Let There Be Light

Official Documentary for 'Let There Be Light.'
‘Let There Be Light’ explores the pattern of abuse experienced over a period of four decades under the leadership of Mike Pilavachi in the UK church. A Church of England safeguarding report substantiated claims of emotional, physical and spiritual harm. This documentary explores the story of what happened - and lessons the Church must learn for the future.
©️ Phos Media LLC
Music by Nathan Nockels, used by permission.
Please note that the information and advice provided in these videos are general in nature and are not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health treatment or advice. If you are a victim, have suffered abuse, and feel you need support we strongly encourage you to seek professional help. You are not alone, and it is important that your voice be heard. For a list of recommended organizations that can offer support visit www.lettherebelight.life/

[@MattRedmanOfficial]

This is a story that Beth and I needed to tell. We want this documentary to speak up for the many victims of Mike Pilavachi at Soul Survivor and at the same time ask how we might become a safer and healthier Church in the future. Let there be light.

[@tomrepton6786]

😢❤

[@tyeishaleisure]

So much love for you Matt. I am so so sorry for what you Beth, and so many others went through. Thank you for bravely sharing your story. ❤️

[@sheilalockyer]

Thank you, Matt & Beth for your faithfulness and for all you’ve done to inspire others. I love all your worship songs, Matt but 10,000 Reasons will probably always be my favourite one. 😊🙏

[@ControllerLyfe]

Thank you for sharing this

[@joemartin8496]

AMAZING - well done. Exactly right. And done with such gentleness and poise. I particularly like what Dr Amy Orr-Ewing says.

[@debbhackett10]

"That's just Mike" is one of the saddest things I've heard. Thank you all for being brave.

[@campbell4show]

Bit like Harvey Weinstein's case..

[@andyhutch8892]

A very low and undefendable response indeed

[@roseschmidt2478]

Just like the IHOP scandal😢

[@CatherineX-ph3on]

This was what I was told about the senior nurse I complained about who was neglecting and abusing patients. I still made the formal complaint and went to the police and the government minister for health.

[@bluehorizon9435]

Meanwhile, the crimes of this sadistic abuser remains unpunished.

[@patbrett3031]

The lesson is never idolize people!! It never works out well!!

[@katefagan633]

Amazing bravery. I’m a survivor myself of spiritual abuse by a youth pastor. I was 17 years old when I came forward. He was fired that day and I’ll never be more grateful. Ten other girls came forward after me. I was later hired as a youth minister. This was decades ago and I am forever grateful for how I have been treated.

[@iamalive4820]

I'm so proud of you for coming forward. Thank you for being so brave. You changed lives that day. ❤❤❤❤

[@stuc.6592]

I worked at several of the Soul Survivor festivals in various roles but never had contact with Mike Pilavachi. All I saw was a great number of people working very hard to produce a fantastic experience for thousands of young people and the worship in the tent was something I will never forget, it certainly changed and strengthened my faith. I know from the young people we had with us in our youth group that they all had a great time and it is important to know that Pilavachi's behaviour and abuse doesn't detract from that. The teaching delivered by him, Andy Croft and others reached out to everyone and I truly believe that he had a passion for spreading the gospel to young people. It's just so terribly sad that there was another, awful side to him where he failed utterly in his relationships with other people, he hurt so many and failed to recognise his own failings, causing so much suffering. There's no excuse for it, he knew better, it's not just "being Greek". It's amazing to hear Matt say he forgives Mike and a lesson for us all - but to also say, very rightly, that Mike needs to be held accountable for his actions. I also pray that Pilavachi will come to realise the harm and hurt he has caused and come to repentance for it. I also pray that the Soul Survivor Church learns from this and comes back all the stronger.

[@Sprinter-qk8kr]

Great response ! I agree and feel the same! I think Mike should never have done mentoring and that side needed to be handed by a group of people and not Mike. Mike needed to have a group of elders to be accountable to. Mentoring programs should not be one person.

[@andyhutch8892]

Yes absolutely. SS was incredible…no one denies that. I think what scrambles our brain is that God blessed the ministry….but it had someone running it with behavioural defficincies on a grand level.

[@BethButcher]

I'm a survivor of abuse (from a different church) and I think one of the hardest things I've had to deal with is how can God be seen to be 'blessing' something, where the leader is abusing members of his congregation. The things we were always told was we shouldn't say anything because we'd be stopping God's work. Of course now I realise, it isn't me stopping God's work, it's the pastor and his wife who are abusing vulnerable people they are meant to be caring for. So where does that leave me? In our church, before covid, there were around 2000 people every sunday (if you believed what the church leaders said, they tended to exaggerate to make people believe the church was doing well). That's 2000 children of God who love Him and want to follow Him. I think God honours that. He loves them and cares for them. Of course He will continue to speak to them and work in their lives, because He is a loving God. That does not mean He condones or will not hold the leaders accountable. I feel the same is true for Soul Survivor. I went and loved it. God spoke to me in amazing ways that have stuck with me. God is good. I just need to remember that He is also just.

[@kerstinklenovsky239]

Sadly, in the eyes of the world, the dirty deeds of one Christian leader always speak much louder than the integrity of a hundred others.

