10. Two-thirds of the ICC is made up of college students between the ages of 18 and 22. Most drop out of college because they are unable to manage both school and the rigorous church schedule that each member is required to adhere to: church on Sunday, midweek service on Wednesday, bible talk on Friday, discipiling (D-times) meetings, evangelism or "sharing" several hours a day, bible studies with new recruits, "serving" paid staff leaders by house cleaning, baby sitting, running errands for them, etc. Failure to meet these demands are met with brow beating sessions where students are made to feel that they have a bad heart and are selfish by not putting the church first and as a result risk going to hell.
9. All three of Kip McKean's kids went to private school, graduated from Ivy-League colleges, and went to graduate school. Kip's children left the organization and want nothing to do with the church. Side Note: during her college years, Kip's eldest child suffered from bouts of depression and thoughts of suicide due to the scrutiny and intense pressure to preform which are hallmarks of Kip's leadership and church culture. Since many within the ICC (including top leaders), as well as ex-members have shared that they too have experienced these emotions as a result of their affiliation with the church, Kip felt compelled to write an article on the topic of Acedia, The Forgotten Sin to deflect his responsibility in cultivating an environment where depression is common because members never feel like they are able to do enough or measure up to Kip's standard.
Oct 22, 2014
Aug 31, 2014
Victor M. Gonzalez, Jr. - Why I Left the ICC!
WHY I LEFT THE ICC!
Guest contributor: Former ICC evangelist, Victor M. Gonzalez, Jr.
Proverbs 18:17 "In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines."
Many of you have asked very valid questions recently. Where do I start?
I was fired on August 1, 2014 for my convictions. This was after Thomas (Kip) apologized for every single accusation that he had brought against me. Kyle Bartholomew was there; so was Joan Bartholomew, his wife, as were Elena (Kip's wife) and Aurora (my wife). You see, I don't agree with double standards: applying scriptures to some and then not to others. I don't agree with manipulation.
Thomas (Kip) has asked and lied about asking people to write letters against me (amongst the latest confirmed are Jared McGee and Rachel McGee who lead the Mexico City ICC). When Thomas (Kip) presented these letters to me, he simply said, "These are totally unsolicited. I didn't ask for them - they just sent them to me - look at what they are saying about you." At the GLC, when asked about his letter, Jared answered, "Yes. Thomas (Kip) asked for our input and wanted us to write a letter about you guys."
Guest contributor: Former ICC evangelist, Victor M. Gonzalez, Jr.
Proverbs 18:17 "In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines."
Many of you have asked very valid questions recently. Where do I start?
I was fired on August 1, 2014 for my convictions. This was after Thomas (Kip) apologized for every single accusation that he had brought against me. Kyle Bartholomew was there; so was Joan Bartholomew, his wife, as were Elena (Kip's wife) and Aurora (my wife). You see, I don't agree with double standards: applying scriptures to some and then not to others. I don't agree with manipulation.
Thomas (Kip) has asked and lied about asking people to write letters against me (amongst the latest confirmed are Jared McGee and Rachel McGee who lead the Mexico City ICC). When Thomas (Kip) presented these letters to me, he simply said, "These are totally unsolicited. I didn't ask for them - they just sent them to me - look at what they are saying about you." At the GLC, when asked about his letter, Jared answered, "Yes. Thomas (Kip) asked for our input and wanted us to write a letter about you guys."
Jul 11, 2014
Kip McKean Covers Up More Teen Ministry Rapes?
"Today, “churches” ... cover-up the sexual abuse of children by their [leaders]." (Taken from ICC propaganda email).
This is another story that has been given to me by a friend and new ex-member of the CAICC who was made aware of the following situations at the time they occurred.
According to this source, there were recent cases of statutory rape in the City of Angels International Christian Church teen ministry. Cases in which the rapists were protected and the victim was not. A 21-year old woman, a teen worker in the CAICC teen ministry, allegedly seduced and had sex (statutory rape) with a 15-year-old boy, a member of the CAICC teen ministry. Around the same time, another woman of approximately the same age as the first also committed statutory rape with the same boy. Both women were "disciples," members in good standing in the City of Angels International Christian Church.
This is another story that has been given to me by a friend and new ex-member of the CAICC who was made aware of the following situations at the time they occurred.
According to this source, there were recent cases of statutory rape in the City of Angels International Christian Church teen ministry. Cases in which the rapists were protected and the victim was not. A 21-year old woman, a teen worker in the CAICC teen ministry, allegedly seduced and had sex (statutory rape) with a 15-year-old boy, a member of the CAICC teen ministry. Around the same time, another woman of approximately the same age as the first also committed statutory rape with the same boy. Both women were "disciples," members in good standing in the City of Angels International Christian Church.
