Chris Reed starts church and calls for “revolution weeks” after admitting wrongdoing

Chris Reed, former president of MorningStar Ministries, is launching a new church in South Carolina five weeks after resigning from prophetic ministry and admitting to sexual misconduct with an adult student.

“Come soon! Very soon. How this came about was/is a miracle,” Reed wrote in a Facebook post that he has since deleted. “Do not despise the day of small beginnings. . . It says, “Every move of God begins in a manger and ends in a cathedral.”

Jesus Revolution Church will open Oct. 13 in York, South Carolina, Reed wrote in a letter to ministry subscribers today. Reed wrote that Christians need a revolution, so Reed’s church would restore “the fear of the Lord” and be a base for people to learn how to heal the sick and cast out demons.

“Some may ask, ‘Why the rush? Take your time; “It will be the same old story,” Reed wrote. “But no! Time is running out. We cannot silence genuine apostolic and prophetic voices at this time. We need a Jesus REVOLUTION.”

Reed posted a picture of a church building and asked for donations.

“There are always a few haters, but so many were so kind,” Reed wrote. “Your contributions are greatly appreciated.”

Reed’s website is full of prophecies. In early August he predicted that “we are on the brink of World War III.”

Three weeks later, Reed said he was “surprised” and “shocked” when The Roys Report (TRR) reported the allegation that Reed used prophecies to pursue a sexual relationship with a former MorningStar adult student in 2021.

At the time, Reed was close to becoming CEO of MorningStar, but resigned as CEO at the end of August. Reed said he did not want to stay to defend the department against a recent lawsuit filed by a victim of child sexual abuse.

Reed’s church accepts donations through Chris Reed Ministries.

The IRS revoked Chris Reed Ministries’ tax-exempt status in May because the ministry had failed to file 990 tax returns or notices for three years. However, the IRS restored the department’s status on September 5.

Rick Joyner, founder and current president of MorningStar, said TRR that he hasn’t seen any remorse from Reed and doesn’t believe Reed is ready for leadership. But Joyner said he believes with time and help, Reed can take the lead again.

“I believe his talent is real, but he has some serious issues and should definitely not be in a leadership position,” Joyner said. “I hope he gets the help and can get to a place where he can be the leader he’s called to be.”

Joyner has become a controversial voice for MorningStar because of his belief that pastors and spiritual leaders who have engaged in clergy sexual abuse can be restored to positions of spiritual authority. Joyner told it before TRR He knew about Reed’s sexual texts and kisses in early 2022, but did not make it public when Joyner handed the CEO position to Reed a few months later.

Additionally, MorningStar has been sued in the last two months by three different John Does who claim MorningStar mishandled their reports that former youth leader Erickson Lee sexually abused them. Lee, also a former police officer, is now serving nine years in prison.

Joyner called the allegations made in the lawsuits against the department “outrageous.”

Joyner also recently told the congregation that he is “good with anyone” who leaves due to the recent scandals because “we need their seats” and he expects “great growth” and expansion.

Former MorningStar student starts petition

While Reed is starting a church, former MorningStar student Emily Elston has started a petition condemning MorningStar for its alleged lack of accountability and poor treatment of victims. The petition also calls for Rick Joyner’s resignation and an independent investigation into how the department handles abuse.

“We strongly condemn the MorningStar Board of Directors, its Chairman Rick Joyner, and other senior church leaders for their inadequate response to serious allegations,” the petition states. “Their attempts to ignore, downplay and discredit victims and the seriousness of their claims are not only morally reprehensible, but also betray the trust placed in them.”

It continued: “We believe it is this corrupt and toxic leadership culture that has enabled various forms of abuse, including allowing a child predator to abuse children for years.”

Elston told TRR that the petition is a grassroots initiative whose signatories have included ministry employees from every year since it was founded in 1993. It includes former Morningstar Conference speakers, interns, church volunteers, members, worship leaders and staff, including a former communications director. Former students, teachers and a coach from Morningstar’s Comenius School for Creative Leadership (CSCL) also signed the letter.

Joyner told TRR Those who signed the petition were “angry.”

In a statement posted on YouTube on Tuesday, he also said that MorningStar’s critics were “wolves in sheep’s clothing.”

“We are also being attacked in every way possible,” Joyner said. “It’s a rush. . . . We let wolves rise among us like you wouldn’t believe.”

Joyner told TRR He wants to hire a third party to investigate MorningStar’s ministry on how it protects children, but the hurricane has delayed progress. He said he didn’t believe the investigation should include Reed’s actions because Reed is no longer at MorningStar.

Concern that Reed will misuse prophecies

For decades, MorningStar executives, including Reed, acted without accountability and used their claims of special prophetic gifts to abuse people, Elston said. She said she’s worried Reed will continue that pattern at his new church.

“Based on everything Chris Reed has said and not said, it is obvious that he will bring the same type of culture/system to any new church he starts, where he will have free rein to do his ‘ “Prophetic’ insights as he wishes,” Elston said.

Reed did not return immediately TRRs Call to ask about the accountability structure for his new church.

Elston added that she is also concerned that Reed will use the money raised to continue spreading “apocalyptic” prophecies that incite fear.

“He can make these prophecies and declare himself a prophet and no one will test him,” Elston said. “If you still want to spread your prophetic warnings, be my guest, but do it for free.”

Rebecca Hopkins is a journalist based in Colorado.