“Yet the heaviest weight on my heart has been the culture of hierarchy and emotional manipulation we, as staff, regularly endured,” Justin wrote. The Greenwells described an atmosphere where questions and discernment were discouraged in favor of loyalty and the appearance of unity.
The Greenwells said that Locke’s wife, Tai, “has often functioned as the primary authority in this ministry” and has wounded church staff by showing favoritism toward them.
Justin further stated that “perhaps one of the most personally devastating aspects of my experience here was the intentional isolation of staff.” The Greenwells said they realized that the way staff members were allegedly pitted against one another was systemic, intentional, and a “form of spiritual abuse.”
The pastors expressed that they hope their words will result in a spiritual awakening, repentance, and renewal in GVBC on the part of leadership and “the whole house.”
In a Facebook live video Dec. 10, the Greenwells emphasized that they are not pursuing a “smear campaign” against GVBC and that they love the Lockes and wish them the best. “I do truly want to see Global Vision succeed,” said Justin.
RELATED: Greg Locke: ‘The Public Hatred for Our Church Continues To Rise’; Church Signs Stolen and Burned
The couple said that they pursued reconciliation with Greg Locke privately according to Matthew 18, and, now that has failed, they have taken the conflict public in the only way they were able. Kasey said that the way they did so particularly made sense in light of the fact that they were online pastors at GVBC for four years.
She urged people to stop “bashing” the Lockes in the comments. “That is not the heart of God. This is not our heart,” said Kasey. “We will never, ever bash our pastors.” She reminded people that leaders struggle just as much as church members and said she still believes that God’s call is on the Lockes. The purpose of her and her husband’s book, she said, is not vengeance but healing for themselves and others.
Greg Locke Responds to the Allegations
Greg Locke addressed Justin and Kasey Greenwells’ claims during a church service, a video clip of which was posted to Locke Media Monday, Dec. 15. He denied any wrongdoing, saying GVBC operates with full transparency, has a governing board, outside audits, legal counsel, and has repeatedly complied with IRS inquiries.
The pastor said several times that anyone who gives money to GVBC can have access to the church’s books at any time anyone wishes to see them. “Bank statements do not lie,” he said, holding up some papers. “I just choose to keep my mouth shut because when you have the facts, you can smirk with your hands in your pocket when people act crazy.”
Locke said that if the internet’s claims about him were true, he should be in jail right now. People who accuse him of not being accountable are simply angry because he’s not accountable to the accusers. “That doesn’t mean I’m not accountable,” he said.
