The Soul Survivor Situation – A Timeline

I thought it would be useful to include a timeline of the Soul Survivor situation, for those wanting to get a sense of what has taken place and to provide a record as the situation continues to unfold. If there are reports, articles, social media posts or anything else you think should be added to this timeline, please leave a comment and I’ll add them to the timeline.

LAST UPDATED: 29th April | 9:15

Week 57 (28th April – 4th May)

28th April – Swedish Christian newspaper Dagen published THIS article (link is for an English translation) by Frida Park, “Let the light shine on the unhealthy”.

Week 56 (21st – 27th April)

27th April – Surviving Church published THIS blog, “Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor: Opening a can of worms”.

25th April – Tim Gough posted THIS video interview with me as part of the Grove Book launch of The Leadership Trap.

24th April – Premier Christianity report HERE that former Soul Survivor pastor, Andy Croft, will be taking an Associate Pastor role at St Paul’s and St George’s church in Edinburgh.

24th April – Angela Tilby published THIS article in the Church Times, “Soul Survivor proves point of institutional Church”.

22nd April – I published THIS blog, “The Man Behind the Curtain”.

Week 55 (14th – 20th April)

19th April – Christopher Landau published THIS blog “What is the place of charismatic theology after Mike Pilavachi?” Ali Wilkin published THIS Twitter thread regarding this blog and similar posts which are drawing parallels between Jean Vanier and Mike Pilavachi.

16th April – Tim Wyatt has published THIS article “And there was light?” about the Redmans’ documentary.

16th April – Youth Alpha has edited Mike Pilavachi’s last name out of their Holy Spirit Youth Alpha video. I tweeted about it HERE.

16th April – I published THIS guest post from two people who were we directly harmed by Mike Pilavachi and were part of the Soul Survivor investigation; “Overturn The Tables”.

15th April – Surviving Church published THIS post “Church Leadership and Safeguarding” after the Let There Be Light film.

15th April – Dan and Susie Leafe published THIS post on the Anglican Futures blog “”That’s just Mike”: Reflections on abuse in the evangelical Anglican context”

15th April – Ali Wilkin published THIS post ““That’s Just Mike”: How Abusers Weave Culture, Complicity, Silence & Fear Into Patterns of Abuse”.

14th April – Rob Merchant posted THIS Twitter thread about writing to the Forfeiture Committee to request Mike Pilavachi’s MBE be revoked.

Week 54 (7th – 13th April)

13th April – Ali Wilkin posted THIS, “Jesus’s Message to Abusers (Holy Trinity Brompton Take Note)”.

13th April – Olivia McCabe published THIS post “The Sound of Silence”.

11th April – Becca McGowan posted THIS on Twitter reflecting on some of the harmful responses to the Soul Survivor situation.

11th April – The Telegraph’s Gabriella Swerling reported on Twitter that the Church of England have said that. “We can confirm that the investigation into the concerns raised relating to Bishop Graham Cray, for failing to pass on information in the Mike Pilavachi case has concluded and under House of Bishops guidance, appropriate risk management steps are being taken. We cannot say anymore at this stage.”

11th April – Christopher Landau posted THIS short Twitter thread about charismatic theology in light of Mike Pilavachi’s abuse.

11th April – Ali Wilkin posted THIS blog, “Let There Be Light? But Premier Christianity Just Closed the Curtains.”

10th April – Joy Eggerichs Reed posted THIS on her Substack “Wolf in Shepherd’s Clothing”.

10th April – Hannah Johnston posted THIS Facebook post reflection about her experiences as Soul Survivor.

10th April – Helen King published THIS blog, “Surviving Soul Survivor”.

10th April – Premier Christianity published THIS article by HTB’s Archie Coates, which apart from trying to garner sympathy for church leaders in an article by someone who has provided NO leadership around the Soul Survivor situation, was basically a barely veiled attempt to whitewash HTB’s culpability while “on the inside [HTB] is full of…everything unclean” (Matthew 23:27).

10th April – Olivia McCabe has published her Soul Survivor story of spiritual abuse HERE.

9th April – Jon Kuhrt published THIS post “‘Let there be Light’: Matt & Beth Redman on Mike Pilavachi”.

9th April – The Premier Soul Survivors podcast released an interview with Matt and Beth Redman HERE.

9th April – The Telegraph report HERE on Tim and Pete Hughes’ statement about Mike Pilavachi abusing them.

9th April – Tim Hughes and his brother Pete Hughes made a statement on Instragram sharing that they had both been abused by Mike Pilavachi. The post can be found HERE and a screenshot is available HERE.

9th April – Matt and Beth Redman were interviewed on the radio lunchtime Jeremy Vine show, followed by a phone-in. Listen HERE from 12:37.

9th April – Matt and Beth Redman launched Let There Be Light HERE, a film about how Mike Pilavachi abused them and others within Soul Survivor.

9th April – The Telegraph published THIS article, “Christian singer Matt Redman reveals details of Soul Survivor’s Mike Pilavachi abuse for the first time” about Matt and Beth Redman speaking out about the abuse Mike Pilavachi subjected them to.

8th April – Premier Christianity published THIS article “‘I’ve forgiven Mike, but this is about accountability’: Matt and Beth Redman speak out on abuse they experienced at Soul Survivor”.

