Unpeeling Orange
The Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy Scandal: A Year of Revelations and Resignations
Over the past year, the controversy surrounding Reggie Joiner, the founder of Orange (also known as The Rethink Group), and Kristen Ivy, the former CEO, has made significant waves in the church leadership community. Several articles have surfaced, delving into their resignations, misconduct allegations, and the subsequent investigations. These articles shed light on a complex narrative of power, abuse, and the collapse of one of the most influential church youth curriculum organizations in the industry.
Here are some of the most notable publications from the past year that have reported on this scandal:
1. “Former Orange CEO Re-Classifies Relationship with Joiner as Abusive”
Published on May 29, 2024, by MinistryWatch, this article covers Kristen Ivy’s recharacterization of her past relationship with Reggie Joiner. Ivy claims that their relationship was emotionally abusive and describes the concerning power dynamics within the Orange organization. This article brings to light the struggle Ivy faced in navigating a professional and personal relationship with the founder of the company.
2. “Former Orange CEO Accuses Founder Reggie Joiner of Clergy Sexual Abuse”
Released on May 22, 2024, by The Roys Report, this explosive article features Kristen Ivy’s serious accusations against Reggie Joiner. She alleges repeated abuse of power and coercion of vulnerable women during their time together at Orange. The report dives into the nature of these relationships and the implications they hold for those who trusted Joiner and Ivy within the ministry.
3. “Orange Founder, CEO Both Resign Amid Scandal”
On April 18, 2024, Baptist Press reported the immediate resignations of both Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy. Both leaders admitted to having inappropriate relationships that violated company policies. This article covers their sudden departure and the shockwaves felt throughout the Orange community and beyond.
4. “Founder and CEO of Orange Church Youth Curriculum Resign, Admit Inappropriate Relationship”
Published on April 19, 2024, by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, this article discusses the resignation of the two leaders of Orange. Both Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy admitted to having an inappropriate relationship, which led to their immediate resignations. The article provides insight into how the leadership and community reacted to the news.
Read more on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5. “Orange to Conduct 3rd Party Investigation Into Founder Reggie Joiner”
On June 7, 2024, MinistryWatch reported that Orange decided to hire an external law firm to investigate complaints related to the situation between Joiner and Ivy. This third-party investigation was seen as a necessary step to ensure transparency and accountability in the wake of the scandal.
6. “Orange Hires Law Firm to Investigate ‘Situation’ Between Founder and Former CEO”
The Roys Report, on June 5, 2024, covered the engagement of a law firm by Orange to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations against Reggie Joiner. This article provides a glimpse into the legal and organizational response to the unfolding crisis.
7. “Orange Urged To Conduct ‘Clear and Comprehensive Investigation’ Following Reggie Joiner’s ‘Inappropriate Adult Relationships'”
Published on August 7, 2024, by ChurchLeaders, this article urges Orange to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations of misconduct surrounding Reggie Joiner. It discusses the need for accountability within the church leadership and the wider impact of the scandal on the ministry’s reputation.
8. “Statement Regarding Reggie Joiner Abuse & reThink / Orange Investigation”
Hagar’s Voice, on April 17, 2024, published a survivor’s account detailing the abuse experienced at the hands of Reggie Joiner. The survivor, who was 15 years old when the grooming began, describes the minimization of their experience by the reThink board and the lack of accountability in the subsequent investigation. This powerful testimony sheds light on the personal impact of the scandal and the systemic issues within the organization.
Conclusion: A Year of Scandal, Resignations, and Investigations
These articles provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of the ongoing scandal involving Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy. The resignations, allegations, and investigations highlight the complexities of power dynamics within church leadership, the importance of accountability, and the need for transparency in organizations that influence countless lives. As Orange (The Rethink Group) works through the aftermath of these events, the broader community continues to reflect on the implications for the future of church leadership and ministry integrity.
The scandal has sparked much discussion about leadership accountability, abuse of power, and the need for greater safeguards within ministry organizations. Only time will tell how Orange will recover from this crisis, but for now, the focus remains on the investigation and the calls for justice from those affected.