[@usernameanonymous158]

Hello🙏🏻🙏🏻! I think I understand what you are trying to say 🙏🏻🙏🏻 (I may not properly, sorry if that is the case!) But I do think it would be very important to listen to victems of abuse, especially within the church, because this is also the truth and Jesus always wants us to follow the truth 🙏🏻🙏🏻 and to be heard will bring so much healing I do see what you mean, it is very sad... but I do think it would be best to let these truths come out rather than maybe not to talk about them.. this could even do damage to the victems And perhaps the world will see the example of real followers of Jesus calling evil by its right name, and they would be touched by the light of God! 😊 I wanted to quickly add: when I myself had just become a christian, one of the first things I struggled with, was a memory of a man calling himself a christian, who hadd tried to sexually abuse me (when he was 25 and I was 15) and I did not really realize this until later in my life.. I do not mean to be confusing in my comment🙏🏻🙏🏻 I mean to say that eventhough indeed it is very sad that these things happen, I think it is very good that they come to the light, because I believe maybe some day they would anyway, because God will one day expose evil 🙏🏻🙏🏻 But I am really sorry if my comment may seem rude /negative or disrespectful, I did not mean to sound like I was trying to begin an argument! 🙏🏻 May the Lord bless you!! 🙏🏻🕊️

[@BigAl53750]

I agree, but as a 6 deacdes long Christian, I have to say that the incidence of sexual abuse in the church is FAR more pervasive than most Christians are aware of. What is even more horrible to contemplate is the amount of sexual abuse of MINORS that is actively hidden in many ways by church leaders, for many different reasons. I have heard some accounts that would horrify most Christians and are very difficult to know about. I grieve for the victims, most of whom never speak up.

[@leeosborne3793]

As someone who has suffered extensive spiritual abuse, I can tell you that evangelicalism is rotten to the core, and I haven't seen much of this "integrity" you speak of.

[@painstruck01]

The total lack of safe guarding damns the entire church. Abusers seek out the incompetent and the credulous. But then again, when you're telling children that faith is important, you're literally asking them to believe in something without evidence which is inherently abusive.

[@lizzyumoh]

​@@painstruck01 agree with you totally about the safeguarding, but I don't agree about "believing without evidence". Evidence of God is seen in creation, in His Word, in the bodily resurrection of Jesus, and in the work of the Holy Spirit.

[@lizcoleman1322]

A quote from Bonhoeffer When a madman is tearing through the streets in a car, I can, as a pastor who happens to be on the scene, do more than merely console or bury those who have been run over. I must jump in front of the car and stop it. This is what you guys are doing 🙌🏼

[@kristypattimore8710]

This was on Lectio 365 this morning. It immediately made me think of this situation.

[@rw3452]

Whey they not there whilst this was happening?

[@JuliexSteadman]

​@@kristypattimore8710 wow

[@Sara-wq1lb]

@MattRedmanOfficial 10 mins in and I am weeping. I raised this in 1999. I was ignored. I was the problem. I am 50.years old and sat on the outside looking in on the IN crowd. I saw young people being discarded. I was angry. I left SS. God never let go of me. I observe how upset I am about this. Matt , we went to St Andrews as very young kids. I remember my mother praying over your musical gifting. She said to you your music would be worldwide. God is faithful and true. I've known Mike P before he was at St Andrews and I had years of coming to terms with the rejection and confusion that stemmed from that church who NEVER held him to account. Where was the Church of England when complaints were made?. He planted SS with the same spirit and culture I witnessed in St Andrews. It's flooding back now. We can't locate all this jn SS - there needs to be a systemic investigation and historical overview from 1980s where this behaviour was commonplace in St Andrews. I saw the damage and it stopped me fully engaging with SS. I need to forgive and move on because I have been silenced all my life I don't feel any one will listen to what I had to endure

[@baggeeboy]

I hope and pray that you can find someone to share your experience with and that you will see justice and receive restoration

[@Sara-wq1lb]

@@baggeeboy thank you. I am now speaking to my church elders. I am lucky to be in a lovely church family

[@doubledecker1094]

@@Sara-wq1lb God bless you and thank you for sharing this. Heb. 13:5.

[@Steadfast_Steady_Strong]

I am so sorry. And being silenced is BRUTAL. It’s like being tied up and gagged while being forced to watch abusers continue on with their abuse all the while their sycophants ignore your cries for help and justice. I’ve prayed for you just now and I hope you can find healing and restoration.

[@lindahoman4563]

Five key takeaways for me from this... (quotes from the video)... 1. “People act to protect the system rather than the sheep…” 2. “That’s just Mike…” Never excuse unacceptable behaviour - regardless of who does it. 3. “I would absolutely encourage anyone who has experiences spiritual abuse to get help…” 4. “This is not about forgiveness, this is about accountability” 5. “There is abuse of power across the board.. There needs to be a a leadership structure that is accountable…”

[@bluehorizon9435]

Another takeaway: the abuser was simply issued with a warning. He remains at large and unpunished. Justice???

[@lindahoman4563]

@@bluehorizon9435 If there was a prosecutable offence it would have panned out differently. Sadly, the law does not cover this sort of offence. Most probably this is why it is being shared, the only way to ensure people are safe from people like this is to name them as a warning for others to be aware/beware.

[@gerardtoner9191]

Well said Linda, insightful and succinct , how I wish all the body of Christ could hear your words . If it be Lord's will and your desire may the Lord grant you the platform to speak blessings

[@jonathanaldridge3464]

@@bluehorizon9435 Unless he repents, he will never be invited to speak or minister at any Christian gathering again - his Christian ‘career’ is finished.