Week 51 (17th – 23rd March)

23rd March – Augustine Tanner-Ihm and Jonny Masters published THIS post, “Mike Pilavachi: The Elephant in the Room”.

22nd March – Premier released Episode 4 of their Soul Survivors podcast HERE.

Week 48 (25th February – 2nd March)

28th February – New Wine announce HERE that they have asked Fiona Scolding KC to review their relationship with Mike Pilavachi.

Week 47 (18th – 24th February)

23rd Febraury – Premier Christianity released episode 3 of their podcast Soul Survivors HERE.

Week 44 (28th January – 3rd February)

2nd February – Premier Christianity released episode 2 of their podcast Soul Survivors HERE, it focusses on Soul Survivor’s Soul 61 gap year programme.

31st January – The Telegraph published THIS article about how “Mike Pilavachi has been let off with a ‘slap on the wrist'”.

Week 42 (14th – 20th January)

19th January – Premier Christianity published THIS article “New inquiry finds Mike Pilavachi ‘fell short of that expected of a priest’” which includes a quote from the “woman at the centre of the “vulnerable person” at the centre of the CDM investigation: “Having cooperated with the Church of England throughout the investigation into Mike Pilavachi, I am devastated by the outcome of the CDM process. “It is not proportionate to the harm I have experienced at the hands of Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor, and the impact this has had on my life. “While I am truly grateful for the sensitivity and support of the diocesan and national safeguarding teams, this outcome leaves me questioning why I came forward, and whether the Church of England is a safe place for me.” Also included is a comment from the Lead Bishop for Safeguarding insisting that the CDM processes needed to change.

18th January – A statement was released by the Church of England into an investigation done regarding Mike Pilavachi’s conduct after ordination, related to his “verbal interactions with a vulnerable person”. It was decided that “Mr Pilavachi’s conduct had fallen short of that expected of a priest in the Church of England”, but the Bishop has decided no further action should be taken. The statement can be read HERE.

Week 41 (7th – 13th January)

8th January – Premier Christianity’s printed magazine included an article about their new Soul Survivors podcast. See HERE.

Week 40 (31st Decemeber – 6th January)

4th January – Mention of Soul Survivor employing crisis PR lawyer Jonathan Coad in the lastest Private Eye News HERE.

1st January – The first episode of Premier Christianity’s Soul Survivors podcast was released HERE.

Week 39 (24th – 30th December)

27th December – Previous Soul 61 student, Katie Brookfield was interviewed on the Fresh Asthetic podcast HERE.

Week 38 (17th – 23rd December)

21st December – James Heywood published THIS final post “Was there a hidden motive behind Mike Pilavachi’s choice of interns?”

Week 36 (3rd – 9th December)

3rd December – Premier Christianity published THIS article “I’m still healing from what happened at Soul Survivor”.

Week 35 (26th November – 2nd December)

26th November – The Telegraph published THIS article “Soul Survivor victims fear Mike Pilavachi review could protect his ‘enablers’”

Week 34 (19th – 25th November)

23rd November – Soul Survivor Watford announced HERE that Andy Croft is returning to ministry after being suspended, but that he will no longer be leading Soul Survivor Watford.

21st November – Soul Survivor Watford announced the terms of the Scolding Review HERE.

20th November – Youthscape publish their second podcast “Processing Our Collective Grief” HERE, with Kate Middleton about Youth Ministry After Mike Pilavachi.

Week 33 (12th – 18th November)

16th November – Youthscape publish their first podcast “Better Supporting Abuse Victims”, HERE with Justin Humphreys, about Youth Ministry After Mike Pilavachi.

Week 31 (29th October – 4th November)

2nd November – I posted THIS guest post from a woman who reported her experiences with Mike Pilavachi to investigators.

2nd November – James Heywood published THIS post raising questions about the relationship between Tearfund and Soul Survivor, particularly David Westlake’s involvement.

Week 30 (22nd – 28th October)

26th October – Paul Johnston posted THIS Twitter thread about the Youthscape article.

25th October – Youthscape published THIS article “Youth ministry after Mike Pilavachi; How do we process, learn and begin to move on?” James Heywood posted THIS Twitter thread about the Youthscape article. I posted THIS Twitter thread about the Youthscape article.

24th October – Article by Matt Broomfield, who attended Soul Survivor but it no longer a Christian wrote for Unherd HERE, “Reverend Pilavachi’s irresistible charisma; my faith left me with an awful, gnawing hollowness”.

Week 29 (15th – 21st October)

20th October – Premier Christianity’s podcast “Soul Survivors” trailer became live on their website. You can listen to the trailer HERE and Spotify HERE.

17th October – James Heywood posted THIS blog “Following the money – part 4: a £200,000 transfer of staff and a mystery £20,000“.

Week 27 (1st – 7th October)

2nd October – Jame Heywood posted THIS blog “Uncovered: conflicts of interest in Soul Survivor’s £100,000 in donations to XLP”.

Week 26 (24th – 30th September)

27th September – Premier NexGen published THIS article by Andy Peck, “

25th September – Premier Christianity reports HERE that “Mike Pilavachi could face ban on working with children following DBS referral”.

24th September – I published THIS blog, “Soul Survivor and Those Who Cannot Remember the Past” about some of the many organisations and individuls who were connected with Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor.

