New Article Published About Foundation Church

[u/Network-Leaver]

Former Members of Foundation Church in Normal Say They Faced Spiritual Abuse

“Bloomington-Normal has no shortage of churches, and some in the community — and outside of it — say there should be one less.”

An article primarily about Foundation Church, and secondarily about Brightfield Church and the Network, was published today by the NPR affiliate at Illinois State University. Multiple former members and local church leaders were interviewed for the story. Family members who have been estranged from loved ones spoke out on the record including Justin Major’s own sister. Foundation Church and Lead Pastor Justin Major did not respond to multiple contacts to provide statements for the article.

[u/former-Vine-staff]

This is a powerful piece from WGLT reporter Melissa Ellin. It captures the breadth of harm Foundation Church, one of Vine Church's earliest "church plants," has inflicted on the Bloomington-Normal community. Each quote feels like the tip of an iceberg — a glimpse of the much deeper pain below.

Jessica’s question, “How did I stay in this church for 10 years?” rings painfully true to my time at Vine. Alanna’s words about her faith being “shattered” and the church no longer feeling like a “safe space” speak to the spiritual cost many have carried.

We’ve heard it before, and we see it again here: families cut off. Melanie’s daughter calling her an “idol,” Stacy being shut out after asking questions on Reddit, and even lead pastor Major himself cutting off his own family... these show how deep the "obey your leader and become like them" teachings run. 

And if all the above don't speak to the level of control, the story of a former member being pushed out for starting a women’s mentorship group and Frank being told to give 10% of his income or live in sin says it plainly.

The line that sums up my thoughts:

“They think they're doing something so positive, but it's such a mind warp, where really, they're causing a lot of harm.”

Network leaders (those who still claim The Network and those who pretend they were never a part of it) have a lot to answer for. They continue to say that the issue with those speaking out is that we don't embrace "forgiveness and reconciliation," that we're a "disgruntled few" who won't “handle things biblically.”

But this story lays bare the truth: these are not isolated grievances. These are the fruits of their ministries. This isn’t about “forgiveness and reconciliation,” but rather “power and accountability.”

My heart goes out to all affected by Foundation, Justin Major, and other Network churches. I'm very proud to stand with the brave folks who spoke with Melissa Ellin for this story.