Jun 6, 2014
Why Predators and Psychopaths Are Drawn to Religious Leadership
Check out this article about why narcissists, sociopaths (synonym for psychopath) and predators are drawn to careers in religious leadership.
I read this thinking of Kip McKean (and Victor Gonzalez, Sr) and found them to meet basically every characteristic.
Psychology Today: Why Predators Are Attracted to Careers in the Clergy
I read this thinking of Kip McKean (and Victor Gonzalez, Sr) and found them to meet basically every characteristic.
Psychology Today: Why Predators Are Attracted to Careers in the Clergy
May 28, 2014
Crosswalk.com: 10 Signs Of An Abusive Church
Would you believe that Kip McKean's International Christian Churches meet ALL TEN qualifications for an abusive church?
Crosswalk: 10 Signs of an Abusive Church >>
Every single sign applies to the ICC. However, I'd like to slightly reword "Unrealistic Promises" to make the concept more specific to the "Kipdom."
In the ICC, only leaders are guaranteed material comfort, with the guarantees increasing with the level of leadership. All "rank-and-file" members are expected to give, and give, and give, until it hurts. And then give some more.
Rank-and-file members are, however, promised that being "faithful to God" (which in practice is synonymous with doing whatever the ICC leadership requests or demands) means that God will bless them in unrealistic, magical ways. For example, "faithful disciples" are basically guaranteed a great spouse, "awesome" marriage, and abundant spiritual blessings from God. ICC leadership constantly preaches the message of how people's lives were terrible before finding "God" (again, saying "God" but meaning "the ICC") and how much their sad, empty, terrible lives were transformed because as a consequence of joining the church and doing whatever ICC leaders asked of them.
What do you think? Is the ICC an abusive church?
Someone on Facebook (a current ICC member) suggested that some of the abusive characteristics mentioned in the above-linked article are acceptable, since they are based on passages from the Bible. My response to that is 1. that's great that you are able to recognize that your church is exhibiting a majority of the abusive characteristics listed and 2. please remember that you can pretty much support anything you want with passages from the Bible, including murder and slavery, so that argument doesn't hold much water with me.
Thoughts?
Crosswalk: 10 Signs of an Abusive Church >>
Every single sign applies to the ICC. However, I'd like to slightly reword "Unrealistic Promises" to make the concept more specific to the "Kipdom."
In the ICC, only leaders are guaranteed material comfort, with the guarantees increasing with the level of leadership. All "rank-and-file" members are expected to give, and give, and give, until it hurts. And then give some more.
Rank-and-file members are, however, promised that being "faithful to God" (which in practice is synonymous with doing whatever the ICC leadership requests or demands) means that God will bless them in unrealistic, magical ways. For example, "faithful disciples" are basically guaranteed a great spouse, "awesome" marriage, and abundant spiritual blessings from God. ICC leadership constantly preaches the message of how people's lives were terrible before finding "God" (again, saying "God" but meaning "the ICC") and how much their sad, empty, terrible lives were transformed because as a consequence of joining the church and doing whatever ICC leaders asked of them.
What do you think? Is the ICC an abusive church?
Someone on Facebook (a current ICC member) suggested that some of the abusive characteristics mentioned in the above-linked article are acceptable, since they are based on passages from the Bible. My response to that is 1. that's great that you are able to recognize that your church is exhibiting a majority of the abusive characteristics listed and 2. please remember that you can pretty much support anything you want with passages from the Bible, including murder and slavery, so that argument doesn't hold much water with me.
Thoughts?
May 7, 2014
A Letter To Jeremy of the Phoenix ICC
Letter to Jeremy Ciaramella, Lead Evangelist of the Phoenix International Christian Church.
Jeremy, I am disappointed.
I was disappointed with your “help” when you and I met with Kip McKean to discuss how Victor Gonzalez, Sr. had lied to me, abused me, stolen money from me, and threatened me.
I was disappointed because you kept your mouth shut as I was told that I was mistaken, when you had heard the full confession of my abuser. You lied to try to make me look bad and then lied to try to make others look good (ICC leaders, of course). You tricked me into meeting with you by telling me that you "loved me" (God, that sounds weirder than hell.) And then, in a final, vain and twisted attempt to try to silence my story, you used your position to separate me from my friends, all with the goal of protecting the abusers, who continue in their positions and abusing people to this day.
Jeremy, I am disappointed.
