Leaving The Network

Stories of those who have left Steve Morgan's Network of Churches and a public record of the inner workings and history of The Network.

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

Sexual Abuse Allegations:
Steve Morgan, pastor and Network President, was arrested for aggravated criminal sodomy against a minor

Read the Public Notice
https://t.co/hmlPfRmxhk

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

Former leaders cite concerns over a high-control environment, college recruitment strategies, and the Network's refusal to address founder Steve Morgan's history of criminal sexual activity.

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

In The News:
Washington church expanding despite criticism and shrinking in 'cultish' Network parent org

https://t.co/vYWcvEhlWR

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

National watchdog outlet reports a Network-affiliated church in Pullman, Washington is growing even as the broader Network loses congregations nationwide.

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

New article published:
Hills Church relocating to closed movie theater, responds to controversy
By Makani K. Pang | June 15, 2026

https://t.co/iUOrZvhpq5

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

Though Hills does not mention The Network on their website, Steve Morgan's Joshua Church lists Hills in their lobby as part of their "church family."

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

News article published:
Closed theater acquired by Pullman-based Hills Church By Makani K. Pang | June 7, 2026

https://t.co/az2xyw0nhv

University newspaper reports that Hills Church has acquired theater for $3 million, 1.6 miles from Washington State University.

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

Foundation Church has ceased operations in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, effective immediately, according to former members and evidence gathered by Leaving The Network (LTN).

Read more here:
https://t.co/r9XM4AM8EF

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

New Story published:
COMMANDED TO TITHE:
How Questioning Tithing Opened Our Eyes to the Deceptions of Stoneway Church

by Vittoria | Left Stoneway Church in 2025
Link to story: https://t.co/66PlVTRSmw

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

The following stories have been written by those who have first-hand experience leaving Steve Morgan's Network of Churches.

Thread:

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

Story published:

LIKE IT NEVER HAPPENED:
How Christland leaders pressured me to conform, leave my career, and stay silent amid growing Network scandals

by Nicole H. | Left Christland in 2024

Link to story:
https://t.co/uMmOm17aCY

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

PUBLISHED ON NPR:
Former members of Foundation Church in Normal say they faced spiritual abuse

LISTEN AND READ ON NPR WGLT:
https://t.co/0kXMYPIte5

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

By consolidating power under the Lead Pastor and eliminating congregational voice, Vida Springs Church’s bylaws create a closed system with no meaningful path for appeal or reform.

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KNOW BEFORE YOU SIGN:
Vida Springs Church (Gainesville, Florida) rewrites bylaws, gives Ranvestel full control

https://t.co/9dydXaSNvq

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

Members are required to sign a contract pledging:

- Submission to leadership

- 10 percent of their income

- Mandated attendance at church and small group meetings

- Unpaid labor for church operations, described as “service”.

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

More information available at:

https://t.co/N6bjz6E2Iv

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

CHRISTLAND HIRES LAW FIRM AMID ALLEGATIONS
After protests at the Network Texas conference, Christland denied ties to Network harm and hired a law firm instead of allowing an independent investigation.

Watch coverage on KBTX3:
https://t.co/1XIl5Qf5oF

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

By granting elders exclusive authority over doctrine definition, dispute resolution, and financial decisions without external oversight—while shielding them from legal accountability—the bylaws leave no meaningful process for those who sign them to seek justice or be heard.

[Leaving The Network @LeavingNetwork]

VINE CHURCH 2025 REVISED BYLAWS
Considerations before signing:

The following information is provided so prospective members can make an informed decision before contractually consenting to Vine Church’s membership covenant

Read the bylaws:
https://t.co/Jlx0SyxAjJ