors down from Jim Laffoon,
who had purchased his nearly $600,000 home a year earlier.
May, 2003�Paul Daniel�s videotaped
confession of two extramarital affairs is shown to his �shocked� former
congregation in
June, 2003�Ray McCollum is no longer
listed as a pastor with
June 8, 2003�Gareth Stead officially replaces Paul Daniel as senior pastor on MSI�s worldwide directory: http://web.archive.org/web/20030608151743/http://www.morningstar2010.com/directory/africa.html
August, 2003�Morning Star International files Every Nation, Every Nation Publishing,
Every Nation Churches, and Every Nation Ministries with the US Patent and
Trademarks office.
August 20, 2003�Brett Fuller sells
September, 2003�Articles critical of (Darrell Green) Youth Life Foundation are
published in the Washington Post and Youth Today.
July 25, 2003�Morning Star International files a Certificate of Authority in
November 18, 2003�Brett Fuller�s
December, 2003 � Rice Broocks presents former KPIC-based campus pastor, Morgan Bates, to Life Christian Church
in
2004�Morning Star International now has 70+ churches internationally;
approximately the same size as Maranatha Christian
Church, Inc/Maranatha Campus Ministries in 1989.
January 12, 2004�Former His People church administrator under Paul Daniel, Michael Swain, purchases a home for $571,142 in
Spring, 2004�Morning Star International requires that all local churches offer
VLI as a condition of remaining in Morning Star International (this had already
been strongly encouraged in MSI�s pastoral Guidelines
document). All local members are highly encouraged to attend VLI, both by local
pastors and visiting Morning Star International leaders. Videos produced in MSI
Nashville are shipped to local churches. These videos are also available
through VLI Online. Note: all campus ministers had already been required to
attend VLI�s
March 24, 2004�Brett Fuller�s church
changes its name to Metro Morning Star, Inc.
Summer, 2004�Metro Morning Star in
March, 2004�Newsboys, Inc. places the �Have You Done the Purple Book Yet� logo
on its home page. Both Newsboys� lead singer (Peter Furler) and long time manager (Wes Campbell) are active members of
May 19, 2004�Greg Ball is removed
from his board/leadership positions with the Morning Star Church in
June, 2004�Morning Star International changes its website to a more closed,
restricted access format. The church directory is no longer listed for text
download, and searches by pastor name are no longer possible. The website is
also moved to a
July, 2004�Morning Star International announces at its annual conference that
it is changing its name to Every Nation, because of confusion with other
ministries bearing the Morning Star name, and because God led them to change it
just as God renamed Abram, Abraham. The rationales presented were essentially
the same as those published in the 1990 Maranatha
newsletter announcing the name change from Maranatha
Campus Ministries to Campus Ministries International. It was also at this time
that a reorganization effort began under the leadership of Steve Murrell,
according to his blog dated 10/30/2005.
July � August 2004�Victory Leadership Institute is renamed Every Nation
Leadership institute in some of the top churches, including
August 2004�MSI Nashville begins videotaping revised VLI (now named Every
Nation Leadership Institute) classes at
August 25, 2004�Alpha Iota Omega, a three-person fraternity at the
Fall 2004�Paul Barker, a former Maranatha pastor, is made an associate pastor of Life
Christian Church in
September 2004��
October 2004�His People Church in
October 3, 2004�MSI/Every Nation takes over Chapel of Glory International
Ministries/Triumphant Faith Ministries, a G-12, apostolic/prophetic charismatic
ministry organization based in Lagos, Nigeria: http://www.realmofglory.org/the%20word.htm
October 11, 2004�This Day Sunday online newspaper (based in Nigeria) states
that Wes Campbell, Newsboys�
manager/producer and president of CCM label InPop
Records, is also Every Nation Productions president. However, Every Nation
Productions is not a separately incorporated entity in the
October 28, 2004�Greg Ball
incorporates a new ministry, named Bridge International Ministries, in
November 2, 2004�Newsboys, Inc. begins selling Biblical Foundations (the
�Purple Book�) through its website. They are also giving free copies away at
concerts and are encouraging concert goers, particularly the unchurched, to go to Every Nation churches.