24th September – The Telegraph published THIS article “Soul Survivor’s ‘spontaneous applause’ for disgraced Mike Pilavachi”

24th September – South West London Vineyard’s sermon was about Mike Pilavachi and spiritual abuse. The sermon can be found HERE and a transcription of some of it can be found HERE.

Week 25 (17th – 23rd September)

22nd September – Jon Kuhrt published THIS blog, “The key to preventing leadership scandals”.

20th September – Premier Christianity published THIS article “Investigation finds Mike Pilavachi ‘used spiritual authority to control people’. What happens now?”

20th September – Private Eye reports (see via THIS tweet) that Mike Pilavachi is “said to be house-hunting in South Africa.”

19th September – The Church Times publish THIS article about New Wine announcing a review into their relationship with Soul Survivor.

19th September – The Watford Observer published THIS article stating that a “Herts Police spokesperson has confirmed there is no criminal investigation [into Mike Pilavachi] at present”.

18th September – Premier Christianity pulished THIS article by Jane Chevous “The silence from Christian leaders on Mike Pilavachi is hurting victims”.

Week 24 (10th – 16th September)

15th September – Cross Section, the Evangelical Alliance’s podcast, included discussion of the Soul Survivor situation.

16th September – Neil Bennetts, who previously led worship at New Wine, wrote THIS Facebook post reflecting on New Wine’s statement.

16th September – David Bunce posted THIS, “Pilavachi, systems, apples and orchards”.

15th September – The Telegraph HERE report that, “Victims say Soul Survivor vicar was ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ who should lose MBE”.

15th September – New Wine posted THIS new statement apologising for their 13th September statement. They stated, “We fully recognise that this statement caused great pain, disappointment, and confusion. We deeply regret that the statement implied we were trying to minimise the relationship between New Wine and Mike Pilavachi. We are profoundly sorry.” However, their statement did not include any details of New Wine’s relationship with Mike Pilavachi.

15th September – Danny Webster (Director of Advocacy for the Evangelical Alliance) posted THIS blog about the situation.

14th September – The Telegraph published THIS article about Andy Croft’s apology regarding Soul Survivor.

14th September – THIS Church Times article was published about Andy Croft’s statement on the situation and also tracing the links between Soul Survivor and New Wine.

13th September – James Heywood published THIS thread evidencing the close relationship between New Wine and Soul Survivor.

13th September – New Wine published THIS statement across their social media accounts. While the statement acknowledgement the pain Mike PIlavachi has caused, their statement sought to minimise the relationship New Wine had with Soul Survivor and Mike Pilavachi.

13th September – Premier Christianity published THIS article about Andy Croft’s involvement in the Soul Survivor situation, including a statement from Andy Croft to say, “I am very sorry that my actions have contributed in any way to the pain others are experiencing. The last seven months have been extremely difficult for all those involved as they have come to terms with the damage caused by Mike Pilavachi’s abuse over many years and I want to pay my own tribute to the courage of those who have come forward. I also have to acknowledge that I have been deeply affected personally by Mike’s behaviour.  I cannot comment further at this point because of ongoing processes but will at some point, I hope, be able to make a much fuller statement.”

12th September – Phil Whittall posted THIS blog “This has something to do with me”.

11th September – Living Leaders posted THIS statement about the situation.

Week 23 (3rd – 9th September)

9th September – A new Mumsnet thread was started HERE about Soul Survivor and Mike Pilavachi.

8th September – Telegraph piece published HERE stresses concerns by those abused by Mike Pilavachi that the findings will not be made public from the investigation substantiating allegations against Pilavachi.

8th September – Youth for Christ made THIS statement about the situation that throughout fails to mention Mike Pilavachi by name.

7th September – Premier published THIS article about the situation.

7th September – BBC article HERE published about the situation.

7th September – Statement posted HERE from New Frontiers about the situation.

7th September – Relationship Mission Sphere of New Frontiers posted THIS statement about the investigation findings, without once using the term “abuse”.

7th September – Evangelical Alliance CEO, Gav Calver, posted THIS statement about the findings of the investigation.

6th September – Soul Survivor Watford released THIS statement about the findings of the investigation. They say they are “deeply sorry to all those people who have been victims of spiritual, emotional and psychological abuse, physical wrestling and massage under Mike’s leadership. There has been a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. We are saddened that these behaviours happened in a context that should have provided safety and spiritual support. We are committed to learning lessons from what has happened and to put in place further practices and procedures that will seek to ensure this kind of behaviour does not happen in the future.” They also announced they have commissioned an independent review to be led by Fiona Scolding KC. 

6th September – A statement was released by the Church of England HERE stating that “concerns substantiated in Mike Pilavachi investigation”. They confirmed that “an abuse of power relating to his ministry, and spiritual abuse; described in guidance as ‘a form of emotional and psychological abuse characterised by a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour in a religious context’. It was concluded that he used his spiritual authority to control people and that his coercive and controlling behaviour led to inappropriate relationships, the physical wrestling of youths and massaging of young male interns.” Mike Pilavachi will be subject to Clergy Disciplinary Measures, Andy Croft (Soul Survivor Watford Senior Pastor) remains suspended and Ali Martin (another Soul Survivor Watford Senior Leader) has been reinstated. An unnamed former senior Church of England leader is also being investigated.

4th September – James Heywood posts THIS part 3 blog about Soul Survivor’s finances.