I was disappointed with your “help” when you and I met with Kip McKean to discuss how Victor Gonzalez, Sr. had lied to me, abused me, stolen money from me, and threatened me.
I was disappointed because you kept your mouth shut as I was told that I was mistaken, when you had heard the full confession of my abuser. You lied to try to make me look bad and then lied to try to make others look good (ICC leaders, of course). You tricked me into meeting with you by telling me that you "loved me" (God, that sounds weirder than hell.) And then, in a final, vain and twisted attempt to try to silence my story, you used your position to separate me from my friends, all with the goal of protecting the abusers, who continue in their positions and abusing people to this day.
Apr 19, 2014
International Christian Church - Former Cult Member Speaks Out
There is another site that has popped up (icccult.com) that sheds light on the "true" experience of a member of Kip McKean's International Christian Church cult.
The writer describes his experience (lightly edited by me):
"...it became very obvious I had been part of a destructive, mind-control cult. I felt very depressed and traumatized that these supposedly nice people could transform into demon-like monsters so quickly...
"Looking back, all they wanted was people to be their slaves, making more converts and giving all they could to the cult leaders, who lived in luxury...
"The power of peer pressure in these groups should not be underestimated... It can overwhelm most people. Remember, most members don’t think it is a cult. Those sincere people lure you into what they think is a good thing, even while the leaders are taking all they can."
The writer describes his experience (lightly edited by me):
"...it became very obvious I had been part of a destructive, mind-control cult. I felt very depressed and traumatized that these supposedly nice people could transform into demon-like monsters so quickly...
"Looking back, all they wanted was people to be their slaves, making more converts and giving all they could to the cult leaders, who lived in luxury...
"The power of peer pressure in these groups should not be underestimated... It can overwhelm most people. Remember, most members don’t think it is a cult. Those sincere people lure you into what they think is a good thing, even while the leaders are taking all they can."
Is this just one more "bitter" and "ungrateful" ex-member, as Kip and co. would like you to believe? According to Kip, the only reason anyone leaves the church is because they are "in sin" or have a "bad heart." But does that make sense? Was Jesus in the business of recruiting mass followers so that he could live in luxury off of their donations?
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Apr 16, 2014
Anti-ICC YouTube Channel
There have been some new YouTube videos popping up which target the International Christian Church.
One channel, called ICC Cult Information, features short anti-cult messages about the church. Here is a one-minute video from there:
One channel, called ICC Cult Information, features short anti-cult messages about the church. Here is a one-minute video from there:
Apr 14, 2014
Kip McKean And The Sin Jesus Forgot
"Move over Jesus!"
Kip: "Jesus! Get on the ball! The lists of sins that you preached about in several places in the Bible were wholly insufficient! I'm surprised that I have to bring this to Your attention, Lord, but You seem to have completely forgotten the Most Important Sin of All!
"Autonomy for local church government is sin."
Jesus: "Kip, please forgive me. You are so right! I can hardly believe that this was not included in the Bible. Actually, I am going to have to have a very stern talk with the apostles up here. Well, except for John, who didn't make it. You know, as much as he wanted to be, he wasn't really My favorite. Anyways, I gave them very strict orders to include "autonomy for local church government is strictly forbidden" in the transcripts of My speeches. Actually, John was in charge of that, and he left it out, which is one of the reasons of My displeasure with him.
Kip: "Jesus! Get on the ball! The lists of sins that you preached about in several places in the Bible were wholly insufficient! I'm surprised that I have to bring this to Your attention, Lord, but You seem to have completely forgotten the Most Important Sin of All!
"Autonomy for local church government is sin."
Jesus: "Kip, please forgive me. You are so right! I can hardly believe that this was not included in the Bible. Actually, I am going to have to have a very stern talk with the apostles up here. Well, except for John, who didn't make it. You know, as much as he wanted to be, he wasn't really My favorite. Anyways, I gave them very strict orders to include "autonomy for local church government is strictly forbidden" in the transcripts of My speeches. Actually, John was in charge of that, and he left it out, which is one of the reasons of My displeasure with him.
Nude, Coed Baptism in the Early Church?
Notice to Kip's Churches - You're Doing It Wrong!
This may sound crazy. OK, it does sound crazy. But it looks like the early Christian church may have practiced nude baptism. Actually, NUDE, COED baptism.
First, the evidence: respected Christian historian Hippolytus is believed to have written the following description of early church baptism in the early, pre-Catholic church:
This may sound crazy. OK, it does sound crazy. But it looks like the early Christian church may have practiced nude baptism. Actually, NUDE, COED baptism.
