In August 2023, Rolling Stone published a long report on former members of the International Churches of Christ and the International Christian Church (ICC), both founded by Kip McKean. It followed two lawsuits filed in Los Angeles County that July.

Former members described being hurried through Bible studies to baptism, then having leaders, called disciplers, direct who they dated and married, how they dressed, and how they brought in new members. Members were taught to confess all their sins to their discipler. One woman said she gave 20% of her income for the 17 years she was a member. The lawsuits allege that leaders discouraged members from reporting abuse to the police in order to protect the church.

The report noted that McKean declined to comment on the allegations, and an attorney for the ICC did not respond.

These are allegations by former members and plaintiffs, and none has been proven in court.

Questions to consider

  1. Who decided who you dated, where you lived, or how much you gave? Did it feel like your choice at the time?
  2. When you confessed sin to a discipler, did you know who else would hear about it?
  3. What does Matthew 23:8-10 say about who holds authority over a disciple?

Sources