[@michaelosborne3414]

As someone who attended Soul Survivor I was always uncomfortable with how Mike's ego, personality and repeated stetched out anecdotes were such a dominant part of the event. I loved the Worship but never really got much from Mike's talks other than his ego. Soul Survivor was the place where so many British teenagers first encountered God and received Spiritual Gifts, but to me Mike's ministry always felt 'off'and I didn't understand why his personality was allowed to rule the whole culture of Soul Survivor. Thank you Matt and Beth for your honesty, for perservering in raising the alarm bells on Mike's abuse and for still journeying in faith and with God despite how Church governance abused and failed you. Bless you guys

[@barb4645]

Very well expressed

[@andyhutch8892]

Well bless you for that early and unique insight….most of us went the other way and delighted in his charismatic, funny and playful approach to evangelising. Most of us were captivated….you had rare vision in that regard.

[@user-kz6li8vo6x]

I was exactly the same. I never felt comfortable with what he was saying, even at that young age. I was so put off that i was picked up just a few days in and never returned to SS. That being said, a lot my friends and family have been and for some it changed their lives!

[@Sprinter-qk8kr]

Mike was just 😊having a Laugh. It’s not his on stage performance thats in question. It more what happened off stage! Mike did always point to Jesus and I enjoying his talks. But it’s off stage that’s in question

[@naomi5893]

​@Sprinter-qk8kr But he does have an ego. It did show through him on stage too. Lots of people felt the same.

[@peterjermey7235]

Even after all this has been ainfully brought forward, the church of England has barely reacted. MP has been quietly retired, nobody else has faced any accountability for allowing him to abuse these boys (and others) and there's been no attempt even to learn lessons from this. How can the church claim to be relevant or even moral when it cares so little for the lives of vulnerable teenagers and young adults?

[@ogoyimika]

There is nothing hidden that will not eventually be revealed. I pray that God would continue to heal all those that have been affected by this sad state of affairs in Jesus precious name.

[@annabailey8818]

"Jesus is cleaning up his Church"

[@FaughtyEmit]

Why did he let the dirt into the church in the first place? If he knew this would happen, that's shocking conduct.

[@annabailey8818]

I don't have the answers, sadly. But I believe in a God that knows what He is doing ❤

[@FaughtyEmit]

@@annabailey8818 I used to!

[@annabailey8818]

❤​@@FaughtyEmit

[@bl00m1mgt0n]

@@annabailey8818If he knows what he’s doing, he has a lot to answer for 😕

[@jerrysinclair3771]

Just because thousands of lives have been "changed" does not mean that God is not aware of the abusive behavior of a leader. God is never surprised. Never let an abusive leader muzzle Christian people into silence. God is bigger than any fear that we who are abused would ''tear down'' a successful ministry. We sing all of these praise and worship songs about how great God is. Yet, we have no faith that our pain is not as important as a successful ministry. Do not be fooled. God will eventually prevail against a bully. That will happen after Christians stand up and say, "You [Christian leader] will not do this to me again.

[@andrewfadoju3920]

Thank you, Matt and Beth. This is not just about soul survivor and Mike. This is about God’s church being above board and transparent in all it conducts. It's about the church being different. Leaders are servants, and we need to stop and discourage Super Stars' mentality. Jesus came to serve, not to Lord it over people even though he was the Lord. The body of Christ needs to do better. Massive wake-up call. Praying for God’s redeeming grace over his body.

[@nicolaknight6953]

As a therapist specialising in trauma and spiritual abuse, thank you so much for your candour and bravery 🙏 so many Christian clients feel affirmed by your story! Thank you.

[@michellesanchez9]

Thank you I want to cry because this is what I've gone through and I know the lord is bringing healing after years 🙏🩵

[@nicolaknight6953]

@@michellesanchez9 sending you love, Michelle, and wishing you well in your recovery. God bless you

[@TheQuickBrownFoxTV]

This. ❤ - again and again and again.

[@EricHansenSpringfield]

As a pastor for 35 years, THANK YOU! Bravo Matt. May we all have the courage to speak.

[@mirandakelly8733]

I’ve been in a church of one type or another for over 45 years. I have experienced two periods of abuse, indecent assault by a vicar in the CofE in my teens and spiritual abuse by a minister more recently. It has come about, that as I walk my family through speaking out over being wrongfully excommunicated, my prior abuse has also come to a point of being dealt with. The Lord does not forget and He sees that justice is done, if not on Earth, then in heaven. Probably the most hurtful thing is not being believed, by people I counted close friends, and as a child, even family who didn’t want to rock the status quo in church. In my more recent experience, charges of sin against our minister were dismissed on minutiae. It’s one thing to have a wolf in sheep’s clothing, but a wolf in Shepherd’s clothing is a much more dangerous beast. It took us a while to realise that our church had been leaking like a sieve for a significant time. But when I noticed an absence, I’d ask the minister and would believe his story about why a family were no longer attending. In the Kingdom of God, there is no “lower status” we are all part of the body of Christ. Each member must be equally valued. It might be that we keep a bicep, because we view it as important, but we loose several hundred blood cells and now the whole body is severely anaemic, because we saw them as expendable.

[@mr_clottey]

Jesus is indeed cleaning up his church. He is coming for a pure and spotless bride. Thank you for bringing this into the light. We need humility and repentance. 🙏🏾

[@bl00m1mgt0n]

This doesn’t make any sense on a whole number of levels.

