We use cookies to make your experience better. To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. Learn more.
A Statement Regarding Steve Timmis
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble”
Psalm 9:9
IVP is prayerfully mindful of those who have suffered from abusive leadership in any context, and believes that the words of Psalm 9:9 are true, beautiful and good.
We have recently learnt that Steve Timmis, author or co-author of three books we publish, has been accused of spiritual abuse, and has been removed from his position as CEO of Acts 29. Steve Timmis resigned from the eldership at The Crowded House at the weekend.
As an evangelical publisher with roots in ministry, we take allegations such as these very seriously and are acting accordingly. Having re-read and considered Steve Timmis' titles in the light of these allegations, we have removed them from sale in our website and are in the process of withdrawing them from sale more widely. In hindsight, we now realize that the style of close church community advocated in these books lacked sufficient safeguards against abusive control. We are sorry for publishing books that may have contributed to unhealthy and even abusive church cultures, and we apologize to people who have suffered as a result.
Tim Chester, co-writer on two of the books, is said in the Christianity Today article that broke the story to have previously defended Steve’s strong leadership style. Tim Chester is an elder in The Crowded House network. The Crowded House elders have put out a statement on their website saying that they want to listen and will be inviting an independent external investigation. We welcome their commitment to listening with humility.
We will continue to follow the situation and respond as needed to the findings of the investigation and any other further developments. We are committed to prayer for all those involved.
On behalf of the IVP Team,
Caleb Woodbridge, Publishing Director
Sue Halliday, Chair of the IVP Publishing Board
Any enquiries should be directed in the first instance to Caleb Woodbridge, Publishing Director.
Update 21/4/20 - The Crowded House have announced the shape of the review.
Update 9/3/21 - A statement in the light of the independent learning review for The Crowded House
