Founder Exposes ‘Deceptive Spirit’ Amid Ministry Lawsuit
Following the sudden resignation of Chris Reed, leader of MorningStar Ministries, on Monday, Rick Joyner, the organization’s founder, attributed Reed’s departure to what he described as “the most deceptive spirit” he has ever encountered, suggesting Reed is facing a significant personal battle.
In a detailed statement posted on X, Joyner revealed that a lawsuit has been filed against MorningStar Ministries by the family of one of four teenage boys who were allegedly abused by a former volunteer and police officer. Joyner criticized the lawsuit for making “outrageous” claims about the ministry, asserting that the organization is committed to defending itself in court, believing it can prove its innocence.
Joyner’s statement was later removed, but screenshots have circulated on social media, charismatic news outlets, and discernment blogs. In a letter addressed to MorningStar staff and shared on X, Reed announced his resignation, effective Monday, stating his intention to refocus on his divine calling to prophesy, pastor, teach, preach, and write. He mentioned the 2023 arrest of Erickson Douglas Lee, a former church volunteer and police officer accused of sexually abusing minors affiliated with MorningStar Fellowship Church, and shared that both he and his wife, Missy, had experienced sexual abuse in their childhoods.
Joyner aimed to clarify the situation in his statement, suggesting that Reed’s resignation might have been misinterpreted and seemed perplexing to his supporters. He reflected on similar situations he has witnessed over his 50 years in ministry, noting that such deceptions have cost individuals with significant gifts years of effective service. Joyner likened the situation to past experiences with spiritual deception, suggesting that Reed is fighting for his future and that some Christians have overcome such challenges to fulfill their purposes.
Joyner did not immediately respond to inquiries from The Christian Post seeking more details about the “deceptive spirit” he mentioned. He expressed a sense of partial responsibility for not helping Reed navigate these challenges and remained hopeful that Reed would eventually fulfill his calling.
In response to the accusations, Joyner emphasized that the ministry had not been negligent in handling the volunteer, though the victim’s family holds a different view. The York County Sheriff’s Office reported Lee’s arrest on May 2, 2023, on charges including dissemination of obscene material to a minor, assault and battery, and criminal sexual conduct.
Reed, who had led the ministry for over a year but worked with it for three years before his resignation, did not specify the allegations against MorningStar Ministries. Joyner stressed that the organization had no involvement in the alleged abuses and had even brought in a professional agency to review their procedures, which found no negligence. Joyner condemned the lawsuit’s claims and expressed the ministry’s willingness to support counseling for the affected families, aiming to help them heal from the trauma and turn a tragic situation into a positive outcome.
All things needed to be fulfilled, before the taking up of the church, has been. It is the Fathers love for His creation, us, that is holding it up. Although the times are trying, Truth will be uppermost in the end. Which could be on our next breath, or some time from now,, up to the Father.
Are U ready to be with Christ for all time,, do you know Him, or just about Him? To know Him, is to Love Him, and serve others, here, for Him, and His purpose, which in a nut shell, is to serve others, and love them into His kingdom.
Romans 10, 9 and 10 says it all in a nut shell. Do U really believe, or just think so>>?
I really believe, only God’s leading would have brought me this far. His word is truth.