[@markdurdle7710]

@@bl00m1mgt0n What doesn't make sense? Jesus IS coming back for a pure and spotless bride. It is what the Bible says, if you mean you don't understand the reference, Jesus uses the example of marriage to show what it will be like with humanity and himself at the end of time. Where humanity is like the wife and he is like the husband.

[@thejess121205]

We had a young adults pastor who was fired for inappropriate behavior with one of the adults. It was wild how the other members of the group rallied around HIM! He left, and contacted the group lying to them about the incident. Almost got quite a few people to follow him until I reached out and shared his recorded admittance of wrongdoing. But even then it was hard for people to see him in any other light than that of an anointed, charismatic, imperfect man. I was blown away! I wanted so badly to just shake people and help them to see the truth! If this man had repented I would not have been so dogmatic but he is now spreading lies about our pastor and it’s divisive and harmful. I had to give it to Jesus because it was tearing me up. I spoke my peace, he had been exposed and now people have to choose to believe the lie or the truth. Praying for all those who have been harmed by those who abuse their position in ministry. God have mercy!

[@BethButcher]

I am a survivor of spiritual abuse (when we finally left the church, they treated us as though we were dead despite us being there for 18 years, having 'friends' who now don't acknowledge us and family still there). The pastor there will routinely lie about the people he is manipulating and gaslighting so that he undermines their testimony. It's heart breaking seeing the trail of broken people he leaves behind. The only comfort I have is that if I am this upset and angry about it, God will be too. There is healing for us but for someone unrepentant, there is judgement and God does not like people who mistreat his children. There are reasons why the Bible talks about higher expectations for church leaders. If you choose to be one, God holds you to account.

[@bathabbylangmead234]

Proverbs 24:24-25 says, “Whoever says to the guilty, ‘You are innocent,’ will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them.” Praying for all those so deeply affected.

[@irenemcwatt4443]

There's a warning about this in the Bible about wolves in sheep's clothing. In my early days as a Christian I came across people like this - hateful, judgemental, slanderous and telling lies. Since then I've often said that 'the devil also goes to church, that's where he'll cause the most damage because people don't expect him to be there. And sometimes you find him in the pulpit!' The Church needs the gift of Discernment more than ever these days - there are so many fakes within its walls it's difficult to know who is a genuine believer and who is not sometimes. That's why it is so important to know what the Bible says. Anyone not adhering to the truth within the scriptures we should be wary of.

[@lynnehuet787]

Thank you Matt and Beth for sharing your story. The emotional abuse is so subtle. Yes, LET THERE BE LIGHT .

[@catherinesinclair7727]

"Never once did I ever walk alone. Never once did you leave me on my own. You are faithful" ...thank you Father you are faithful

[@tomcourteney-hoare1421]

I was at Soul survivor 94-97 .Good times.I didn't have no issues with the person mentioned in this documentary.But I suffered badly in two churches.Its Soul destroying.The one place where you should feel safe with people you trust.Can literally destroy your faith and mental and spiritual life

[@janecampionhoye7146]

As this documentary states, abuse is across the board in our society, not just churches. So surely we as the church need to teach far more on the topic of abuse, how to spot the signs, to challenge it and to care for, minister to, the abuse. What saddens me most in this film is how senior church leaders dismissed the grave and sincere concerns raised, after many years, by Matt and Beth Redman. This shows the complete lack of understanding and ignorance of the whole subject from those who should above all else caring for their church members and co-followers of Christ, not clinging on to their institutions or pride in the size of their congregations. Jesus will indeed bring their actions into the light 🙏

[@apressbutton]

Yes I agree with you 100%. Unfortunately a lot of abusers are in pulpits and places of leadership and care more about protecting one another rather than protecting the body of Christ. It would be great to see more education on this topic from the pulpit as well as how to spot false teachers, there is a lot of learning to be had by the church moving forward.

[@andyhutch8892]

Yes indeed….which are all the exact reasons why they felt they needed to help the church. “Jesus is an expert at bring things into the light”

[@beckyfrancis2625]

Well done for speaking out. I’m a counsellor & psychotherapist and have come out of the church myself. There are many people out there who have been so damaged by abuse. Spiritual & emotional abuse by ‘leaders’. Just horrendous.

[@Heyhunyouokay]

Heartbreaking

[@adewunmimakanjuola]

Hey Becky, how can I connect with you? I will like to know more about your journey in becoming psychotherapist.

[@andybelinka]

There is so much I want to say about spiritual abuse, but I will just say thank you for making this and pray for healing for all of the survivors.

[@samueljhood]

Thank you, Beth and Matt. Your voice is so needed! Matt, I met you backstage at the Onething Conference in Kansas City in 2013. My Dad, Allen Hood, was the Associate Director of IHOPKC for twenty years. This is a timely message for those of us navigating our current season of advocating for victims of abuse at that ministry. I cannot thank you enough!

[@nathanchristopherson3038]

amen!

[@Sharon_W777]

We need to do better as the church. We need to allow the light in whatever the cost.

[@c.stephanieberry8695]

Please be aware that even now in Mike Bickle is leading to worship sets a week at Hope city. He belongs behind bars on bread and water frankly. And he’s leading worship sets as if he love Jesus serial predator and pedophile is still loose. Hail and happy. We must pray. God will surely answer.

[@fortniteplayer7598]

Hearing this made me feel sick. Let there be light.