Week 22 (27th August – 2nd September)

1st September – I posted THIS guest blog from Phil Duncalfe about the relationship between New Frontiers and Mike Pilavachi.

29th August – Premier report HERE that UCCF have apologised for how long their investigation into two of their male senior leaders is taking.

Week 21 (20th – 26th August)

25th August – James Heywood posted THIS blog as a part 2 on Soul Survivor’s finances.

20th August – James Heywood posted THIS blog about Soul Survivor finances.

Week 20 (13th – 19th August)

18th August – Probably unrelated to Soul Survivor, but within the same evangelical charismatic circles, Pioneer Trust state HERE that they have launched an independent investigation into their late foudner Gerald Coates’ behaviour.

15th August – A report was published HERE about a man who was a youth worker in the 1980s/90s in Terry Virgo’s church who is being tried for abusing young men and boys while a youth worker at the church. The report states that at least one victim was advised by church leaders not to report to the police.

Week 19 (6th – 12th August)

11th August – James Heywood posted THIS blog entitled “Who paid for the Mike Pilavachi interns?”

Week 18 (30th July – 5th August)

5th August – The Telegraph report HERE that Bishop Graham Cray is being investigated regarding his handling of reports about Mike PIlavachi.

4th August – Mads Davies writes HERE for Christianity about the Soul Survivor situation.

3rd August – James Heywood has published THIS blog about Pete Grieg in the context of Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor.

31st July – The Telegraph report HERE that the Charity Commission are investigating large donations made to Sou61 by Malaysian business tycoon Tan Sri (Sir) Francis Yeoh.

Week 17 (23rd – 29th July)

26th July – James Heywood posted THIS post asking further questions about a number of large donations to Soul 61.

Week 16 (16th – 22nd July)

18th July – Phillip Duncalfe posted THIS blog reflecting on Terry Virgo’s support of Mike Pilavachi.

18th July – James Heywood posted THIS blog raising questions about large donations made to Soul61 which were “to be used at the discretion of Mike Pilavachi.”

17th July – The Telegraph posted THIS article about comments made by Terry Virgo and J John in support of Mike Pilavachi.

16th July – Tim Hinkling, who worked at Soul Survivor Watford until 2020, has posted THIS Twitter thread about his experiences at the church.

16th July – The “This Hope” facebook page wrote THIS post about the Soul Survivor situation.

16th July – I wrote THIS article about Terry Virgo’s apology.

Week 15 (9th – 15th July)

15th July – John Ellis, musician who previously played guitar at Soul Survivor in the 1990s and founded band Tree63 posted THIS blog about his time at Soul Survivor and his reflections on Matt Redman’s recent statement.

15th July – The Telegraph published THIS article about the Soul Survivor situation, “The abuse scandal tearing Christianity apart“.

14th July – Terry Virgo (founder of New Frontiers) has issued a statement on Twitter (HERE) and Facebook (HERE) about his public support for Mike Pilavachi.

14th July – The Telegraph reports HERE that the “‘toothless’ Soul Survivor abuse investigation has no power to punish” Mike Pilavachi. They have found that the NST investigation can only recommend Mike Pilavachi be seen by a psychologist and/or that clergy disciplinary measures (CDM) be instigated. And that any CDM can only consider any issues since 2012, when Mike Pilavachi was ordained.

14th July – Christy Wimber has posted an Instagram video about the Soul Survivor situation HERE.

13th July – Telegraph journalist Gabriella Swerling reports HERE that Soul Survivor have responded to Matt Redman’s statement by saying “We are grateful to Matt and Beth Redman for their openness and honesty. We recognise how painful it has been for the Redman family, and for all those who have contributed to the NST investigation – they have all displayed great courage in coming forward and we are taking their reports very seriously. As a church we are committed to the ongoing process and in addition an independent and robust review of our own culture, leadership and governance.”

13th July – Matt Redman released a statement on Twitter (HERE) and on Facebook (HERE) saying that he has “experienced first-hand the harmful behaviours that have been described” about Mike Pilavachi and that Pilavachi’s resignation statement has compelled him to speak out. The Telegraph has published an article about his statement HERE.

11th July – I published THIS blog about Mike Pilavachi’s resignation posts and support for him from national Christian leaders JJohn and Terry Virgo.

11th July – The Telegraph publish THIS piece about Mike Pilavachi with a comment from David Gate, who has disclosed how he was harmed by Mike Pilavachi.

11th July – Mike Pilavachi posted a statement on his Instagram (an account that he has made private) and Facebook pages resigning as Associate Pastor of Soul Survivor. Premier reported on the story HERE.

Week 14 (2nd – 8th July)

2nd July – Causeway Cost Vineyard church posted THIS update on the Alan Scott investigation, mentioned earlier in this timeline and in THIS post.

Week 13 (25th June – 1st July)

1st July – Chris Bullivant posted THIS blog about his experiences working at Soul Survivor in the mid-noughties.

Week 12 (18th – 24th June)

24th June – The Telegraph reports HERE that “Soul Survivor is urging Christians to “keep praying” for Mike Pilavachi and to send “lovely” cards to support its pastors suspended over allegations they failed to act on claims of his abuse.”

21st June – The Church of England announced they were sacking two (of three) members of their Independent Safeguarding Board. These sacked members (Jasvinder Sanghera and Steve Reeves) stated they had been given less than one hour notice before this was announced to the public, with them stating on social media that no plans for survivor support had been made n advance of the announcement.

