He should have known better.
The founder and CEO of Orange, a prominent provider of church youth ministry resources, have resigned following revelations of inappropriate conduct. In an announcement made on Wednesday, Orange disclosed that Reggie Joiner, the company’s founder, and Kristen Ivy, its CEO, had chosen to step down from their roles. Orange, known for its collaborations with numerous churches globally, focuses on developing curriculum materials and training for youth ministry leaders.
In a statement issued by Orange’s Board Chair, Joel Manby, and Special Governance Chair, Jennifer Barnes, it was revealed that Joiner had acknowledged engaging in past inappropriate relationships, breaching company policy and undermining trust within the organization. Furthermore, during the board’s investigation, Ivy disclosed her own prior inappropriate relationship with Joiner.
As the company navigates this transition, Mike Clear will assume the role of acting president, while a thorough search is conducted to identify a new CEO aligned with Orange’s mission and values. The board emphasized its commitment to a meticulous and thoughtful selection process, prioritizing the best interests of Orange, its partners, and its overarching mission.
Despite the leadership changes, the statement affirmed Orange’s dedication to transparency and accountability, highlighting the swift response taken upon learning of the alleged misconduct. Notably, Joiner and Ivy will not be involved in the upcoming Orange Conference, as reiterated by the board, emphasizing the importance of collective support and solidarity within the community during this period of change.
The Orange Conference, despite the absence of Joiner and Ivy, remains a platform for fostering hope and collaboration among church leaders and ministry partners. With a diverse lineup of speakers, the event aims to uphold the enduring mission of the Church.
Joiner, a married individual with adult children, founded Orange in 1996, establishing partnerships with thousands of ministry leaders worldwide across various denominations. The organization’s tailored curriculum spans preschool to high school age groups, impacting a significant number of children and teenagers annually.
Throughout the 2022-23 school year, Orange’s collaborative efforts reached over 850,000 young individuals through weekly engagements, reflecting the widespread influence of its programs within the global church community.