Protests Erupt Over Controversial Network Churches in College Station
College Station is currently buzzing with news surrounding a series of non-denominational churches, widely known as The Network. This group, which includes multiple churches in the U.S., England, and Taiwan, has recently faced a wave of criticism and controversy. The drama began when several congregations started to part ways with The Network, accusing it of hiding sexual abuse allegations involving its leader and practices that allegedly endanger children.
On a sunny Saturday, a group of passionate former members and families affected by The Network gathered outside the Christland Church, one of its locations in College Station, for a demonstration. The air was filled with a mix of emotions as they voiced their concerns and shared their stories. Protesters carried signs and spoke candidly about their experiences with the church, which they claim engages in predatory recruitment and spiritual abuse.
Emma Wright, a College Station resident and a member of the Class of 2022, shared her journey with The Network. A lifelong attendee of Vine Church, which is also a part of The Network, Emma decided to join Christland when she moved to town for her studies. “I literally started going there when I was a baby,” she said, reminiscing about the familiarity of the community. However, her experience quickly soured. Through a women’s group at Christland, Wright felt increasingly belittled and silenced by sermons delivered by the head pastor, Sándor Paull.
“There were so many red flags that I wished I didn’t gloss over,” she stated, explaining how the culture of secrecy and strict obedience to church leaders made her uncomfortable. “I remember being told who to date and what kind of music to listen to.” These unsettling experiences led her to reevaluate her involvement, especially after revelations came to light about the church leader, Steve Morgan.
Court documents from Kansas revealed that Morgan was charged with aggravated sodomy against a minor back in 1987 when he served as a youth pastor. Although he signed a diversion agreement to avoid a criminal conviction, this revelation was the tipping point for Wright. She ended her participation with Christland and subsequently found herself isolated from the community she once cherished.
“I guess I didn’t realize how deep the control ran until I was outside of it,” Wright said. “I’ve not heard from most of my friends since I left.” Many former members are speaking up, and their testimonies are echoing through various platforms including blogs, subreddits, YouTube, and Facebook.
Among those rallying against The Network was Geneva Moore, a former member who also attended Joshua Church in Austin. “I was recruited in college,” she explained, originally finding a welcoming spirit in the community. However, as time passed, she grew more aware of the destructive patterns within the group. “The discrimination and isolation were systemic and orchestrated by Steve Morgan,” she revealed, illustrating the struggles faced by people of color and women in the church.
Moore’s personal story took a darker turn, leading to serious mental health struggles and even a suicide attempt due to the pressure and trauma she faced. “It was tough,” she admitted. “When I left, leadership acted like mistakes happen and that they had a clear conscience.”
Melanie Hartmann shared her worries about her daughter, who joined a Network church after leaving for college. “At first I was confused. I didn’t understand why she felt it was necessary to be baptized again,” Hartmann recounted. As time went on, she saw alarming changes in her daughter’s behavior and attitudes. “When she married her husband after knowing him for only 10 days, that was a huge red flag for me,” she said.
Many parents, like Hartmann, have expressed concerns about their children falling into what is dubbed the “love bomb” approach, where individuals are wooed into the church with affection and attention. “They lure you in, and by the time you realize what’s happening, it’s too late,” Hartmann warned.
Despite the controversies and evidence being brought forth, Christland members present at the protest declined to comment, and the leadership remains unresponsive to inquiries. Meanwhile, Wright shares her hope to warn fellow students: “I want to ensure that people know Christland isn’t a safe place.”
The protests and discussions around The Network continue to gain momentum, shedding light on experiences that many have gone through. In a time when voices that were once muted are finally being heard, former members are urging caution and greater transparency in religious communities to protect those wanting a sense of spiritual belonging.