18th June – Rosemary Gomes was on THIS podcast talking about the Soul Survivor situatio. Rosemary recently joined Synod in the house of laity, works as a clinical psychologist and is a stand up comedian in my spare time.

Week 11 (11th – 17th June)

16th June – The Telegraph published an article HERE about the Bishop of St Albans response to a question at Diocesan Synod about the Soul Suvrvivor situation.

14th June – In advance of the Diocesan Synod on 17th June, the Bishop of St Albans (Rt. Revd Dr Alan Smith) provided response to the question asked on 13th June. The response HERE suggested that the Church of England’s current safeguarding processes would mean that the Bishop could be disciplined if he support an independent investigation.

13th June – Lay Chair of St Albans Diocese, Peter Adams, submitted a question to St Albans Diocesan Synod for the Bishop of St Albans to answer. It requested the Boshop to work with the National Safeguarading Team to set up an independent investigation.

12th June – Comment on Thinking Anglicans post HERE from Anthony Archer about Soul Suvrvivors report and accounts rarely mentioning safeguarding and indicating a lack of clear boundaries between trustees and those paid to work in the organisation.

Week 10 (4th – 10th June)

10th June – Paul Johnston posted THIS Twitter thread about how difficult it is for those who have historically had significant involvement at Soul Survivor Watford and/or the festival.

9th June – Ali Martin and Andy Croft resigned as Directors of Soul 61 (see HERE on Companies House). Andy Croft is currently still a Director of Soul Survivor (see HERE). Ali Martin resigned as a Director at Soul Survivor in 2020.

9th June – General Synod member Jayne Ozanne had a letter published (found HERE) in the Telegraph about the Soul Survivor situation.

9th June – Bishop Graham Cray’s profile HERE was removed from London School of Theology’s website and it appears he has been removed from their trustee webpage HERE. On 4th June (see below) it became apparent that Cray may have historically known information about the Soul Survivor situation.

9th June – James Heywood noted on Twitter HERE that the Soul Survivor statement (dated 8th March) had been updated to say that “the Bishop of St Albans had requested that Andy Croft voluntarily withdraw from any ministry until the investigation is concluded”. This seems to suggest that any work/ministry Andy Croft could do that sits outside of a Church of England context should not be undertaken.

8th June – A new event due to take place for church leaders, Gathered, which included MIke Betts (New Frontiers), Marcus Honeysett (Living Leadership), and Mike PIlavachi. They made THIS statement about their decision to postpone the event in the context of the allegations against Mike Pilavachi.

8th June – Croydon Vineyard published THIS article entitled “Helping to navigate the news about Mike Pilavachi“.

8th June – Soul Survivor announced HERE that they have suspended Andy Croft and Ali Martin, the two most Soul Survivor Watford senior leaders. It explains that their suspensions were a result of “information submitted to the investigation relates to concerns over the handling of allegations that were raised before the NST investigation began”.

8th June – Academic and worship leader Dr Mark Porter wrote THIS article for the Church Times; “Soul Survivor scandal ‘has left me questioning a faith journey I cherish’”.

8th June – THIS article “Soul Survivor: From a big tent to the heart of parish churches” was published by the Church Times.

8th June – THIS article was published by the Church Times “Concerns about Canon Mike Pilavachi ‘were voiced’ in 2004”.

7th June – The Telegraph published THIS article, “More than 100 people have come forward to accuse…Mike Pilavachi of abuse”.

4th June – Surviving Church published THIS article by Gilo about the current Lead Safeguarding Bishop with brief mention of the Soul Survivor situation.

4th June – The Times published THIS article, “Soul Survivor Watford “”Church knew for 19 years of Soul Survivor pastor’s ‘teen massages’”. Chris Bullivant (previous Soul Survivor staff member) quoted in the article tweeted HERE to say that Bishop Graham Cray, Soul Survivor Chair knew about Mike Pilavachi’s behaviour in 2004 and did nothing.

Week 9 (28th May – 3rd June)

29th May – Dr W Elliot Bulmer tweeted HERE a video from the Soul Survivor 2022 worship conference. He said, “In light of recent allegations, it’s hard to watch the first minute of this video (and many others like it) and not pick up on a very weird vibe. I’m not saying that proves anything. Only that we should listen to people when they say who they really are.”

26th May – Amongst a broader opnion piece, AN Wilson’s Times article HERE question Justin Welby’s moral authority in light of his involvement with Soul Survivor and the Iwerne Trust (where John Smyth abused boys).

Week 8 (21st – 27th May)

27th May – I posted THIS blog “We are all implicated subjects” about wider Christian culture and safeguarding.

26th May – The Responding to the Storm webinar and resources is now live HERE.

25th May – Vineyard UK and Ireland posted their safeguarding statement on Facebook HERE and on their website HERE.

24th May – Justin Humphreys, the CEO of ThirtyOne:Eight the UK’s main Christian safeguarding charity shared a resource on Twitter HERE promoting Jersey Road PR’s crisis communications course with the comment “This is a great resource for churches. Don’t wait for the crisis. Do all you can to prevent it and be ready to respond well to it if/when it happens…” Jersey Road PR are running crisis communications for Soul Survivor. It is unclear how ThirtyOne:Eight see this as an appropriate approach for their CEO to take.

