March 2003

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Kip McKean, founder of the controversial International Churches of Christ (icoc), announced his resignation in a November 6 letter, citing his own arrogance and family problems.

ICOC critics, however, doubt that McKean's resignation signals that the group will abandon its troubling practices, especially an extreme form of Christian discipling that many believe is abusive (CT, Sept. 1, 1997, p. 64).

The resignation came a year after McKean took a leave of absence from his responsibilities as World Missions

Evangelist. His misdeeds "have weakened and embittered many in our churches," McKean said. "These sins have surfaced in my family as well as the church."

McKean also said he was guilty of "always thinking I am right, not listening to the counsel of my brothers, and not seeking discipling for my life, ministry and family."

The confession conceals more than it reveals, says Don Veinot Jr., president of Midwest Christian Outreach, an apologetics ministry in suburban Chicago.

"McKean's resignation letter is significant because of what it doesn't say," Veinot said. "The letter from Kip does not say his teachings are wrong, but that Kip did not live them himself."

RightCyberUp, which helps former icoc members, said the status of McKean's children inside icoc might have been a factor in his resignation. About four years ago, McKean's daughter said she wanted to leave ICOC. According to RightCyberUp, she said publicly, "I thought that the only place I could find true freedom would be outside the church."

McKean said at a July 2000 church conference: "I am convinced, when a teen falls away, when a teen is not baptized, there are some sinful dynamics in that family, and that family, that mom and dad, need to repent." ...