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In a world where exposing corruption and abuse in the church often comes at a tremendous personal cost, many wonder: should I report? This question weighs heavily on the hearts of those who seek to shine a light on injustice but face backlash, betrayal, and emotional exhaustion. Julie Roys shares insights having navigated this difficult path herself. She shared her journey, struggles, and the reasons why she continued to press on despite the challenges. Our hope is to encourage and inspire anyone wrestling with whether to stay in the trenches or walk away.
The Unmistakable Move of God to Purify His Church
Since the first Restore Conference in 2019, Julie Roys witnessed a remarkable and painful season of reckoning within evangelicalism. The exposure of high-profile leaders like James MacDonald, Bill Hybels, Jerry Falwell Jr., Ravi Zacharias, and Brian Houston revealed a widespread pattern of abuse, hypocrisy, and cover-ups. These revelations were not just isolated incidents but symptoms of a deep rot within the Evangelical Industrial Complex.
For her, reporting on these stories was both a calling and a heavy burden. She felt God’s hand guiding her to uncover truth and advocate for survivors. But with every story published, the backlash intensified—especially when she reported on John MacArthur’s pattern of protecting abusers and shaming victims. Instead of addressing the facts, his loyal followers launched vicious personal attacks against her, labeling her unfairly and attacking her character.
The Cost of Speaking Out
The backlash wasn’t limited to outsiders. Some of the harshest criticism came from within the survivor community and from people she considered allies. False allegations, fabricated emails, and public smear campaigns left her emotionally drained and isolated. At one point, a so-called discernment blog promised to “blow up the facade” of her integrity, only to retract their story after discovering the evidence was fabricated by a survivor who had misled them.
Despite attacks, she refused to quit. Even when friends and colleagues asked if she had considered stepping away, she knew this work wasn’t just about her or even about survivors alone—it was about something far greater.
Why Keep Reporting? It’s Not About People, It’s About Worship
One of the hardest questions she faced was why continue to serve and advocate for people who may ultimately betray or disappoint her. The answer lies in the motivation behind the work. She realized she wasn’t doing this solely for survivors. The primary reason to keep going is because this work is an act of worship to God.
Mother Teresa’s story illustrates this beautifully. She understood that when serving others, she was serving Jesus himself. The work of God can be painful and lonely.
Julie Roys believes God called her to this work. Five years ago, she was a radio host and author, on a path toward Christian celebrity. Then she uncovered corruption at Moody Bible Institute, which led to her firing and blacklisting. But God used that painful ending to launch the Roy Report and the Restore Conference, where she and her team now build community and continue to expose abuse and corruption.
Seeing God’s Redeeming Hand in Our Stories
Looking back, she can see God’s hand working redemptively in her life and in the lives of many who have been broken by church abuse. Though the journey is hard, it is also a path of healing and sanctification. If you're feeling overwhelmed hold on to whatever mustard seed of faith you have and trust that God is working even in the darkest moments.
The Battle Feels Futile, But It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
The scale of corruption within the church can feel overwhelming. The abuses are widespread and often protected by powerful leaders and institutions. Sometimes it feels like a small group of gnats trying to fight a giant. But she has seen how one courageous voice can spark a blaze of truth that spreads.
For example, the story of Andy Wood and Echo Church shows how whistleblowers’ bravery encouraged other victims to come forward. Similarly, our reporting on Churchome exposed how a church rehired a pastor credibly accused of rape, which led to more women stepping forward with their stories. These sparks of truth grow into movements that demand accountability and change.
History teaches us that dismantling institutionalized evil takes time. The Reformation lasted over 130 years, and the abolition of slavery in England took decades of passionate advocacy. This fight is no different. It requires perseverance, patience, and faith that our labor is not in vain.
Why Most Christians Don’t See the Problem
One of the most shocking realities is how many Christians remain unaware of the corruption in their own churches. Many leaders focus on sins “out there” rather than confronting the sins within the body of Christ. Until we deal with our own house, we cannot expect to see true revival or societal reform.
If you’re asking yourself should I report and feeling the weight of this battle, know that your work matters. It may be slow and painful, but it is necessary for the sake of the church and the nation.
Guarding Our Hearts: Don’t Become the Monster You Fight
One of the greatest dangers in this work is the risk of becoming hardened, bitter, or even monstrous ourselves. Christian therapist Dr. Diane Langberg warns that those who battle evil must be careful not to “catch the diseases that surround us.” The sin nature is real, and without vigilance, anger, bitterness, pride, and contempt can take root.
Julie says she has personally wrestled with these struggles. Sharing that there are days when the weight of injustice threatens to consume her. But she has found that staying connected to Jesus and Christian community is essential for her own sanctification—the process of becoming more like Christ.
Sanctification as Our Safeguard
Dr. Langberg writes, “If we fail to understand that God’s sanctifying work must go on continually in us, eventually what is true will be made manifest: we have not meant the sanctification process for ourselves, and we will damage His world, His people, and His name.”
It’s not about quitting the work but about allowing God to shape us through it. Sometimes that means stepping back for a season or adjusting our role to protect our health and relationships. The goal is to remain faithful without losing our hearts.
Finding Healing and Community Amid the Wasteland
Many who have experienced church abuse feel isolated and distrustful of Christian community. Julie shares that after leaving a church that covered up abuse, her family bounced from one congregation to another, feeling discouraged and alone.
Then, by God’s grace, she found a house church and a women’s prayer cohort that became her lifeline. Having a supportive Christian community has been vital for her healing and perseverance. If you feel like you’re in a spiritual wasteland don't give up. Keep seeking Jesus and safe people who can walk with you.
Imagining Repentance and Restoration
Part of the healing process is hoping for repentance from those who have caused harm. Imagine if leaders like John MacArthur truly repented—acknowledging the pain they caused, asking for forgiveness, and seeking to restore those they hurt. The ripple effects could spark revival and healing not only in their churches but across the broader body of Christ.
It’s natural to struggle with forgiveness. Especially when faced with enemies who seek your destruction. But Jesus calls us to love and forgive as He did, even when it’s hard.
Holding Onto Jesus in the Midst of Betrayal
Julie often reflects on Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, betrayed by friends yet submitting to God’s will. When she feels overwhelmed by betrayal and pain, she imagines—seeing Jesus’ compassion and suffering alongside her. It reminds her that her suffering has meaning and that she is not alone.
Conclusion: Standing Firm and Not Losing Heart
So, should I report? If you feel called to speak truth and advocate for justice, keep going. This work is hard, costly, and often lonely, but it is also vital and sacred. Remember:
- Your work is an act of worship to God, not just service to people.
- Perseverance is essential—this is a marathon, not a sprint.
- Guard your heart and pursue sanctification through Jesus and community.
- Find hope in the power of repentance and restoration.
- Stand firm, knowing your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
May you find strength, grace, and encouragement as you navigate this difficult but necessary path. Together, we can help restore the church to be the light on the hill that Jesus intended it to be.