24th May – Long-term close friend of Mike Pilavachi, J John still hasn’t said anything publicly about the Soul Survivor situation, but today posted a blog HERE entitled “People of Lies”. Within the blog he says, “often we don’t face the truth of who we are and what we’ve done, simply because we don’t want to take responsibility for it”.

24th May – The Church Times reports HERE that “The Church of England’s Independent Safeguarding Board has served the Archbishops’ Council with a formal dispute resolution notice, saying that the Council is continuing to frustrate its work and threaten its independence, while failing to put survivors first.”

24th May – Jenny Rowbory published THIS blog, “What happens to our own faith when Christians turn out to be abusers.”

24th May – Dave Meldrum posted THIS blog, “The Power and the Damage Done”.

24th May – Third Sector published THIS article headlined “Charity apologises for failing to suspend founder over ‘inappropriate massages'”.

23rd May – Julie Roys published THIS article about Mike Pilavachi being suspended.

23rd May – Pete Greig seems to have deleted his misjudged post. I posted THIS Guest Blog from Tony Brooks responding to Pete Greig’s perspective that this is the time to focus on good leaders, rather than raising issues of abuse.

22nd May – Long-term close friend of Mike Pilavachi, Canon J John has yet to publicly say anything about the Soul Survivor situation, however he tweet HERE a video about the ways we can ruin someone’s reputation by using the word “but”.

22nd May – Luke Larner posted his reflections about the Soul Survivor situation on his blog HERE.

22nd May – Chris Bullivant shared on Twitter HERE “Tim Hughes told me in 2004 that Mike Pilavachi was massaging an intern. I reported this to then Executive Director Liz Biddulph who just said “Pft.””

22nd May – Church Times article HERE about Mike Pilavachi being suspended.

22nd May – Christian Post article HERE about Mike Pilavachi being suspended.

21st May – Dr Beverley Friend wrote THIS heartbreaking blog post about her experiences at Soul Survivor, working as their Marketing Manager from early 2001 until late 2004.

21st May – Sunday Times article published HERE about Mike Pilavachi being suspended after being asked to explain why he had met with Dan Goodwright, a young male worship leader of the church (the article includes a photograph of the two of them together).

Week 7 (14th – 20th May)

20th May – Robert Thompson and Martin Sewell announce via THIS tweet that they are pushing Synod to vote on a private members’ motion that the Soul Survivor situation should taken place, conducted by an independent King’s Counsel (these are barristers or solicitor advocates who have been recognised for excellence in advocacy).

20th May – John Chambers tweets HERE to say “Was a member of [Soul Survivor] church 2002~07. Knew about (some) of what was going on. Spoke to the diocese about it.”

20th May – Watford Observer article published HERE about Mike Pilavachi being suspended.

20th May – From the Soul Survivor Watford statements on this date, it emerged that Soul Survivor have hired Gareth Russel and Jersey Road PR to do their comms regarding this situation (the end of the statement says “For press enquiries please contact Gareth Russell”).

20th May – First social media posts from Soul Survivor Watford about the situation on Twitter HERE and on Facebook HERE and on Instagram HERE. Soul Survivor’s wider social media (for their wider work, not solely the church at Watford) also posted the same posts on Twitter HERE and on Instagram HERE.

20th May – Soul Survivor Watford announce HERE that they have suspended Mike Pilavachi. They state that, “It has become clear that this more decisive action should have been made earlier and we have acted to correct this now.”

20th May – South West London Vineyard church post THIS blog about spiritual abuse.

19th May – Pete Greig makes a highly ill-judged Facebook post HERE about how many great leaders there are. THIS FB post from Neil Bennetts and the comments on it explain some of why it was misjudged. THIS tweet includes most of a comment from Tony Brooks on Greig’s post and THIS thread from Mark Hewerdine articulates why asking people to list great leaders is potentially harmful.

19th May – Local magazine “Watford News” has Mike Pilavachi as their cover story (found HERE).

18th May – A webinar I’d organised (advertised HERE) took place to provide a safe space for discussions about some of the responses people may have had to the situation. A recording of the webinar will be made available in due course.

18th May – Premier Christianity published THIS article explaining the Church of England’s safeguarding crisis.

17th May – Bishop of Oxford Stephen Croft, he father of Soul Survivor Watford’s Senior Pastor Andy Croft, states HERE he will not resign after a lessons learned review established he had failed at safeguarding.

17th May – The Religion Media Centre published THIS article explaining the situation.

17th May – THIS post about the Archbishop’s statement and the wider situation was published by the Church Times.

17th May – Eddie Green posted THIS article with three ideas of ways to proceed for charismatic churches in light of the Soul Survivor situation.

16th May – The Telegraph published THIS article about the Archbishop’s statement with a quote from a victim calling for a fully independent investigation.

16th May – Bishop of Plymouth, James Grier made a statement HERE on Twitter and on Facebook about the situation, acknowledging his longtime involvement in Soul Survivor festivals and Soul Devon.

16th May – Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, made a statement HERE about the situation. Nicky Gumbel retweets this statement, but has yet to say anything about the situation himself.

15th May – Sam Howson tweeted a video HERE about his experiences 25 years ago at Soul Survivor.

15th May – The Watford Observer published THIS article that the “police are ‘monitoring’ Mike Pilavachi investigation.

15th May – David Gate tweeted HERE that HTB Church employee Matthew Rayner (his LinkedIn describes him as a “Course Coordinator”) was direct messaging him “questioning why [he] needed to speak to the ‘secular press’ and telling [him] to ‘do better’ just a day after I shared my experiences as a child with Mike Pilavachi.” Soon after, Matthew Rayner’s Twitter account was deleted. HTB and/or Nicky Gumbel have yet to make a statement about the situation.

14th May – Dave Jones, who worked as a Pastor at Soul Survivor shared on his Facebook HERE that the last month had “reignited the pain of working under Mike; pain that I had spent years trying to suppress”. In the post he says he has reported to the investigation and encourages others to do so as well.

14th May – David Gate shares his story of being mistreated by Mike Pilavachi while a worship leader at Soul Survivor with the Sunday Times HERE.

13th May – Reported in the Telegraph HERE, some of those who have disclosed being harmed by Mike Pilavachi released a statement demanding an independent investigation, saying they cannot trust the current investigation. Represented by specialist church abuse lawyer Richard Scorer, the full statement can be read on Richard’s Twitter account HERE,

Week 6 (7th – 13th May)

12th May – Premier Christianity publish an opinion piece from Tim Wyatt HERE suggesting that media reporting of the situation evidencing poor religious literacy by secular media.

12th May – The Telegaph reports HERE comments from whistleblower, Soul Survivor US founder, Paul Martin. He states issues related to Mike Pilavachi massaging young men in were known about by Soul Survivor leadership as early as 2000 and further reports made about this in 2004. A video of this story can be found HERE. This story was then covered HERE by the Daily Beast.

11th May – A lessons learned review (reported HERE) finds that several Bishops (including Archbishop of York, John Sentamu) failed to respond to a vicar raping a 16-year-old boy. The victim, Rev Matt Ineson, waived his right to anonymity and refused to engage in the review due to the process not having enough independence and not being allowed involved in the review’s terms of reference. One of the Bishops found to have failed is Stephen Croft, the father of Soul Survivor Senior Pastor Andy Croft.

10th May – Companies House receive Termination of Appointment of MP for WORD AND WORSHIP TRUST, actual date on certificate is 06/04/2023. The registered address for this Charity is Integrity Music Ltd.

10th May – Nazarene Theological College make a statement HERE about the situation.

10th May – Fresh Streams leadership network make a statement on Twitter HERE about the situation.

10th May – Northern Baptist Association make a statement on Twitter HERE about the situation.

9th May – Lucy Sixsmith publised THIS blog about “Soul Survivor, safeguarding, and toxic vulnerability”.

9th May – Youthscape publish THIS article with their reflections about the situation and share the relationships they (and their staff and Board) have with Soul Survivor.

8th May – Jon Kuhrt published THIS article on “Inspiration versus Integrity” about the situation.

7th May – Suzi Stock shares her experiences of being at Soul Survivor Watford on Facebook HERE.

7th May – Matthew Drapper posted a video HERE of Mike Pilavachi being unpleasant to a keyboard player at Soul Survivor. The keyboard player involved responded on May 10th HERE to say the video showed “fun and banter” and that Pilavachi was “not being malicious).

7th May – James Heywood posted THIS blog about the conflicts of interest and complex line management structures at Soul Survivor.

Week 5 (30th April – 6th May)

5th May – Vineyard UK and Ireland posted THIS statement.

5th May – Patrick Regan (previously of XLP and now running Kintsugi Hope) wrote THIS Facebook post.

5th May – Helen Paynter published THIS blog with the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence.

5th May – New Wine publish THIS statement (it’s dated 10th May, but was reported by Premier on 5th May).

5th May – Mike Pilavachi’s Instagram account was made private.

4th May – Julie Roys publishes an article HERE about the situation and Matt Redman’s statement.

4th May – South West Youth Ministry release a statement HERE on Twitter announcing they have suspended Mike Pilavachi as a Patron of their work.

4th May – Church Times publish THIS article about the situation.

4th May – Becca McGowan, who was part of Soul Survivor for a long time made comments on Twitter HERE.

4th May – Katie Brookfield did a Twitter thread HERE about her experiences on the Soul Survivor internship.

4th May – David Gate, who was part of the Soul Survivor worship team, wrote about his experiences on Twitter HERE.

4th May – Rachel Gardner tweeted HERE about the situation.

3rd May – Youthscape tweet HERE about the situation.

3rd May – Companies House receive Termination of Appointment of MP for LIV (UK), actual date on certificate is 26/04/2023.

3rd May – I publish THIS blog about those who are late to making a statement about the sitation.

3rd May – Tim and Pete Hughes release a statement HERE about the situation.

3rd May – Hope Lindsay Plumb, who was for years part of the Soul Survivor festival worship team shared her experiences HERE of being on the team.

3rd May – Mind and Soul UK publish THIS article to provide resources and support to those struggling with the situation.

3rd May – Individuals who have reported to the investigation wrote THIS open letter to UK Evangelical leaders.

2nd May – Matt Redman, Soul Survivor co-founder and globally known worship leader releases THIS statement about the situation.

2nd May – Dr Krish Kandiah tweeted HERE about the situation.

2nd May – The Telegraph publish THIS article about the allegations no longer being non-recent and include comments from alleged victims about their concern with the National Safeguarding Team and Soul Survivor: “They constantly try to control the narrative and minimise until they are backed in a corner. Then they simply reword their statements to try and control a different aspect of the information!”

2nd May – Soul Survivor and the Church of England update their statements to assert that the issues being raised are current and no longer categorised as “non-recent”.

1st May – I published THIS blog about the Telegraph report and the 30th April Soul Survivor church service.

1st May – The Telegraph publish THIS longer article about the allegations made against Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor.

1st May – The Telegraph publish THIS article detailing allegations that Mike Pilavachi exhibited“toxic behaviour” and “horrible cruelty and obsession” with certain young men, and that this was an “open secret”. They published THIS video with details from the article.

1st – 2nd May – The HTB Leadership Conference ran with no mention of the Soul Survivor situation.

30th April – Soul Survivor’s church service includes a statement read out by Andy Croft and comments by Tim Lomax of St Albans diocese (the statements can be found in THIS blog).

30th April – The Times published THIS article entitled “He ran the ‘Christian Glastonbury’. Then the questions started.”

Week 4 (23rd – 29th April)

28th April – James Heywood notices on Twitter HERE that Mike Pilavachi has deleted his Twitter account and that HERE the Soul61 Twitter acount has been deleted.

28th April – Spring Harvest update their statement HERE to ensure readers know it is about Mike Pilavachi.

27th April – Spring Harvest publish THIS statement about the situation, without any mention of either Soul Survivor or Mike Pilavachi.

26th April – Mind and Soul UK publish THIS statement about the situation.

24th April – James Heywood posted THIS blog about two different internship schemes running out of Soul Survivor.

23rd April – The Church of England’s Independent Safeguarding Board whistleblow to the national media HERE about the Church of England being hostile and unnecessarily challenging.

Week 3 (16th – 22nd April)

19th April – Soul Survivor Watford publish a new statement (available HERE) saying that “anything that needs to come into the light must come into the light.” I respond to their new statement with THIS blog on 20th April.

19th April – Vice publish THIS article about the Soul Survivor situation.

18th April – James Heywood posted THIS blog about edits to the Soul Survivor Watford website.

Week 2 (9th – 15th April)

14th April – A Mumsnet thread was started about Soul Survivor after the Telegraph article. The thread starts HERE.

14th April – I publish THIS blog reflecting on the ongoing silence about the situation.

12th April – The Telegraph publish THIS article about the Charity Commission investigating the Soul Survivor situation.

11th April – Premier first publish THIS article about the situation. It has been updated as new information has been made available.

10th – 12th April – Spring Harvest took place. Apart from in the Restored seminar at the event, there was no mention of the Soul Survivor situation.

10th April – Surviving Church publish a blog about the situation HERE.

10th April – I publish a suggested statement for organisations HERE.

9th April – Soul Survivor Watford’s Easter Sunday service, one week after their initial announcement was responded to by someone subjecetd to abuse in a different Christian faith context HERE.

Week 1 (2nd- 8th April)

7th April – I published THIS third blog about Holy Saturday and the ongoing silence about the situation.

6th April – I published THIS second blog about the ways silencing were operating.

5th April – My first blog HERE was published about the situation raised concerns about the statements made by Soul Survivor Watford and the Church of England.

4th April – Mike Pilavachi resigned as a Director of Soul Survivor and Soul61. (James Heywood raised this on Twitter HERE on 7th April)

4th April – ThirtyOne:Eight publish THIS article about the siutation.

4th April – The Telegraph publish their first article about the situation HERE with vague details of Mike Pilavachi having taken part in “inappropriate massages” and having “inappropriate intimate relationships” with young people believed to be linked to the Soul61intern scheme.

2nd April – Premier News publish article HERE about the Soul Survivor Watford statement.

2nd April – Soul Survivor Watford and the Church of England issue statements at the Soul Survivor Watford Palm Sunday church service about Mike Pilavachi stepping back for “safeguarding” reasons.

Previous to Soul Survivor Statement

31st March 2023 – David Saunderson resigned as a Director of Soul61 (this can be found on Companies House HERE). David Saunderson became a Director of Soul61 for in July 2011. David has been a Director of the Lambeth Trust (this can be found on Companies House HERE). The Lambeth Trust supports the work and mission of present and former Archbishops of Canterbury (as described on the Charity Commission HERE).

Other relevant posts:

1. The Problem with Statements; Mike Pilavachi, Soul Survivor, and the importance of independence
2. Firm Foundations; on statements, silencing and Soul Survivor
3. Holy Saturday and Soul Survivor
4. Guest Blog: Soul Survivor’s Elephant Navigating Service
5. A Suggested Statement about Soul Survivor
6. Silence, Soul Survivor and pushing things under the rug
7. Soul Survivor and anything that needs to come into the light
8. Scrutinising Soul Survivor
9. Guest Post: An Open Letter to Evangelical Leaders in the UK
10. Soul Survivor and those who are late to the conversation
11. The Soul Survivor Situation – A Timeline
12. Guest Blog: Dear Pete Greig
13. We are all implicated subjects
14. Trampling on the Little Ones
15. Woe to you, religious leaders
16. Guest Post: New Frontiers and Mike Pilavachi
17. Soul Survivor and Those Who Cannot Remember the Past