Kip McKean Resigns from Leadership of International Churches of Christ: Text of McKean's Statement (Nov. 2002)

The following has already been distributed publicly and read publicly:

When the Lord brought back the captives at Zion
We were like men who dreamed
Our mouths were filled with laughter
Our tongues with songs of joy
Then it was said among the nations,
"The Lord has done great things for them ..."
Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
Like streams in the Negev,
Those who sow in tears
Will reap with songs of joy

PS 126:1-2, 4-5

Truly the Lord has blessed his modern day movement as His gospel has produced true churches of disciples in nearly 170 nations over the past 23 years. However this hour is personally a time of tears. God through His Word, through circumstances and through true brothers has made it clear that my leadership in recent years has damaged both the Kingdom and my family. My biggest sin is arrogance - thinking I am always right, not listening to the counsel of my brothers, and not seeking discipline for my life, ministry and family. I have not followed Jesus' example of humility in leadership. Other sins manifested themselves through my anger. My anger has often shut people down and, worse yet, fostered an environment where people were afraid to speak up. Additionally, I failed to build strong, mutually helpful relationships. I did not respect those whose leadership gifts could have complimented my own. I was insensitive to the needs of weaker Christians and churches. I also caused some to operate from wrong motives and others to stumble because I focused more on numeric goals than on pleasing God. To my shame I allowed myself to be glorified more than calling everyone to give God all the glory.

Since there are character sins, they surfaced in my family as well as in the church. Therefore, because I have so severely failed God and His movement, I have decided to resign as World Missions Evangelist and leader of the world sector leaders.

I would like to apologize to all the Christians in all the churches for the things I have done that have tempted some to drift from God. I take full responsibility for how my sins have spiritually weakened and embittered many in our churches. I also take full responsibility for the spiritual condition of my family. I have pleaded with God to forgive my many sins and I deeply desire your forgiveness as well. I am very, very sorry.

I want to thank all my brothers and sisters in the Kingdom for your support over the years; you have given so much of your lives and time to help build the Kingdom and encourage my family. I am extremely grateful for the Bairds and Gempels who have counseled and when necessary, rebuked Elena and me during the past year. I am very appreciative of the leadership in the Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston churches, as they have made many efforts to spiritually stregnthen my family. Elena and I are especially grateful to Steve and Lisa Johnson, Russ and Gail Ewell, Bruce and Robyn Williams, Peter and Laura Garcia and Sam and Geri Lang. They have been invaluabe advisors in these difficult days. We also are grateful to God for the leaders in the South Region of the Los Angeles church who has given us a new and comforting and spiritual home.

Please pray for me that someday these tears, which are no longer shed in self-pity but because I have hurt God and his people, will give birth to a joyous harvest of righteousness. A new governance is being discussed and formed by the world sector leaders and other leading evangelists, elsers and
teachers. I shall give them my full support as they strive to follow the Scriptures and the principles of our father in heaven.

Kip McKean