Presence of GC cult in our public schools in MN

Welcome to De-Commissioned, a place for former members of the Great Commission movement (aka GCM, GCC, GCAC, GCI, the Blitz) to discuss problems they've experienced in the association's practices and theology.

You may read and post, but some features are restricted to registered members. Please consider registering to gain full access! Registration is free and only takes a few moments to complete.

[mamabear]

  I am a parent in the Anoka Henepin school district, who's child is one of dozens of students being harassed by a group of kids claiming "to be a student bible study".  I have recently discovered that not only are they NOT student led, but that they are being led by a man named Daniel Buschow who claims he's on a mission fro God to armour up and create an army of students to start student ministries in every single school in the nation, and bringing Jesus to every single student regardless of their own faith, in accordance with the "Great Commission" or so he says. I have found that he is making alot of money off the efforts of these kids he's manipulating and seems to lying to a lot of people including the school board where he claimed no affiliation to this student group. He came to "clear his name" when I, a parent brought my complaint to this very conservative board. After "pitching his business" to our public school board and claiming complete innocence he walked past where I was seated, looked down at me and winked.  I knew at that moment this man was in fact a wolf in sheeps clothing and I feel powerless to stop to him. My concern for the kids he's brainwashing is even greater than the concern I had for my daughter and the kids being harassed under his direction.  If anyone , has ANYTHING that could help me help these kids I would greatly appreciate your input and appreciate your taking the time to at least hear me out.

[blonde]

you might consider taking legal action.  can you document that he is gaining funds thru this? 

[mamabear]

yes I can prove it. I have turned over evidence to the Princiapls, the school board and the DOJ who is involved in our district over another issue, but was just curious if anyone here was targeted through a school program and whether or not you can recommend how to get these kids help, because they truly believe that they were chosen by God through this man Buschow who is clearly controlling their thoughts and actikons, even telling them to put school on the back burning and encouraging them to lie to the adults questioning his involvment.  Vert scary, sadly he seems to have allies on the school board as they are all defending him and allowing him to continue despite the evidence in their possession.

[Linda]

Mamabear, I'm not sure that this man is associated with Great Commission Churches. In the Bible, in the Book of Matthew, Chapter 28, the resurrected Jesus tells his disciples these words.

 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

These verses are known to Christians as "The Great Commission". That phrase is not unique to Great Commission churches. One of the last things Jesus did was command that we go into the world, make disciples, and teach people to obey his commands.

I don't know how things work in the Anoka Hennepin School District, or any district for that matter, however, I think there are many "student" organizations that are allowed to meet in schools that have adult direction that aren't exactly sponsored by the school. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, etc. There are Christian groups that students belong to, as well (Student Venture and Young Life come to mind) that are led by adults.

I suppose the difficulty of a school board is that they can't limit freedom of speech. It is our Constitutional right. Christian students are allowed to invite friends to Bible studies. Even studies led by adults. Atheist friends are allowed to invite friends to their gatherings. GLBT friends are allowed to invite students to their gatherings. Those friends have the freedom to choose not to attend. I can see the dilemma of the school board in this. However, I'm sorry your daughter feels harassed.

[mamabear]

Linda,

   Just to be clear, I have no problem with a bible study meeting before or after school as is their right under the federal equal access act. my issue is with a man who refers to himself as "president" of his ministry, which is listed as a church for tax purposes but is actually his home. Who has undue influence over as many as 200 students within our high school a who he directs to "recruit" others regadless of their own "religious beliefs" telling them anyone who doesn't believe in Jesus is lost and that they must save them. He even encourages them to put their school work on the back burner putting God first above all else. He is then fundraising off their efforts on his own websites, and recently sat befoire the school board and denied knowing these kids despite the fact I provided photos of him with them to the authorites.  He delibertly misrepresents Matthew 28:19 by claiming his mission is directly from God to complete "The great Commision."  He claims to have been a youth pastor is Dallas Tx from 1978-1989 yet there are no records of him ever serving there.  He appears to have personal interest in some of the young men  he's influencing, inappropriate interest, and I am genuinely concerned for the physical and spiritual safety of these kids.

[Linda]

I'm pretty sure this guy is not a part of the Great Commission Movement of churches that this forum is about since you say he has a separate non-profit.

[Janet Easson Martin]

Dear Mamabear,

I understand your concern, especially having been in a harmful and abusive church for many years.  The "church" or group I was in is discussed at length on this website forum.  But, as Linda said it is not connected (to my knowledge) to the particular highschool outreach you mentioned above. 

But, I was interested in looking into it because of your heartfelt concern.  So I am doing a little research and have contacted reliable sources to inquire about this person and his involvement there.

In the meantime, you may find helpful the list of ten "toxic" characteristics of spiritually abusive groups, which I happened to paraphrase from the book, TOXIC Faith by Stephen Arterburn on this website.  Here is the link:   http://forum.gcmwarning.com/the-healing-forum/identifying-toxic-churches-and-leaders/   

Their bible studies should be open to anyone, so you could observe for yourself what is going on (if you haven't already) and compare it to this list.  I will be praying for the wellfare and safety of these students. 

Sincerely,

Janet Easson Martin