November 4, 2004�Greg Ball�s former
church, Morning Star Christian Church of Austin, Inc. (TX), now pastored by Ray
McCollum, files a new assumed (fictitious) DBA name with the Texas
Secretary of State: Community Christian Church. However, Ray McCollum is not made the legal registered agent or president of
this church at this time, unlike most other MSI/EN churches in the
November 2004��Every Nation� is posted as the official logo on this Morning
Star corporate website: http://64.47.91.38/scouting/. In addition, Morning Star
International more broadly uses the �Every Nation� name rather than �Morning
Star International.�
November 15, 2004�InPop Records, Inc., a CCM label
owned by Peter Furler
and Wes Campbell, change its
corporate charter, bylaws, and common stock filings with the Tennessee
Secretary of State. It had previously been a subsidiary of 1-2-3 Entertainment,
which administratively dissolved in September, 2004. While Furler
and Campbell remain majority stockholders, the revised charter allowed for Rice Broocks,
Tony Boselli
and Mark Brunell
to purchase significant amounts of stock in the company through a private stock
offering (see 12-9-2004 EDGAR filings). In addition. Broocks,
Boselli, and Brunell are
named to InPop's Board of Directors. Since the
revised charter allows a quorum (simple majority) of the Board to vote on and
conduct business for the company, it is technically possible for Broocks, Boselli, and Brunell to meet as the Board without Campbell and Furler if they so choose... and as a unified voting bloc,
they also have the power to remove or replace them as officers of the
corporation if they so choose.
November 18, 2004: �
November 22, 2004: The VCM chapter based at MIT removes the reference to its Maranatha history from its website:
http://web.mit.edu/vcm/www/about.html.
November 29, 2004: Global Caf� LA incorporates in
December 9, 2004�Rice Broocks, Tony Boselli, and
Mark Brunell purchase $1.4 million in common
stock from InPop Records, Inc., according to
SEC/EDGAR filings.
December 16, 2004�The Missouri Certificate of Authority for Morning Star
International, Inc. lapses for failure to submit an annual report.
End of December, 2004-beginning of January, 2005�Paul Daniel and his family reportedly have returned to
Part 7: A reorganization of Morning Star
International/Every
January 1, 2005�Jim Laffoon
begins posting daily teachings/blogs on Newsboys�
website: www.newsboys.com .
January 12, 2005�The Every Nation name change is formally announced on
MSI/Every Nation�s website.
January 14, 2005�Morning Star International, Inc. formally changes its name to
Every Nation Churches, Inc., and Victory Campus Ministries, Inc. formally
changes its name to Every Nation Ministries, Inc. with the California Secretary
of State. �Every Nation� is not a legal corporate name in and of itself but is
a registered trademark of Every Nation Churches, Inc.
January 19, 2005�Global Caf�, Inc. opens in downtown
February 16, 2005�The Middle North Carolina District Court judge tells Alpha
Iota Omega and the University of North Carolina to reach an out of court
settlement in its religious discrimination case by
February 28, 2005. If no agreement is reached, then the court will make a
ruling in the case.
February 27, 2005�Tim Johnson,
former senior associate pastor of
February 28, 2005�Alpha Iota Omega and the
February 28, 2005�The Durham News & Observer publishes an article
questioning Alpha Iota Omega�s connections to King�s
March, 2005-Reel to Real Ministries changes both its physical and mailing
address according to its annual report and corporate information available
through www.guidestar.org . Its website
also redirects to a new site for The Apologetics Group (Eric Holmberg, founder and president): http://www.apologeticsgroup.com ,
which is an apologetics ministry from a Reformed, Calvinist perspective. These
are indications that Eric Holmberg
& Reel to Real Ministries may no longer be formally affiliated with Every
Nation Churches and Ministries. However,
both Stephen Mansfield (affiliated
with
March 19, 2005�Newsboys, Inc. joins InPop Records�
roster, which effectively intertwines the band legally with Every Nation.
March 22, 2005�Newsboys changes websites; it is now hosted on the same domain
as InPop Records. The new website prominently
features Every Nation teachings, publications, and leaders, further entrenching
the group as an Every Nation subministry.
March 28, 2005�Morning Star New York (MSNY - Ron Lewis, Senior Pastor) purchases 414 W 51st St 1-B, New York, NY for $1.3 million; mortgage is for $910K.
Spring 2005�Some individual churches begin legally changing their name to
"Every Nation," reflecting the new identity of the parent
corporation.
Spring 2005�Global Caf� LA opens in
Spring 2005�Morning Star International Church of Boston (formerly Maranatha Christian Church of
April, 2005--The Rock Church of Wellington, NZ is welcomed to Every Nation during EN's South Pacific Leadership Summit.
May 4, 2005�Morning Star Christian Church of Lawrence, KS incorporates a new
non-nationally affiliated ministry to take the place of Victory Campus
Ministries/Every Nation Campus Ministries chapters previously based out of its
church: Midwest Student Ministries. Chapters are registered at both University
of Kansas (KU) and
May 11, 2005�Two families file suit in US District Court against Victory Clubs
of America,
May 23, 2005�According to a Form 990 received this date by the IRS from "His People Ministries Africa", a fundraising arm of the Texas EN churches for African missions, Bill Bennot's address is listed as Paul Daniel's Franklin, TN house. As of 3/5/2006, this property is still listed in Tennessee records as being in Paul Daniel's name.