[@user-ui7mi1lj6f]

We are told that there will be wolves in sheep's clothing. I have experienced this in the Church and in family. I so agree that the Church must be educated on the abuser's tactics or the victims will be called the abusers because the real abusers are so good, so covert, so skilled at blameshifting that the victims are so often not heard. Thank you for shedding light on abusers and shedding the light so the abused have a chance of being heard.

[@doubledecker1094]

I was there as a teenager at the festivals and even to me then, the 'buddy buddy' banter from Mike to Matt on stage felt off. I ended up concluding that sadly this wasn't a work of God, and left the charismatic movement completely. Well done though Matt and Beth for making this video.

[@CarolFeben-mq8fy]

So sad to hear. We need the gifts of the Holy Spirit so desperately and one of those gifts is discernment - which is what you felt and I felt watching him on TV. It’s that deep sense of discomfort. The church needs to develop the use of its gifts and learn to accept discernment is a necessary part of that.

[@earlydawn8183]

The charismatic movement has much to answer to. I too have left it completely, so much of it is of the world including a lot of the music. I haven’t lost my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ though.

[@doubledecker1094]

@@earlydawn8183 Ditto

[@helenshepherd5643]

As a survivor of spiritual abuse I thank you Matt and Beth for making this moving documentary and for bringing your painful experiences into the light

[@jonathanboegl7852]

THANK YOU Matt, Beth and Diane... SO RELEVANT for where our #IHOPKC family is right now... Enormously helpful for the healing and correction and cleansing that needs to take place within thousands of hearts, lives and families that have been under the abusive leadership of Mike Bickle and remaining "defensive" leadership... The Father's grand blessings upon your Kingdom work here...

[@nathanchristopherson3038]

amen!

[@Sharon_W777]

Its is true as Matt said. Now is the time that God is cleaning house. I attended Soul Survivor Watford. I never saw any of this. God bless you Matt and Beth.

[@hairyairey]

This just shows how important safeguarding is.

[@andrewhillis9544]

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE A MINISTRY WHERE THERE IS LITTLE, NO OR ZERO ACCOUNTABILITY/GOVERNANCE ! ! !

[@ConnectingCrossgates1]

Actually there WAS oversight - but when it was reported to them, those overseeing failed. This can happen because an organisation doesn’t want to face the reality of what is being suggested.

[@RichardAlanEngland]

Matt, Beth, Amy - thank you so much for producing this and opening up the painful story of what happened at Soul Survivor. The documentary was profound and helpful, not only shining the spotlight on the situation under Mike's leadership, but helping explain how such a culture can develop and what churches and other organisations can do to safeguard themselves against toxic leadership.

[@gs_mick]

This 👆

[@andyhutch8892]

I thought all the professionals were just that. Zero conjecture, these are facts and truths. I want Diane as a friend. What a bright lady.

[@jacobl.7895]

Giving the voiceless a voice is paramount. It's such a shame that some church leaders 'push' certain allegations under the rug as though they haven't even happened. This can lead victims to question whether whistle blowing is helpful or more of a faff... It's so important that anyone with an allegation is listened to and feels listened to. I'm so happy to see the Church is taking safeguarding seriously here! May this strengthen and continue.

[@roberthyde6362]

Thank you for your courage and honesty. Sadly, the way we 'do leadership' in Church elevates people up and away from accountable relationships. Mike is one of MANY who have abused position and power. We have to move towards a model of leadership that is based on a plurality of leaders and away from the 'mighty man of God' syndrome.

[@jbean4176]

Thank you Matt! I am a trained counselor and your honesty and transparency are so helpful and empowering for others who have been abused.

[@alisonorland6827]

Thanks for doing this... love Diane Langberg. What a fighter for God she has been over so many years, calling out the darkness and bringing hope, solidarity and healing to so many.

[@mimiboss9195]

Thank you, Matt & Beth. This is such a critical issue to confront in the church. I've experienced all types of abuse from my ex-husband and, sadly, emotional abuse from church staff. Because I've experienced abuse in my marriage, when negative behaviors were evident with a church leader, I dismissed it and considered myself to be overly sensitive. The more we talk about this issue and implement policies in the church to rectify it, the healthier we will be. Jesus despised oppression and called it out. May our leaders do likewise.

[@5454randy]

Beyond sad, but thanks for your bravery and courage in speaking out. Your music has ministered to me in such great and deep ways over the years. Thanks for your ministry, Matt. May God continue to bless your life in every way.

[@Sprinter-qk8kr]

I did get a sense from when I used to listen to allot of Mikes talks that he needed help. Like when he went home after a long trip and felt along and sad. I felt Mike needed allot of help and from his stories it sounded like there was a deep need for healing ❤️‍🩹. I don’t think Mike was fully healed and that’s why he may have ended up Doing what he did. No excuses for what happened. Just Sad for the Victim’s and Sad we have lost Mike as well. I’ll miss hearing the stories. Pray for Soul Survivor and the Youth Ministry. Pray God Raises a new youth Leader .

[@twwdc]

Praying for all those who have been hurt by these events and circumstances. Also praying that Mike, particularly, and others who failed to confront him, come to fully appreciate and repent of their wrong actions.

