Teen Mania Alumni Dispute Founder Ron Luce’s Claims About ‘Shiny Happy People’

Ron Luce Shares Positive Accounts of Teen Mania

In response to a request for comment from ChurchLeaders, Luce sent a collection of testimonials from people who had positive experiences with Teen Mania. These include a video from Tim and Shalise Catir and posts he said were copied from a private Facebook group called Thankful HA Alumni, which has over 2,000 members.

In those posts, several people commented that ESOAL was optional. Some took a dismissive tone toward the docuseries. “There will always be bitter people, and not interviewing both sides of people just shows that their producers aren’t really interested in showing the truth, but that they already have their mind made up beforehand,” said a user named Christa Annette.

RELATED: ‘Shiny Happy People’ Returns To Examine the Christian Culture War Pioneer Teen Mania

A number of the posts, while expressing gratitude for Teen Mania, acknowledged that their experiences had some negative aspects. “When I think back on my TM experience, there is no way that it would be considered perfect,” said a user named Cody Kurtz.

“But I can confidently say that I wouldn’t be the man I am today without my experiences there,” Kurtz said. “TM gave me insane opportunities to step into my callings, I met my incredible God-fearing and God-loving wife there, and formed lifelong friendships that I’m forever grateful for.” 

“I know everyone didn’t have the same experience, but that year there (and a couple mission trips) was so pivotal in my walk with the Lord,” said a user named Laura Kleibrink. “My faith got roots and shoots from that year that I am so grateful for. He deepened my walk despite the faults.” 

“We’re [sic] there things that were sketchy? Sure. Were there those who had an awful experience? Yes. Were there those who went for the wrong reasons and got hurt? Yes,” Kleibrink said. “But I made some wonderful friendships and experienced my walk with God in a way I didnt [sic] know I could, and also grew with people in my groups who were genuine.” 

One user identified as Tabitha Lafferty pushed back on a comment Luce had apparently made in the Facebook group. “My own experience was completely positive,” Lafferty said. “I didn’t endure the pain that others have bravely spoken about, though with time and distance, I can now recognize ways in which some teachings and messaging, common across many evangelical spaces of that time, could have been harmful.”

“I know you likely didn’t intend this,” said Lafferty, “but it came across as if the presence of positive stories should offset or dilute the weight of the harm others experienced. I don’t think that’s what you meant but that’s how it landed for me, and possibly others.”

“For those of us who’ve been through various forms of harm, even if not at Teen Mania, there’s a familiar pattern: when someone speaks up, others respond with ‘Well, I never had that experience’ or ‘They were always kind to me,’” Lafferty said. “It may be true, but it can unintentionally invalidate the experience of those who were harmed. It puts the burden on them to defend or prove their pain, which adds another layer of hurt.”

“I’m hopeful we can hold space for both the good and the painful in a way that honors the truth of everyone’s experience,” said Lafferty. 

You can read Ron Luce’s full statements to The Roys Report here.

To read the full response to Luce’s statements from some of the Teen Mania alumni who appeared in “Shiny Happy People,” go here.