May 31, 2005�Champions for Christ�s website redirects to its 2005 conference
website and the old Flash site is no longer active. Champions� headquarters has
also been moved from
June 1, 2005�Every Nation posts a newly redesigned website on the first
anniversary of its last major site redesign; the new site fully incorporates
the new Every Nation Churches and Every Nation Ministries brands. Morning Star
International is no longer used as an active "brand name.� In addition,
"Victory Clubs" is now called "Every Nation Youth" even
though it is still legally "Victory Clubs" as of this date according
to the Tennessee Secretary of State.
June, 2005�Prominent Every Nation member and author Stephen Mansfield writes the cover article for Charisma magazine
(�Vicar of the Spirit�), which is a tribute to recently deceased Pope John Paul II.
June, 2005�Victory Campus Ministries announces that it is merging with other
affiliate ministries; the parent organization is legally Every Nation Ministries
(the renamed VCM). Every Nation�s campus arm is now named Every Nation Campus
Ministries but is not a separately incorporated entity as VCM was. The other
ministries merging into Every Nation Ministries are �Every Nation Youth� (still
legally *Victory Clubs as of 6/05), *Force Ministries, *Champions for Christ,
Every Nation Leadership Institute, ENLI Graduate Schools, Every Nation
conferences, Every Nation Productions and online store, and Every Nation World
Missions. It is unclear at this time whether some of the other affiliate
ministries, including *Campus Harvest, Arts, Culture and Entertainment,
*African American Resource Ministry, etc. are also being merged into Every
Nation Ministries or are instead considered subministries
of specific Every Nation churches.
*=separately incorporated entity in the
July, 2005�Sometime during the first two weeks of July, Victory Clubs'(now
known as Every Nation Youth) old URL (www.victoryclubs.com) redirects to a
commercial domain licensing site owned by Network Solutions. There is no
redirect to the new URL, which is now www.everynationyouth.com. This is unlike
Every Nation's other URLs which had either been redirected to the correct sites
(www.championsfc.com; www.morningstar2010.com) or were maintained at the old
location under the old name with a name change announcement (www.vcm.com).
July 20, 2005�Every Nation files a new foreign Certificate of Authority for
Every Nation Ministries, Inc. with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
July 21, 2005--June, 2005�Prominent Every Nation member and author Stephen Mansfield releases Pope
Benedict XVI: His Life and
July 26, 2005�Every Nation files a name change from Morning Star International
to Every Nation Churches, Inc. for its existing foreign Certificate of
Authority in
August 19, 2005�The foreign Certificate of Authority for Every Nation Churches,
Inc. in Tennnessee is administratively revoked,
according to the Tennessee Secretary of State. Every Nation Ministries, Inc.
remains an active corporate entity in
August 19, 2005�Every Nation administratively dissolves Victory Clubs of
America, which had been incorporated as a non-profit organization in
Summer, 2005�Leo Lawson is no longer
acting dean of the School for Campus Ministry.
September, 2005�Tony Fetchel,
West Coast Regional Campus Director, is removed from his ministry position
after allegations of a personal scandal.
September 9, 2005�Morning Star International Church of Boston (formerly Maranatha Christian Church of
September 25, 2005�Every Nation churches in Singapore and Austin, TX (Christ
Community Church pastored by Ray McCollum; was formerly Morning Star Christian Church of Austin pastored by former Maranatha/MSI
leader Greg Ball) begin Rick
Warren�s 40 Days of Purpose campaign.
Fall, 2005�Every Nation Churches revises its statement of faith to be in line
with that of the National Association of Evangelicals. The new version affirms
the Trinity as one God in three Persons, while the old version at least allowed
for the possibility of modalism. ENC also now
publicly embraces and adopts the Nicean and Chalcedon Creeds. (While it is still available... the old
version can be seen here: www.bwoc.org->About
October 2-6, 2005�There are reports that a top level meeting takes place in
October, 2005--His People in South Africa begins withholding one half of their tithes pending Every Nation's implementing governmental reforms and financial accountability/transparency. These funds are reportedly being held in escrow. Note: as of June, 2006, His People decides to continue withholding these funds for another fiscal quarter. Although His People had enacted the "required bylaw" contractually obligating them to tithe to Every Nation, EN reportedly has not come in to enforce the bylaw with regards HP's tithes.
October 30, 2005 Morning Star New York (MSNY) Commitment Sunday kicking off its LifeGiving capital campaign, which characterizes itself as "giving life to New York. In so doing, you�ll be creating a new life for yourself." The initial goal is a "faith" $1 million to pay off its existing mortgage and an additional "miracle" $1 million to purchase additional property. $5,000, $1000, and $500 per month contibution levels are suggested. See http://lifegiving.msny.org.
October 31, 2005�Every Nation openly acknowledges a
�reorganization� movement apparently under the leadership of board member Steve Murrell, in which a consultant
has been hired (Olan Hendrix/Leadership Resource
Group; who was the founding president and incorporator of the Evangelical
Council for Financial Accountability), its financial statements are being
audited by an independent auditor, and one of its Board of Directors, Phil Bonasso,
is reportedly removed from his day-to-day role as top manager of Every Nation�s
administration and finances.
November, 2005�Morning Star Christian Church of
November 1, 2005�Prominent Every Nation member and author Stephen Mansfield releases Derek Prince: A Biography, which
was authorized/commissioned by Prince and his family before his death in 2003. Derek Prince was once known as one of
the original �Fort Lauderdale Five� Shepherding leaders. The forward to the
book is written by well-known Word-Faith televangelist John Hagee.
November 9, 2005�Every Nation Churches and Ministries releases an eight page
�Reorganization Communique� to pastors and leaders
via email. It is posted to the FACTNet discussion
board on 11/16/2005. Changes announced include proposed changes to the reduced
day-to-day, hands-on management roles and responsibilities of its
founders/board members, particularly those of Phil Bonasso and Rice Broocks.
November, 2005-References to Phil Bonasso's leadership are
removed from the South
Bay church's website in keeping with announcements that Phil Bonasso would be relocating to
December 5, 2005-Former InPop president Dale Bray returns to his former post
after a five-year hiatus. Every Nation Productions president Wes Campbell remains as InPop CEO.
December 12, 2005�Newsboys posts a redesigned website which now includes no
overt references to Every Nation Churches and Ministries or its leaders, aside
from �Our Daily Blog� devotionals by Jim Laffoon.
December 16, 2005�Morning Star Christian Church of Dallas (TX; Joe Martin, Sr. Pastor) changes its
name back to
In 1995, Nancy and I founded this church under the God-given name of
December 20, 2005--Trinity Church (Dallas) files "Frontline" as an assumed name of the church. Theoretically, any funds raised under the church's assumed name as opposed to the separately incorporated 501(c)(3), Frontline Partners/Frontline Strategic Resources, would be exempt from IRS reporting since churches are not required to file IRS Form 990s unlike other non-profits that are not churches. mid-January, 2006�There are several reports that Mark Foster resigned his position as
Every Nation Churches and Ministries� administrator just prior to the Every
Nation International Leadership Summit. 3/2/06 note:
This was verified in a communiqu� sent out to MPD staff, which included
Mark Foster�s resignation letter.
Late 2005--Cornerstone Church of Jackson, MS joins Every Nation Churches and Ministries. Founded in 1985, this church had been supporting Steve and Deborah Murrell as missionaries for several years prior to this - see archived websites here: http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.cornerstonejackson.org/.
December 31, 2005--Phil Bonasso purchases a new home in Jacksonville, FL for $722,000. This supports reports that Phil Bonasso has been relocated to Jacksonville, where there is an Every Nation church.
Early 2006-All the Indonesian GAP churches pull out of Every Nation en masse; their departure was reportedly approved by EN leadership at the Palm Springs meeting. As of March 2006, these churches are no longer listed in Every Nation's directory.
January 16-20, 2006-Every Nation International
Leadership Summit convenes. Approximately 125 senior pastors were in attendance
along with Every Nation�s senior leaders.
According to the fall 2005 communique, one of
the primary tasks of this summit was to ratify the announced reorganization
plan for Every Nation Churches and Ministries.
Steve Murrell later states on his blog that he
had spent �a week in
January 22, 2006�Kevin York, senior pastor of Mid Cities Community Church (
January 26, 2006�Bethel Community Church (BWOC),
represented by Michael Swain,
presents its plan for a nearly 41,000 square foot facility adjacent to Seward
Hall, a historic home listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and
requests that restrictions on its prior approval be lifted (see http://www.franklin-gov.com/pdf/fmpc012606.pdf
; http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060129/COUNTY090101/601290324/1356/COUNTY0901
). Seward Hall and the surrounding
property is owned by Wes Campbell,
Newsboys' manager and president of Every Nation Productions. 14 acres of the 20 acre lot was donated to
EN/Bethel for its use to build a new church facility, which, if built, will be
8 times larger than historic Seward Hall in terms of square footage. In 1999, the
February, 2006�Champions for Christ�s 2004 IRS Form
990 is made available online; it was filed with the IRS in November, 2005. It confirms that Greg Ball is no longer the president of CFC, that Brett Fuller has taken his place, and
that CFC�s headquarters have been moved from
February, 2006�Champions for Christ�s website is
replaced with a placeholder: www.championsfc.com.
February 10, 2006�A group of homeowners in the
McKay's Mill subdivision of Franklin, TN file for injunctive relief against
Bethel World Outreach Center, ENP President Wes Campbell, the City of Franklin, the Franklin Municipal Planning
Commission and the Jones Group (developer of McKay's Mill which had originally
been party to an agreement to keep the Seward Hall property intact), in order
to try and force the city into reconsidering plans to build "Bethel
Community Church" on land adjacent to historic Seward Hall (see http://www.williamsonherald.com/small%20pdfs/0223-PDFS/Asection.pdf and http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060301/COUNTY0902/603010325/1177
).
February 28, 2006�Every Nation disseminates a
communiqu� addressed from Every Nation Ministries director Bert Thomson formally announcing that Every Nation Ministries�
headquarters are being moved from
As you know,
offices of Every Nation Leadership Institute, Every Nation
World Missions, the School of
Youth Ministry and the School of Church Planting &
Pastoral Ministry. The decision to
move the School of Campus Ministry (SCM) there reflected
the desire of our ministry's
leaders to streamline our schools and benefit from
economies of scale. The students of the
schools will be able to interact and build relationships
with one another. We will also save a
significant amount of resources by having all of the
schools in one place. If you attended
one of the schools, you probably know that
Angeles!
Once the SCM moved to
corporate office in the
comprised of senior managers and staff from the LA office
evaluated the pros and cons of
the Every Nation Ministries office remaining in
best for all of our Every Nation operations to be located
in
our ministries'
benefits of moving to
UPDATE: It appears that the relocated School of Campus Ministry will no longer offer joint courses with Fuller Theological Seminary, possibly signifying that there is no longer an active "special and cooperative program" arrangement with Fuller.
OLD WORDING � EN Development Site (March 2006):
The overall curriculum is designed at a graduate level, including six seminary missions courses. Students with a bachelor's degree will be eligible to receive a certificate recognizing their studies in mission theology. After completing the School of Campus Ministry, alumni have the option to complete a master�s degree at Fuller Theological Seminary. Alumni may complete these advanced degrees while working in ministry back on their campus mission field.
NEW WORDING�EN Live Site (April 6, 2006)
The overall curriculum, designed at a graduate level, not only thoroughly prepares the student for ministry on today�s campus, but also provides an introduction to seminary studies. As part of the training process, each student will develop an individualized Graduate Course of Study based on their educational goals and vocational path. Upon completion of the School of Campus Ministry, alumni may pursue these advanced degrees while working in ministry on their campus mission field.
March 1, 2006�Every Nation's redesigned website goes live; Every Nation Churches and Every Nation Ministries sites are merged into one single website under the "Every Nation" corporate banner.
March - April, 2006--InPop Records artists Mat Kearney and Superchic[k] ink major label deals with Columbia Records. InPop is currently owned by Peter Furler, Wes Campbell, Rice Broocks, Tony Boselli and Mark Brunell.
April, 2006--Several Every Nation churches' websites (mostly in the US) no longer include overt references to their membership in Every Nation or participation in Every Nation ministries or initiatives.
April, 2006--Chapel of Glory International Church's website (Every Nation Nigeria) goes offline. NOTE: It has since been moved to a new URL: http://www.samdogbon.org.
April 4, 2006--Bethel World Outreach Center breaks ground on its new Franklin church as approved by the Franklin Planning Commission on February 10, 2006, in violation of an existing city order blocking one of the entrances, and despite the lawsuit that residents of the McKay's Mill neighborhood have filed to block construction, claiming that the city gave inadequate or insufficient notice for neighborhood residents to air their concerns regarding the proposed facility. Residents' issues include traffic and safety concerns, stating that the local infrastructure is insufficient to handle the increased traffic, as well as concerns about the size and footprint of the 41,000 foot facility adjacent to historic Seward Hall, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and was originally slated to be buffered on its original 20+ acre lot as historic protection for the home and also to be the visual centerpiece for the McKay's Mill neighborhood. See http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060322/COUNTY0902/603220369/1177.
April 8, 2006--Every Nation releases a Palm Springs follow-up communique to pastors and leaders announcing that executive compensation surveys had been completed reviewing top leaders' salaries. Phil Bonasso was reportedly overpaid $22,798 over a three year period, while additional excess benefit transactions were still being reviewed. Other leaders including Rice Broocks, Steve Murrell and Jim Laffoon were reportedly not overpaid. Note that while the IRS is limited from auditing further back than three years, tax liability extends ten years. A transcript can be viewed here.
April 10, 2006--Newsboys' new website goes live; there are no overt references to Every Nation churches, ministries, people or initiatives other than a link to Our Daily Blog, and its selling the Purple Book and Our Daily Blog in their online store. In addition, Newsboys is once again removed from InPop's artist section.
