In August 2020, we began searching for a partner to perform an investigation, and we announced our engagement with GRACE in October 2020. In light of these concerns and Derek’s long involvement with Student Ministries, we decided to pursue further investigation into these matters. These concerns involved accusations of inappropriate pastoral conduct and grooming behavior by Derek towards males. However, subsequent to these events, concerns about Derek were raised by some parents who have been connected to our high school ministry over the years. Thus, our initial conclusion was that an independent investigation was unnecessary. Our initial internal investigation confirmed that the allegations made by the two initial victims agreed closely with Derek’s confession. They dropped the ball and never questioned the high school ministry-a fatal mistake. ![]() Were any of these victims members of the high school program at the church? Do you remember the question I had in my initial post above? Here is the letter sent out from Highlands Community Church. Today, Dee’s hunch (aka The Wartburg Tingle) is proved right. I almost forgot, they got some “leadership training” group that was supposed to train the leaders how to be leaders. GRACE also had to pause due to the need to get an investigation certification by Washington State. Due to that lawsuit, GRACE has to pause its investigation. At the time of this writing, one settlement had been reached. It was no surprise that the church got sued by two victims. Given the mess with the pastors and the apparent lack of initial action by the elders, I said the entire elder board should be terminated. On September 20, 2021, I wrote Highlands Community Church, Renton, Washington, Settles With One Victim and Gets Sued By Another While the GRACE Investigation Is On Hold. No surprise there, but the GRACE investigation was put on hold. What a disaster, but GRACE is now involved. It will help if you read the story about what happened with the pastors who quit. The church was experiencing a crisis on many fronts and finally decided it needed help. On December 20, 2020, I wrote What a Mess! Highlands Community Church, Renton, WA, Lost Three Pastors (Two Due to Abusive Behavior) and Finds Itself in Crisis Mode. The church lost three pastors, two of who were abusive and hired GRACE. Has the church counseled the victims not to ask for legal redress in this matter? According to their stand on abuse in marriage, it appears that they do not believe the victims should seek any legal redress outside of asking for the involvement by law enforcement. If they did not give consent, this would be a matter for law enforcement. If they were victims, did they consent to these sexual acts? ![]() Were any of these victims members of the high school program at the church? In other words, they were of legal age to give consent to a sexual act but were still in high school? What does the church mean by adults? Does this simply mean that all of the victims were of consenting age? The age of consent in Washington state is 16. (My response) Please note these two words: adult and victims. We will be doing everything we can to provide them with ongoing care and support, including professional counseling independent from Highlands. (From the church)We grieve for the adult victims and recognize their courage in coming forward. So, I asked the following question in the post. Immediately upon confirmation that the accusations were true, Derek Nelson’s employment at Highlands was terminated.ĭee was immediately suspicious since the church used the term “adults,” yet Nelson was in charge of the high school program. The accusations have been investigated and confirmed to be accurate, including by Derek’s own admission. The very minute we were approached with this information, we took action. Within the last two weeks, Highlands leadership was made aware of accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior committed by Derek Nelson against multiple adults. If this is wrong, could someone correct me? ![]() It is my understanding that Derek Nelson was responsible for the high school program in the church. Please watch the video above as Lead Pastor Jesse Campbell and Chairman of the Elder Board Glenn Joslin share a statement from Highlands. Highlands Family, we have some difficult news to share with you today regarding the termination of Derek Nelson’s employment at Highlands and the circumstances surrounding his termination. The area in bold is my question at the time. I wrote the following on 7/8/20 A TWW Tutorial: How to Ask Intelligent Questions About What Happened to Victims at Highlands Community Church, WA. Highlands Community Church, WA, terminated Derek Nelson’s employment because it appeared he had abused two adults. You didn’t say I couldn’t say it in Croatian.”
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