Platforming Predators

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/RESPONSE FROM CROSS STRENGTH MINISTRIES

Open Letter to Area Churches & Ministry Leaders On Platforming Abusers and Protecting Women

Date: October 16, 2025

RE: Rick Ousley @ Fall Bible Conference scheduled at Foxworthy Baptist Church

To pastors, elders, ministry staff, and denominational leaders

We are writing out of grief and conviction. When churches platform men with credible, unresolved allegations or documentation of sexual misconduct, deception, and abuse of pastoral authority, the damage is profound. Women are retraumatized. Survivors are silenced. Congregations are confused. The name of Christ is blasphemed among unbelievers.

This letter calls for decisive, biblical, and trauma‑informed action—including the removal from office of leaders who knowingly platform predators—because the consequences of sin remain and the care of the flock is not optional (Ezek. 34; Acts 20:28–31; 1 Tim. 3; Titus 1; James 3:1). Biblical men are charged by God to lead must protect women and children, not crowds and applause (Mic. 6:8; Isa. 1:17; Prov. 31:8–9).

We set the example for the world to follow – and this type of platforming of predators cannot continue.

Immediate context in the San Jose area: Foxworthy Baptist Church has extended an invitation to Mr. Rick Ousley to preach at its Fall Bible Conference, scheduled for October 17–19.

1. It has been well established that Pastor Don Fugate knowingly platformed a man with credible allegations and a documented history of moral disqualification.

2. We call for his removal from office in accordance with biblical qualifications and lawful employment processes.

3. We also call on Foxworthy Baptist Church to rescind the invitation immediately.

I. Theological Grounding

• The church is called to holiness and truth (Eph. 5:25–27; 1 Pet. 1:15–16).

• Overseers must be above reproach, sober‑minded, self‑controlled, and faithful (1 Tim. 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).

• Persistent, predatory, or deceptive sin disqualifies from office; repentance does not equal reinstatement (2 Cor. 7:10–11; Gal. 6:7).

• Leaders who enable wolves violate their charge to guard the flock (Acts 20:28–31).

• Church discipline aims at protection, justice, and restoration to God—not platform restoration (Matt. 18:15–17; 1 Cor. 5).

• While Ezra and Nehemiah enacted severe discipline in their context (Ezra 10; Neh. 13:25), the church today pursues firm, lawful, non‑violent accountability that reflects Christ’s righteousness and the laws under which we live (Rom. 13:1–4).

II. Psychological and Spiritual Impact of Platforming Predators

• Trauma Compounding: Survivors experience renewed fear, shame, and spiritual confusion when abusers are celebrated. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and hypervigilance.

• Spiritual Gaslighting: Public honor of an alleged or documented abuser communicates that charisma outweighs character, leading survivors to doubt their memories and their worth before God.

• Congregational Confusion: Members, especially youth, learn to separate gifting from godliness and to ignore boundaries.

• Culture of Silence: Staff and volunteers fear retaliation if they report misconduct.

• Missional Damage: Our witness is compromised; cynicism spreads; those far from Christ see hypocrisy rather than holiness.

III. Sin’s Consequences and the Responsibility of Men

The consequences of sin are not reunification or swift restoration. They are accountability, restitution where possible, removal from office where required, and long‑term proof of repentance. Responsibility rests with the offender to tell the truth and pursue repair, not with the church to offer a platform. Men charged by God to lead must protect women and children, not crowds and applause (Mic. 6:8; Isa. 1:17; Prov. 31:8–9).

IV. Accountability for Leaders Who Platform Predators

Where pastors or leaders knowingly platform individuals with credible allegations or documented patterns of abuse—or ignore warnings and minimize harm—the following steps are necessary:

• Disqualification or Removal: Where negligence, enabling, or deception is established, remove from office in accordance with church polity and employment law. Ministry gifts do not confer immunity from consequences. Don Fugate is aware of the activities of Mr. Rick Ousley and is personally known to at least one of the victims. Immediate Suspension Pending Inquiry: Remove from pulpit and leadership meetings while an independent review is conducted.

• Public Repentance and Restitution: Require a transparent confession of failure, including steps to repair harm to survivors and the congregation.

• Elder/Board Reform: Restructure boards that failed to protect the flock; add qualified women to safeguarding oversight; institute term limits.

• Training and Covenants: Require all remaining leaders to sign and abide by safeguarding covenants tied to continued service.

V. Affirmations

We affirm the gospel of Jesus Christ, which brings forgiveness to the repentant and protection to the vulnerable. Forgiveness does not erase temporal consequences, and reconciliation cannot be coerced. We reject celebrity‑driven ministry and embrace cruciform leadership that prioritizes the least of these (Matt. 20:25–28; Matt. 25:40).

Brothers, this is not about crowds or charisma; it is about the safety of women, the health of our churches, and the honor of Christ. It is about biblical men standing up against unholy wolves and demanding that the church be kept holy and blameless. We implore you to choose holiness over hype, integrity over image, and protection over platform. The time to act is now.

For His glory,

Pastor David Ashley

Cross Strength Ministries

Info@CrossStrengthMinistries.org