April 12, 2006--Franklin city aldermen approve a historic overlay over Seward Hall in order to protect the historic property - all proposals for development on the property need to first be approved by the city's Historic Zoning Commission. See http://www.gallatinnewsexaminer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060412/COUNTY090101/60412019
April 15, 2006--According to the Washington Post, Northern Virginia Republicans are reportedly encouraging prominent Metro Morning Star member and former Redskins star Darrell Green to run for the Virginia State Senate. Green, also well known for the (Darrell Green) Youth Life Foundation (closely affiliated with Metro Morning Star and Every Nation), has been a disciple of Brett Fuller's and a member of this former Maranatha church since the mid-1980s. See here.
April 17, 2006--Bethel Community Church construction is fully underway at the Seward Hall site (Franklin, TN), despite continuing objection to the project. As of this date, Bethel has a building permit for the youth center only (granted in 2/06), not for the entire project.
April 21, 2006--Life Christian Church (St. Louis, MO) is officially removed from Every Nation Church's online church directory. There had been reports that the church had left Every Nation, not yet having enacted the "required bylaw" bringing the church legally under EN's oversight by the time Phil Bonasso officially stepped down from his position as EN's CFO.
April 21, 2006--Every Nation announces on its website that Bret Holman is stepping down from his position as Every Nation Campus Ministries and Missionary Partnership Development (MPD) director. He and his wife remain in Every Nation, announcing that they are going to attend the School of Church Planting and Campus Ministry (Holman already has attended Fuller Theological Seminary) and eventually plant and pastor a new church.
April 22, 2006--Every Nation announces new Every Nation Churches and Every Nation Ministries Boards of Directors on its website. ENC's Board of Directors is the group with the most legal authority over the entire organization by virtue of the "required bylaw" bringing local churches under the movement's oversight. This group now consists of Steve Murrell (Chair), Russ Austin, Brett Fuller, Michael Swain, and Bert Thomson. This validates reports that Murrell is currently in charge of the movement as Chairman of the ENC Board of Directors and that Rice Broocks has been functionally demoted since he is no longer on this board. However, Austin, Fuller, Swain, and Thomson have been closely associated with and/or submitted to Rice Broocks, and there is some question regarding their personal loyalties and how they might impact their membership on the Board. While there are reports that the "required bylaw" which gives the Board its legal authority over local churches is no longer being enforced as in the past, it still exists at least in the US churches and does not appear to have been changed and/or repealed.
May 12, 2006--Every Nation's (Philippines) Communications Coordinator, Thelma Bowlen, files a mediation case in Wikipedia claiming that a former member is taking the Every Nation Wikipedia entry "hostage." She also requests the ability to "protect" the page. Content on the Every Nation Wikipedia entry is key since it is one of the first pages to come up in Google searches on "Every Nation." Other Wikipedia entries about "controversial" religious/spiritual groups currently in mediation include Scientology, those of Roman Catholic dioceses in Great Britain, Golden Dawn, and Heaven's Stairway.
May 22, 2006--Every Nation posts "Leader Letters" by Steve Murrell on its website; the May issue includes Every Nation's new Discipleship Policy:
We are convinced that every believer is called to be a disciple, and as described in Matthew 4:19, a disciple is someone who follows Jesus, reaches unbelievers with the gospel, and does these activities in community with other believers. In support of this process, the boards of Every Nation organizations shall not allow practices that are controlling, coercive, or intrusive, or that violate biblical principles, the priesthood of the believer, and the disciplemaking principles enumerated below.
1. We believe the Bible is the ultimate authority in the life of the believer.
2. All Christians are called to preach the Gospel and make disciples. This means we are called to follow Jesus and to help others follow Jesus.
3. We are called to uphold Scripture and provide godly counsel and leadership while reinforcing the God-given right and responsibility of every individual to follow his or her own conscience and make his or her own decisions.
4. We do not require anyone in the disciplemaking process to follow any mentor�s advice.
5. We believe in restoring families and especially in the campus ministry context, we encourage every student to honor and respect his or her parents.
6. We believe in the church universal, the church local, and the calling of believers to worship and affiliate with the church or ministry of their choice. Therefore, we reject exclusivity or elitism in any of our churches and ministries.
7. We believe the disciple-making process should never be exclusive. Therefore, individuals should feel free to discuss their spiritual growth, personal issues, and disagreements with other pastors, mentors, friends, and family.
May 22, 2006--Every Nation announces that Gregg Brenes will be taking over for Bret Holman as Director for the School for Campus Ministry, which had previously been directed by Leo Lawson. Brenes is a direct disciple of Phil Bonasso.
June, 2006--There are reports that churches in central Texas and in Louisiana may have left or be leaving Every Nation. Churches that have removed all references to Every Nation membership, ministries, leadership and initiatives from their websites include Church of the King (Mandeville, LA), Our Savior's Church (Lafayette and Jennings, LA), Milestone Church (Keller, TX) and Morning Star Community Church of Abilene. However, as of this date (6/19/2006) these churches are all still listed in Every Nation's directory.