[@nicksimmons4875]

Breaks my heart watching what you both have been through. Hopefully it will give people the courage to speak up against the narcissistic, controlling and abusive behaviour in the post John Wimber Vineyard movment. Other than the physical abuse your experiences are a blueprint for what has gone on in the Vineyard Uk. When you’re in you’re in when you’re out your most definitely out - the phone stops ringing and your ‘friends’ vanish. Pray God’s blessing over you guys. Lots of love xxx

[@andrewhillis9544]

THE WORLD WON'T FORGIVE MIKE PILAVACHI FOR WHAT HE HAS OR HASN'T DONE BUT JESUS FORGIVES HIM ! ! !

[@lamieru2141]

He will still be held accountable by God.

[@sanddollar790]

James 3:1

[@toddroome6416]

So sorry for your pain. As a pastor I commend you for your boldness and courage.

[@richardcroft3725]

Very important video. If it is too uncomfortable to view for some people, watch the last five minutes where some constructive conclusions and reflections are clearly outlined. Concentrated power has problems, as it may encourage the circumstances that occurred here. Nobody is perfect or sinless, and there ought to be structures and practices that limit unhealthy temptations and practices. More humble, accountable structures would be healthier. Thank you for your courage to share this testimony, as it is part of the Church being transparent and open. Furthermore, I like the down-to-earth approach in contrast to the super spiritual showmanship. My wife and I appreciate Matt Redman's anointed ministry, and I appreciate your honesty here to work towards a healthier Church. Blessings!

[@KingdomLifeJ8]

I thank the Lord for you and your courage. Praise God He has brought you through this and brought it into the light. The Lord bless you and keep you. Praying many churches will make this a priority to encourage their congregation to watch this from beginning to end. Praying eyes will be opened 🕊✝️🕊 I refer to the last statement. It is disgraceful that the Church of England have not brought about sanctions in this case; and I suspect many more!!! It is shameful!

[@chargomp]

Thank you Beth and Matt. As a youth worker who took many young people to Soul Survivor over the years this is heartbreaking - yet I am reminded that God still did many great things and transformed many lives. As a now church leader I pray that ALL church leaders can examine their own behaviour and responses in light of this and be ACCOUNTABLE for that behaviour. LORD have mercy.

[@Drumms247]

The fact that the Church - I mean the broader CofE here - would allow an individual like Mike to continue their practise as a leader in the church if he does so choose to in the future is beyond me.... If this were a teacher/lecturer, they would never be allowed in the education sector ever again. Forgiveness yes, but as you so eloquently put Matt, this is not about forgiveness - it's about accountability. Thank you for your beautiful words and pure hearts in releasing this. No malice or bad intentions, but an important informative message to all of us. Let's keep Jesus on that throne - "Let all the other names fade away". I worked on the media team creating videos for the Soul Survivor festivals for a few years over the summer. The team I worked with were so lovely, I can't tell you how amazing they were. But I did feel uncomfortable when we filmed Mike and his pieces to camera. The atmosphere was very tense which was sad.

[@thewavesmith5754]

I'm not a Christian but respect the good work of the church. When people's sexuality is repressed, bad things can happen.

[@songsofloveresistance8549]

Thank you. Its been a very long time since I have felt hope that the Church will listen to, will *center*, victims of abusive church leaders. We had a youth pastor at my former church who was convicted of possession of illegal images of children. As a victim and survivor of that form of abuse, i tried to have the victims centred in our response. Since none of the children of the church were harmed, it proved impossible, even with a supportive vicar. I wrote a liturgy for a prayer service which not one member of the church attended. It shattered me and my faith in the Church. I did not feel alone with Jesus but I felt isolated in the Church. And I felt I had let the victims down. Tonight I cry tears of hope and release. Thank you for bringing all the victims with you and making sure they are heard. God bless you both.

[@angeladitchfield2791]

I’m so sorry to hear you had this experience. And sadly know that lack of response is all too common. Thank you so much for writing that liturgy and trying to help other victims/ survivors of abuse. I pray one day soon you will no longer feel like a lone voice or isolated in your centring the victims and voiceless. I pray Let There Be Light will open up more and more awareness and empathy and change to culture and structures to make abuse much, much harder to do and hide.

[@kevjessup5627]

Thank you both

[@richardcholawo8607]

Thank you so much for this. I joined Soul Survivor in 2017 and am still a member. I finally understand what went on. Thank you so much for drawing back the curtain and letting the light in. May God continue to bless and heal.

[@dcbcplymouth]

Thank you for speaking out.

[@RevBrettMurphy]

Thank you Matt and Beth for the incredible courage you have shown in speaking out and producing this documentary. I believe it is a God given strength you have shown which took incredible vulnerability. God bless you both and may His name be glorified through this. For "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Tim 1:7

[@rogerellis376]

Thank you Matt and Beth for making this important video.

[@angelicajenniferr]

Thank you so much for sharing. I have experienced a TREMENDOUS amount of abuse in a very similar way. I relate so much to Beth. So thank you for sharing. That's part of my store as well, and watching you guys speak up about it, makes me want to bring to light what happened to me and my friends in Orlando FL a few years back. This is so real.

[@JamesStonley]

Thank you for sharing your deepest pain. I am so sorry to hear that youth went through this. Praying for you both

[@jonmhigh]

Thank you for doing this. It’s troubling just how familiar it all was.

[@17NateJohnson]

Thank you, Matt & Beth. This needed to be aired.

[@joemartin8496]

Just excellent. A story that needs to be told and it was told really well.