First, the evidence: respected Christian historian Hippolytus is believed to have written the following description of early church baptism in the early, pre-Catholic church:
Apr 8, 2014
Kip McKean's International Christian Church: CULT
Check out the new Facebook page, "Kip McKean's International Christian Church: CULT."
Please "like" the page as a convenient way to be alerted of new ICC-related news stories as they develop. This also makes it even easier for you to share stories with friends or loved ones who may still be in the International Christian Church or thinking of joining.
Please "like" the page as a convenient way to be alerted of new ICC-related news stories as they develop. This also makes it even easier for you to share stories with friends or loved ones who may still be in the International Christian Church or thinking of joining.
Apr 1, 2014
Kip McKean Repents and Apologizes! (Yeah, Right)
Today Kip McKean released a formal statement:
"I would truly like to apologize for every single person that I have hurt over the course of my leadership. I have now come to grips with the fact that I am not like normal folk, and I should never have tried to force others to be like me.
"Additionally, I apologize for the gross misuse of church funds, and for paying myself a salary in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, when Jesus, who I claim to be my hero, lived so simply and humbly that he famously didn't even have a place to "lay his head."
"I would truly like to apologize for every single person that I have hurt over the course of my leadership. I have now come to grips with the fact that I am not like normal folk, and I should never have tried to force others to be like me.
"Additionally, I apologize for the gross misuse of church funds, and for paying myself a salary in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, when Jesus, who I claim to be my hero, lived so simply and humbly that he famously didn't even have a place to "lay his head."
Mar 24, 2014
Kip McKean's Salary: $200,000+ (And Growing)
This is one of the best-kept secrets in Kip's Kingdom - Kip McKean's salary.
The church does everything it can to conceal this information, and with good reason. Many, if not most, members might be quite a bit more reluctant to sacrifice their own money if they knew just how much of it goes to lifestyle expenses for the McKeans.
Let's look at the year 2010, as I have the information on hand from the financial presentation that was given at the end of November, 2010. (As of this writing, the audio is still available on the official church websites if you search for it.)
At the end of November, (according to the audio) the church had taken in $780,000 for the year. And weekly contribution was $15,000, which multiplies out to a similar annual figure.
The church does everything it can to conceal this information, and with good reason. Many, if not most, members might be quite a bit more reluctant to sacrifice their own money if they knew just how much of it goes to lifestyle expenses for the McKeans.
Let's look at the year 2010, as I have the information on hand from the financial presentation that was given at the end of November, 2010. (As of this writing, the audio is still available on the official church websites if you search for it.)
At the end of November, (according to the audio) the church had taken in $780,000 for the year. And weekly contribution was $15,000, which multiplies out to a similar annual figure.
Mar 12, 2014
Groggy ICC Cult Member Up At 5am To Raise Money For Minister's Salary
In this short video, this poor, sleep-deprived (and undoubtedly very good-hearted) guy, up at 5am, talks about how he is getting up to run across George Washington bridge to raise funds for missions.
Mar 8, 2014
Mar 6, 2014
The International College of Christian Ministry (ICCM)
Well, it seemed amazing that the International Christian Churches could set up a whole university in a couple of weeks, and even decorate founder Kip McKean with a doctorate degree almost as quickly.
How did they do it? Easy!
IT'S. NOT. ACCREDITED!
That means, any "degrees" it issues are COMPLETELY IMAGINARY and not worth a 5 cents. The ICCM is NOT A REAL SCHOOL.
How did they do it? Easy!
IT'S. NOT. ACCREDITED!
That means, any "degrees" it issues are COMPLETELY IMAGINARY and not worth a 5 cents. The ICCM is NOT A REAL SCHOOL.
Mar 1, 2014
Kip McKean's $650,000 Condo
(Cussing warning - but it's a quote, and in context. And you'll NEVER guess who it was.)
I was recently reminded of the following:
Kip McKean lives in a $650,000 luxury condo that he purchased in 2010. (For the record, as seen in the link, Kip's legal name is "Thomas Wayne", not "Kip".)
This condo has a special significance to me. This is where I visited Kip in 2011 to talk about lying, theft, abuse and threats by one of his top leaders. And was completely shot down.
If I were better informed about Kip's history, I would have known in advance how the meeting would turn out. Kip would categorically defend the higher leader (Victor), and systematically attack the lower leader (me). Because leadership is from God and leaders are always right. And the most important thing is to maintain order. Leaders on top, and Kip on top of the leaders.
So, my Kip McKean luxury condo meeting was short and ended abruptly. I started talking, and for several seconds started to tell Kip how Victor had lied to me and abused his position in the church to steal from me.