June 19, 2006--The suit against Rice Broocks is dropped "without prejudice" in the tort lawsuit involving minors filed against Bethel World Outreach Center, Every Nation, Victory Clubs (Every Nation Youth) and other parties. "Without prejudice" means that the defendants retain the right to refile a new suit against Rice Broocks. The case otherwise is continuing and additional witnesses have recently been subpoenaed.
July 5, 2006--Rice Broocks announces that he is stepping down as president of the International Ministry Team (the body that replaced the International Apostolic Team in early 2006). The IMT reports that it has voted in Steve Murrell to take his place. Note that Steve Murrell has been acting president since at least April 2006 when he became the chair of Every Nation Church's Board of Directors, the entity with the most legal authority over Every Nation by virtue of the "required bylaw." Rice Broocks will remain with the organization in a more evangelistic capacity, and according to his resignation letter will continue to have an "interest" in the overseeing of churches even though this will be primarily Steve Murrell's responsibility as IMT president.
July 7, 2006--Several US churches are removed from Every Nation's directory, including Church of the King (LA), Church of the King-Gulfport (MS), Our Savior's Church (LA), Our Savior's Church-Jennings (LA), Milestone Church (TX), Desert Life Church (AZ) and Stonebrook Christian Church (CO).
September, 2006--Every Nation Church - Palos Verdes changes its name as listed in EN's directory to LifeSprings Church (http://www.lifesprings.com). As of this time, the legal name is still Every Nation Church - Palos Verdes. Every Nation Church - San Diego had previously changed its name to Shoreline Christian Church (http://www.shorelinesd.org/index.html).
September 11, 2006--The District of Columbia corporate charter for Metro Morning Star, Inc. (Brett Fuller, senior minister) is revoked. Source: District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. However, the foreign certificate of authority for this corporation filed in Virginia is still active. This church entity was originally incorporated as Maranatha Christian Church of Washington, DC in 1986.
September 18, 2006--Bethel World Outreach Center launches its "Building the Dream" building campaign to raise funds and support for the new (and controversial) Bethel Community Church in Franklin, TN, adjacent to historic Seward Hall. "Building the Dream" is an INJOY-coordinated initiative (John Maxwell) which it appears all the Bethel-affiliated churches (main and some BWOC satellite churches) are participating in.
Fall, 2006--Every Nation Church, San Jose changes its name to BayPointe Church. While this church is still listed in Every Nation's directory, there is no mention of its affiliation with Every Nation Churches or Ministries on its new website (http://www.baypointe.net)
November 29, 2006--US President George W. Bush names Metro Morning Star's senior minister, Brett Fuller, as a member of the President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, pending approval by the US Senate.
December, 2006--Champions for Christ appears to have moved from Metro Morning Star's corporate offices in Northern Virginia to Indianapolis, sharing the same address as Every Nation Church, Indianapolis. (The EN Indy church started as a CFC outreach and it was incorporated in 2003 as Champions Christian Church of Indianapolis which is still its legal name as of 12/06). In addition, CFC has acquired the www.championsforchrist.org domain name, which had previously been owned by a Baptist church in Oklahoma. While EN Indy's senior pastor, David Jamerson, is CFC's executive director, Brett Fuller appears to still be CFC's president, according to his bio on EN's website. CFC is incorporated in Texas and as of 12/06 there have been no new corporate changes or filings made to this entity since mid-2004 since Greg Ball was removed as CFC president.
December, 2006--Sam Webb is named to the Board of Directors of Every Nation Ministries, filling the vacant position previously held by Garry Senna. Webb had been a member of Every Nation's International Apostolic Team prior to its reorganization in early 2006. Senna is now a member of the Board of Directors of Every Nation Churches.
December 4, 2006--Ray McCollum and his church, Christ Community Church of Austin, pulls out of Every Nation. Ray McCollum was also the founding pastor of Bethel World Outreach Center in Nashville (now under Rice Broocks as "senior minister"), and had also been a member of Every Nation's International Ministry Team prior to his departure from Every Nation. Christ Community Church was previously known as Morning Star Christian Church of Austin and prior to May 2004 was pastored by Greg Ball.
2007--Former MCM pastor Walter Walker is on staff at EN-affiliated Youth Life Learning Center in Nashville, and joins Rice Broocks at Bethel World Outreach Center. Walker was Broocks' first pastor in MCM.
Winter, 2007--Morning Star Church of Kaufman, TX is no longer listed in Every Nation's church directory. In addition, Stonebrook Christian Church in Colorado is also no longer listed in Every Nation's directory; it had previously been removed and then relisted in the summer of 2006.
