One of the biggest criticisms faced by the Survivors of Austin Gardner is the claim that our efforts to expose abuse and toxic culture within Vision Baptist Church are “hurting the church.” This is a common defense used by many churches to deflect from the real issue: the abuse and harm caused to vulnerable individuals within their communities. Unfortunately, this claim is …
Austin Gardner, the former senior pastor of Vision Baptist Church, has been the subject of numerous accusations of sexual abuse and toxic behavior. As a result, Gardner has created exclusive clubs such as the Order of the Ring and the Society of Mentors to protect himself from accountability. To join the Society of Mentors, members must give their soul and …
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3 It has taken me a long time to find my God-given voice and the courage to speak out in hopes of warning others of this type of high-demand organization and abuse by religious leaders. As Jesus has been working in my broken heart since leaving Vision …
The following is a letter that I have submitted to Vision Baptist Church of Alpharetta, Georgia. The pastor and deacons there have received my letter with care and compassion and are continuing to work prayerfully regarding my testimony as well as those of several others. I do not submit my letter to this site as a form of under-cutting the church, …
Content Warning: The following blog post contains descriptions of sexual abuse. Last week, Becky Earnhart’s story of sexual abuse at the hands of William Austin Gardner sent shockwaves through the Christian community. Her courage in speaking out about the abuse she endured has inspired other victims to come forward, and legal action is now being taken to pursue justice. But …
Becky Earnhart’s bravery in coming forward and sharing her story of abuse by William Austin Gardner has sparked an official legal process to pursue justice for her and other victims. Gardner, who was the pastor of Liberty Baptist Church and overseeing Cartersville Christian School at the time, used his power and authority to manipulate, terrorize, and traumatize Becky between 1979 …