[@treebrother_ltd]

I appreciate you opening up about this. This is a significant moment in the church and the story that you and Beth are courageously sharing through your documentary is crucial for healing, accountability, and progress within the Church community. By raising awareness and initiating discussions on how to foster a safer and healthier Church environment moving forward, you are contributing to a necessary dialogue that can lead to positive change and prevent such incidents from happening in the future. It takes great strength and determination to confront these challenging issues, and your commitment to shining a light on them is truly commendable. May your documentary serve as a catalyst for reflection, growth, and action within the Church, paving the way for a more compassionate, supportive, and safe environment for all. Thank you for your dedication to this cause, and I wish you and Beth all the best as you navigate through this important journey.

[@helenstewart6908]

Thank you for sharing this.☘️

[@stanturketti3965]

Matt, thanks for exposing the truth , the sad side is ,the forest was shrinking, but the trees kept voting for the axe ,as it's handle was made of wood, and they thought it was one of them...

[@SheyiM1]

So so glad that you have done this. Very very important.

[@sallyshaw4910]

Thank you so much for making this documentary.

[@TankGirl1996]

This was SUCH an important film to make. Thank you so very much for your courage and vulnerability 💜

[@the6masons]

Have always loved your work and everything you've done in the world... 'people work to protect the system'. Heartbreaking. Love and light x

[@rupertcaney]

Thank you guys for sharing this ❤

[@reneeantwi-boasiako3974]

I'm so sorry you and many others experienced this. May the Lord bring healing 🙏🏿 ❤

[@vipkidteacher]

THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING THE TRUTH!

[@juliastrachan5997]

Thank you for being so brave. Many aren’t. Grateful for you and Beth making a way for many others to come forward, be seen and heard. Love you both and stand by you wholeheartedly ❤

[@bettycarmella1127]

Thank you for speaking out. This is absolutely heartbreaking to hear💔 I pray for you and the many people who’ve been victimized and abused in the “church”🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@priscillacoopermusic5896]

God bless you guys for this! Prayers it helps others know to seek help. Love your hearts dearly.

[@neumatist]

I commend Matt, Beth, and other contributors for their honesty and courage. I particularly commend the recommendations outlined near the end of the documentary to help abuse like this from reoccurring in the Church. Reluctantly, I also want to mention my unease. Although it could be understood that the Redmans were initially "spiritually groomed" by the older Mike Pilavachi at a much younger and more vulnerable time, they were in their late 40s when this all came to light. They had been in the higher echelons of international Christian ministry and leadership for decades. As with Tim and Pete Hughes (and countless other leaders who have their foundations in Soul Survivor), they had - and still have - a substantial platform. Whilst the Redmans allude to questioning Mike's behaviours on many occasions (when they kept hearing "that's just Mike"), only going to one senior church leader in 2019 and not taking it further when they didn't receive an appropriate response leaves questions unanswered. Of course, I don't know all the facts whatsoever, and I'm sure they did more than they had a chance to mention in this documentary. And of course, the argument that they did not wish to destroy a thriving ministry or work of God is a robust argument (not to mention their loyalty to a mentor figure, no matter how flawed he might have been). Yet the fact remains that they were personally invested in this ministry (both before and after they left Soul Survivor), and they chose not to speak out further against its figurehead when it had become increasingly clear Mike's abusive behaviour would be affecting many. Sadly, this is where the Church gets it wrong time and time again. Fellow leaders turn a blind eye - or at best, a half hearted approach - to the inappropriate behaviour of other leaders, so as not to rock the boat (which they are also sailing on). No matter how unconsciously it happens, we protect our own, because in doing so, we protect ourselves. I acknowledge the regret mentioned in the documentary - particularly by Matt for not doing anything sooner. Yet this regret is subtly laced with a distancing from Mike and a distancing from the responsibility that comes with senior leadership and ministry. And without wishing to dismiss their own status as victims in this awful saga, their unintended and unwanted role in the saga sits uneasily with me. If read by anyone, I suspect my thoughts might receive some backlash; and that is okay. My initial commendation of this documentary sits alongside my unease. I hold both positions in healthy tension, without needing to be forced on one side of the fence or the other. This is what we need to do better as a Church. We need to learn how to hold and manage healthy tensions, rather than forcing ourselves (and others) into a single position. Was Mike incredibly gifted and did he father a remarkable ministry which touched the lives of thousands of young people? Yes. Was he also manipulative and abusive? Sadly, yes as well. We need to learn how to hold painful truths alongside glorious truths - and respond to both as a hurting world requires us to, regardless of the personal cost. This is what Jesus did - he spoke out against injustice despite the personal cost.

[@janiceclark5932]

Yes. You put it very well.

[@Ephesians5-11]

I can't speak for anyone in this remarkable video, but I know grown adults who have been left traumatised by abuse. Healing requires they put it in the past and move on with their lives. For them, to make private complaints or public comments is just too painful. There are so many questions - "why" and "how" - about this tragedy , and I'm very reluctant to criticise the victims when we we know hardly anything about what they went thriough. The victims are not just victims of MP, they are victims of a dysfunctional (and even corrupt) church that is both unwilling and unable to implement proper systems of oversight and accountability.