Kip then interrupted me to insist that nothing of the sort had happened. Victor was innocent of all charges (except of possibly being "insensitive"), and that everything was certainly just a "misunderstanding."
Never mind that Victor had already confessed to everything in front of a witness.
I was recently reminded of the following:
Kip McKean lives in a $650,000 luxury condo that he purchased in 2010. (For the record, as seen in the link, Kip's legal name is "Thomas Wayne", not "Kip".)
This condo has a special significance to me. This is where I visited Kip in 2011 to talk about lying, theft, abuse and threats by one of his top leaders. And was completely shot down.
If I were better informed about Kip's history, I would have known in advance how the meeting would turn out. Kip would categorically defend the higher leader (Victor), and systematically attack the lower leader (me). Because leadership is from God and leaders are always right. And the most important thing is to maintain order. Leaders on top, and Kip on top of the leaders.
So, my Kip McKean luxury condo meeting was short and ended abruptly. I started talking, and for several seconds started to tell Kip how Victor had lied to me and abused his position in the church to steal from me.
Kip then interrupted me to insist that nothing of the sort had happened. Victor was innocent of all charges (except of possibly being "insensitive"), and that everything was certainly just a "misunderstanding."
Never mind that Victor had already confessed to everything in front of a witness.
Feb 26, 2014
The Traumas of a "Kingdom Kid"
If you are looking for a great read, and hear the perspective of a Kingdom Kid, (a child who grew up in the church), here is a great place to poke around:
Recovering from Cult Life in the ICOC (Healthy Mama)
The author grew up in Kip's "old" church, the ICOC. She was very traumatized.
One part that jumped out to me is where someone describes getting hit on and hooking up with her former ICOC teen leader, only to later find out that he was a fully "restored" member and leader in Kip's new City of Angels ICC. Yes, he was leading in the CAICC at the same time that he was tapping her @$$ and asking her for boob pics.
No, nothing wrong with that picture, do you think?
On a personal note, one of the motivating factors in me leaving the church was so that my kids would never have to be "kingdom kids" and suffer through church life like this girl did (and like I had) for so long.
As I held my newborn baby daughter in my arms I thought, "There is NO WAY that I am going to allow any of THAT to be inflicted on this precious and innocent little baby!" Thank God.
Recovering from Cult Life in the ICOC (Healthy Mama)
The author grew up in Kip's "old" church, the ICOC. She was very traumatized.
One part that jumped out to me is where someone describes getting hit on and hooking up with her former ICOC teen leader, only to later find out that he was a fully "restored" member and leader in Kip's new City of Angels ICC. Yes, he was leading in the CAICC at the same time that he was tapping her @$$ and asking her for boob pics.
No, nothing wrong with that picture, do you think?
On a personal note, one of the motivating factors in me leaving the church was so that my kids would never have to be "kingdom kids" and suffer through church life like this girl did (and like I had) for so long.
As I held my newborn baby daughter in my arms I thought, "There is NO WAY that I am going to allow any of THAT to be inflicted on this precious and innocent little baby!" Thank God.
Feb 25, 2014
Outrageous Ministry Compensation
How much should ministers make? A reasonable middle-class salary? Something in line with what the members of the church earn? Maybe, like Jesus and the apostles, earn nothing or next to nothing?
Or how about, oh, say, $300,000.00 per year?
Check out the following link:
http://www.icocinvestigation.com/Documents/aces1212.pdf
It is to a copy of payment information for payments made to certain church leaders, including Steve and Lisa Johnson, in December, 1996.
It shows the Johnsons earning a combined bi-weekly base salary of $3,692.13. Now, if you multiply that out a bit, it comes to $95,995.38 per year, just base salary. After you add in parsonage (they live rent-free in church-funded housing) and other benefits outlined in that document, the compensation package comes up to $11,793.45 every two weeks, which is $25,552.48 per month or a whopping $306,369.70 per year!
This blew my mind. I suspected it was extravagant but this just seems surreal.
Or how about, oh, say, $300,000.00 per year?
Check out the following link:
http://www.icocinvestigation.com/Documents/aces1212.pdf
It is to a copy of payment information for payments made to certain church leaders, including Steve and Lisa Johnson, in December, 1996.
It shows the Johnsons earning a combined bi-weekly base salary of $3,692.13. Now, if you multiply that out a bit, it comes to $95,995.38 per year, just base salary. After you add in parsonage (they live rent-free in church-funded housing) and other benefits outlined in that document, the compensation package comes up to $11,793.45 every two weeks, which is $25,552.48 per month or a whopping $306,369.70 per year!
This blew my mind. I suspected it was extravagant but this just seems surreal.
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