January 14, 2007--Embattled former EN vice president Phil Bonasso was scheduled to speak at Community Life Church, McKinney, TX in what may have been his first openly scheduled ministry event in Every Nation outside of the Jacksonville church since stepping down from his position as Every Nation's VP and CFO in early 2006 for a period of "restoration." However, this event was subsequently cancelled due to an ice storm. Bonasso has also preached in several Wednesday night services at Southpoint Christian Church in Jacksonville starting in January, 2007.
February 8, 2007--Bethel World Outreach Center posts a notarized letter signed by three of the four plaintiffs (one had additionally signed for her mother as power of attorney) in the case involving BWOC and Victory Clubs on its website, claiming in an introduction to this letter that "the integrity of our ministry to young people was both vindicated and upheld." The case was originally settled and the case files sealed in November, 2006. The defamation case where the teacher involved (counter)sued the plaintiffs' attorney and the Nashville TV station which first broke the story about the case is still ongoing as of this date.
March 1, 2007--Every Nation posts on its website that two Every Nation leaders met with the heads of state of their respective nations. Jamie Lathan, a member of Kings Park International Church and a mentor for EN-affiliated ministry Youth Life Learning Center was awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award by US President George Bush. EN's home page also posts that EN president Steve Murrell met with President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; the occasion was the 50th birthday celebration of Bishop Efraim Tendero, national director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, which was held at the Every Nation building in Metro Manila.
May, 2007--Rumors of Phil Bonasso's moving to Orange County, California to start a new EN church begin to surface. The Bonassos' Jacksonville home is put on the market which lends some credence to the rumor.
May, 2007--Former MCM pastor and Campus Harvest board member David Whitehead starts a new church in New York City, Grace NYC (www.gracenyc.org) which does not appear to be affiliated with Every Nation or MSNY (EN's church in New York). Immediately prior to this he was a pastor at MSNY, but is no longer listed on MSNY's staff page.
May 24, 2007--Bethel World Outreach Center increases the size of their mortgage on the Seward Hall/Bethel Community Church property to $3.95 million.
Spring, 2007--Community Life Church, McKinney, TX reportedly leaves Every Nation, and it is removed from the international directory. The church history as posted on its website has also been changed:
Old version:The church grew as lives were changed by the grace of God. In March of 2005, Community Life Church was recognized as an autonomous church within the Every Nation family of churches. Throughout the past year God has added many families to Community Life Church and has showed Himself strong on behalf of those who desired and expected His power and presence in their lives.
Current version (June 2007):The church grew as lives were changed by the grace of God. Throughout the past year God has added many families to Community Life Church and has showed Himself strong on behalf of those who desired and expected His power and presence in their lives.
June 6, 2007--Dave Jamerson steps down as senior pastor of Every Nation Church, Indianapolis (ENCI) to devote himself full-time to Champions for Christ; he currently serves as CFC's executive vice president. Former associate pastor Tavio Henson takes his place, according to ENCI's website. In addition, CFC cancels its annual conference which was originally slated to take place at Bethel World Outreach Center (Nashville) on June 21-24, stating that "the effort we exerted to build the necessary momentum which would have inspired registrations was not sufficient."
September, 2007--Phil Bonasso announces that he is planting a new Every Nation church in Irvine, CA (Orange County), under the auspices of the Jacksonville, FL church, signaling his public return to active Every Nation ministry leadership. Steve Murrell also mentioned the new church plant on his Accidental Missionary blog. The church is slated to begin meeting in January 2008. Bonasso's website originally called him "God's Apostle" but this reference has since been removed.
September, 2007--The Every Nation grouping of churches in the Washington, DC metro area, Metro MorningStar, changes its name back to Grace Covenant Church. This is what this former Maranatha church was named from the time of Maranatha's breakup in 1990 to 2004. It also reinstates its District of Columbia corporate status, which had been revoked in 2006.
December 31, 2007--Every Nation Churches, Inc. and Every Nation Ministries, Inc. become new members of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), making good on a written promise it made to its pastors following the Palm Springs leadership meeting in January, 2006. Every Nation has added a link to the ECFA on its website. It also officially considers Champions for Christ, FORCE, and Campus Harvest affiliate ministries, and recognizes Youth Life Learning Centers as an Every Nation compassion ministry. However, Champions for Christ and FORCE, as well as Brett Fuller's African American Resource Ministry, are filed as assumed names for Every Nation Ministries. While AARM's original Virginia corporation was dissolved in late 2007, both Champions for Christ and FORCE are still separate Texas corporations as well--in fact, CFC renewed its corporate status with the Texas SOS in early January, 2008
February 10, 2008--Phil Bonasso's new church, Storyteller Church holds its first "discovery" meeting in Irvine, CA, according to its website and Myspace page.