[@beenz63]

I take your point, but abusive leaders by instinct surround themselves with the vulnerable. I don’t know anything about Matt but as far as I can see he was schooled by Mike, and Mike also created the culture (or was that Chorley Wood?). Never underestimate the power of a normalising culture. I wonder whether the ghosting was used by Mike, consciously or unconsciously, as a way of weeding out those who couldn’t stick it. Those who did hang around were abuse-endurers. And having complained to Mike’s superiors, could any person from that selected group be expected to take it higher up? The types of person who might have done that weren’t around. To “do the right thing” was to endure, was to persevere, in that culture.

[@Ephesians5-11]

@@beenz63 I agree with much of what you've written. Predators want to be where the prey is. MP clearly groomed his victims. Regarding culture, MP was at first a youth worker in an Anglican church (St Andrews Chorleywood). The Anglican culture is not one of holding leaders accountable. But then he became head of Soul Survivor Watford and, yes, he did create the culture. In a charity, the trustees are legally in charge, but those at SSW were unwilling or unable to control MP (assuming they knew what he was up to - there is some evidence they did, but the details are unclear). This lack of meaningful governance is sadly very common in the Christian world. However, the relationship of victims to their abuser is often very complex. Look up "trauma bonding" if you're not aware of it.

[@jessicahein2188]

Thank you so much for this. As someone who experienced spiritual abuse I feel very seen. Thank you for coming forward!❤

[@jessicaromero1]

I am so sorry that this happened to you both and all the others. God bless you and thank you!

[@stmarysmedia1]

Thank you so much both, for your courage in making this informative video. I hope and pray that change really will take place moving forward. As a counsellor, your telling of your experience, and indeed bringing this into the light, I’ve found this ‘learning’ invaluable. As a mother, I recognise that my own daughter also suffered in ‘echoing’ ways, resonant ways - serving as a young intern in her church some years ago - and ‘fell out of favour’ for unexplained reasons, and we saw her sink and shrink too, it was heartbreaking. It’s taken a long time for her to regain her confidence and strength. Bless you, always, for this and your strength in coming through it all together - and for all those others courageous people who came forward to speak out the truth of what happened for them. Oh Lord, come, heal your Church.

[@ClareGordge]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. A difficult watch but as you see what happens needs to be bought in to the light

[@verenaesau7714]

This is so good, not just because of your bravery but also because, as you said, you do have a voice in this. And also responsibility, not just to ignore it until it goes away but to really let the Lord bring it to light because only there it can heal. So thank you.

[@GavinBall-xe1rx]

Utterly horrendous stuff. Unbelievable that this happened. But glad that this has finally come out. God have mercy.

[@janetpayne5651]

Thank you for this video - it is such an important call to action for the Church at this time. Let there be light.

[@angelinewalton6478]

Praying for all those affected by this wrongdoing. Praying for Gods healing and restoration. With God, all things are possible. 🙏

[@suzannefarley6453]

This is so helpful! Thank you for sharing.

[@ChiefMac70]

Thank you for sharing this with grace and humility, but steadfastly facing up to the truth. This video speaks so much wisdom that more of us need to hear. It can happen to anybody anywhere and we must ALWAYS take abuse, of any kind, seriously. God bless you.

[@lornamurray2105]

God bless you both. Well done for speaking out. Stay strong. Praying for you 🙏

[@katiefgreen61]

Thank you both for sharing so clearly, humbly and with gentle hearts. Let there be light.

[@user-kg9zq7dn2v]

Appreciate your honesty, vulnerability and gracious documentary. Bless you all

[@MoniqueThomas]

I hope this inspires more people to speak out and get their healing. Thank you for your courage.

[@villagechurch256]

Thank you for doing this! Thank you for your bravery and willingness to speak light into the darkness

[@beatesimon1985]

Thank you very much of Sharing . So Important

[@aianmacpherson6190]

Thank you. Let there be light.

[@chrisbambrough5066]

Thankyou hugely Beth and Matt for making this film about your dreadful abuse . Praying your courage and openness helps other people find help and healing, and stops others becoming abusers like Pilavatchi. God bless you. Chris

[@alisonpercival4154]

Let there be light everyday in every leaders life. Let there always be accountability. Thank you Matt and Beth and all who helped release this video. You are helping to bring healing and restoration. God bless you all

[@Hallelujah150]

😢❤ thank you for sharing 🙏 which undoubtedly has been extremely difficult for all concerned 😟 praying for healing, light and truth and redemption in this tragic story.

[@ruthmayforth5933]

Wow, seems like MANY similarities with what was happening with Mike Bickle at IHOPKC too. Very sad, we need to be praying for His church!

[@ruthmayforth5933]

Common to both seem charismatic yet narcissistic leaders, who were leaders in charismatic ministries using music to draw young people in, grooming many young people over many decades - and when concerns were brought to leaders, they were dismissed with “That’s just Mike”; and the people being abused tolerated the behavior “for the sake of the ministry” and “all the good teaching he gives” and “all the people that it is drawing in”. Yet we know from Jesus’ teaching that a bad tree cannot bear good fruit (Mat 7:18). Breaks my heart to see so many deceived and tolerating behavior we are warned about from the scripture are the action of false teachers, wolves, or unqualified leaders. Interesting that both Mikes (based on information available to date) stopped short of actual penetration, perhaps somehow justifying their sexual predatory behavior in their minds. Sad also to hear that Matt R experienced this, (and it seems the advocate group believe that Misty E did too) - both of their biggest musical talents were not immune from the abuse. Appreciate that Matt had the courage to expose what happened to him so that others can be warned and hopefully not fall prey.

[@filigree123]

Thank you both for your courage and determination to speak openly.