Beneath the Dallas sky stands Christland Baptist Church. It is more than just a building. It’s a focal point of faith for many.
Christland’s story involves faith and controversy. It started as part of a larger network of churches. This network was led by Steven D. Morgan. He faced serious allegations.
In 1987, Morgan was arrested for aggravated criminal sodomy against a minor. Court documents showed probable cause. The charges were dropped after a diversion agreement. He had to attend counseling. He could not contact the victim. He could not work with youth organizations for three years.
Sándor Paull is a key figure. He is the vice president of The Network. He is also a lead pastor. Some sources say Paull stood by during abuse and mistreatment. He allegedly perpetuated them.
Former members created a website. It is called Leaving The Network or LTN. They describe a controlling and manipulative culture. Skyler Ray Taylor is the primary webmaster. He shared his experience on the website.
Taylor said he entered as a spiritual refugee. He stayed on as a prisoner. He described his time with Morgan and Paull as grooming and control. Taylor said Paull’s role was to ensure Morgan’s directives were carried out. He identified young men for leadership roles. These men were often university students.
Paull spoke at a conference in 2018. He emphasized devotion to leaders. This was even if they were wrong. He said individual opinions don’t matter. This is if Jesus hasn’t put you in a position of responsibility.
Christland’s Kids Programs convey a similar tone. Children memorize Proverbs. They learn to trust in the Lord with all their heart. They should not lean on their own understanding.
In 2022, court documents about Morgan were revealed. Paull spoke to Christland Church about the situation. He said he knew about the allegation for 27 years. He was opposed to speaking about a forgiven sin. He claimed it happened before Morgan converted to Christianity.
Andrew Lumpe is a former staff member of The Network. He posted a story on LTN. He contacted a theology professor. This professor specialized in abuse within churches. Lumpe sent a letter to Paull. Paull said the situation had been handled. He would not contact outside experts.
Ben Powers is a former lead pastor. He provided more detail on the alleged crime. The boy was 15. He suffered in many ways.
Paull’s sentiment remained unchanged. The board found no wrongdoing. He mentioned he was on two of the four boards that looked into it.
Alex Dieckmann is a lead pastor at Rock River Church. He revealed the alleged molestation of a minor. This was during a session at a leadership conference in 2019. The individual continued serving in the Kids Program. No report was made.
Christland’s website states their willingness to share their training manual. It does not mention the mandatory reporting law. Volunteers are told to contact a Christland staff member immediately.
Another attendee said training was a 30-minute meeting. A background check was promised. It may not have been done.
Despite this, Christland emphasizes safety. Sándor said kids are safe. He said background checks are done.
Christland targets college students. They encourage small groups to search Christland online. This moves it up the list of options. One of Paull’s priorities was getting a Recognized Student Organization approved.
Christland has faced allegations of spiritual abuse. Alex, an Aggie, described a cycle of manipulation. She reported it to a leader. She learned she was one of four girls who had reported him.
Sam, a Christland founder, said leadership spoke highly of him. Despite the accusations, Casey Raymer spoke to Vine Church. He ensured the safety of the church.
Sam’s account says otherwise. An individual made unwanted advances on women. No action was taken.
When Morgan’s crime was revealed, Sam said someone from Vine killed herself. She expected an apology and Morgan’s resignation. She was shocked.
From that point on, Sam stopped attending Christland. She felt she lost her family. Wright, a former student, said Paull preached on women’s roles. She felt uncomfortable.
Wright reported sexual abuse to Paull. Paull was neutral. He did not offer resources. The abuser continued working in the Kids Program.
Wright avoids the building. She avoids driving past it. She feels that Sándor has helped cover up the crime.
Today, Christland persists. Paull and the other pastors preach sermons every Sunday. Morgan preaches at Joshua Church. The Network operates throughout the nation.
This complex narrative shows Christland’s challenges. It also highlights the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity.