The Ignorance & Arrogance of Newbie Pastor Jason Roenicke on Full Display in Rebuke of Me for Exposing the Rewriting of Sovereign Grace History
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 4:19PM The end of last year, I wrote an article about the scandalous rewriting of Sovereign Grace history. I sent it to all the Sovereign Grace pastors including Jason Roenicke. Here are some excerpts.
The Fraudulent Rewriting of Sovereign Grace History Designed to Extol C.J. Mahaney
Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 6:38PM
Sovereign Grace Churches has been sanitizing, concealing, and rewriting their history for a long time. For instance, the history of covering up the sexual assault of young adults by Charles Schmitt going back to 1980 and the sexual abuse of children by Nathaniel Morales going back to 1983. This history is documented in tens of thousands of pages of evidence on my blog.
Or for instance, the bogus claim that C.J. Mahaney founded the ministry, its Pastors College, and the gospel-centeredness for which it is known. Recently, I decided to address these three issues in a succinct manner in this article. Much more documentation could be added. …
I have been watching the Executive Committee, the Leadership Team, the Directors, and C.J. rewrite (and erase) Sovereign Grace history for many years but I have never addressed it in public.
For example, C.J. did not found People of Destiny International (a.k.a., Sovereign Grace Churches) as claimed by Mark [Prater] and others. This must be corrected. If anyone deserves that accolade it should be Larry Tomczak. He was the apostolic team leader for the first nine years of our existence.
Nor did C.J. found the Pastors College as you [the Executive Committee] and he have claimed. He had nothing to do with its founding. And the incentive and model for the PC had nothing to do with Charles Spurgeon. This lie has been propagated far and wide. For example, by Mark [the Executive Director]. …
Lastly, when I moved to Wheaton, MD in August 1982 to begin People of Destiny International; Larry, C.J., and others were preaching a false gospel. The “good news” was about the restoration of the church and making Jesus Lord of your life. There was next to nothing about Christ crucified. I addressed this error in 1983 at our Elders Week of Study. I spoke on “What Is the Gospel?” It was a major corrective.
Thereafter, I wrote a gospel centered Statement of Faith, built a gospel centered curriculum into the PC, and began to teach the doctrines of grace to the apostolic team, SGM pastors, and the movement at large. For example, I wrote an article for the ministry magazine in 1990 on “The Centrality of the Gospel.” You men know these things are true.
Above I say, “Much more documentation could be added” about “the bogus claim that C.J. Mahaney founded the ministry, its Pastors College, and the gospel-centeredness for which it is known.” In the coming months, I am going to provide that evidence because the entire denomination and its newer leaders have been duped by its older leaders.
Jason Roenicke is a newbie Sovereign Grace pastor at Cross of Grace Church in Santa Ana, California. His bio says, “Jason became a member of our church in 2020, began a process of evaluation and equipping for pastoral ministry in 2021, and was ordained in 2024.” The church is overseen by SGC Regional Leader, Eric Turbedsky.
Leadership | Cross of Grace | Church in Santa Ana, CA 
Jason Roenicke
Even though Jason was clueless regarding my work and history, he felt compelled to confront my “bitter and angry heart” and exhort me to “heed” his words.
From: Jason Roenicke jason@crossofgracesa.org
Date: Sat, Nov 8, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Subject: Re: The Rewriting of Sovereign Grace History
To: Brent Detwiler abrentdetwiler@gmail.com
Brent, I’m not sure if what you’re saying is true or not, but you seem to have an unhealthy obsession with all of this. Even if it were true, Proverbs 19:11 comes to mind, “it is his glory to overlook an offense.” God knows the truth and he won’t be mocked. I would urge you brother to forgive of these offenses and move on, there’s no good fruit to be borne here from this, only a bitter and angry heart.
I don’t know you, but these emails tell me that there’s some bitter root in your heart and forgiveness needs to happen.
I really do hope you heed these words and not see this as an attack.
God bless,
Jason
First, he says, “Brent, I’m not sure if what you’re saying is true or not.” If he knew anything about the history of SGC, he would know what I’ve written is true because it is based on incontrovertible evidence. He could start by reading My Story - Resume.
But that’s the problem! He is totally ignorant and that is precisely the plan! The founding generation, and the second generation of leaders, want new pastors like Jason and upcoming third generation pastors, to be in the dark regarding its actual history.
Second, he says, “But you seem to have an unhealthy obsession with all of this.” The “all” refers to five things which are ongoing realities.
- The sanitizing, concealing, and rewriting SGC history.
- The history of covering up sexual assault and sexual abuse.
- The bogus claim that C.J. founded the ministry.
- The bogus claim that C.J. founded the Pastors College.
- The bogus claim that C.J. laid its gospel centered foundation.
The truth be told, Jason has an unhealthy obsession with burying his head in the sand.
Third, Jason says, “Even if it were true, Proverbs 19:11 comes to mind, ‘it is his glory to overlook an offense.’” This is a horrible misapplication of the verse. It is one often used by priests and pastors in order to cover up serious sin and criminal behavior.
Proverbs 19:11 (ESV) says, “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” The Reformation Study Bible notes, “Discipline and self-control are marks of the wise man. A proper self-evaluation prevents him from taking offense at every little insult.” That’s right. We are called to overlook minor offenses but not sexual assault, sexual abuse, and systemic lying.
Fourth, I’m supposed to overlook this evil because “God knows the truth and he won’t be mocked.” No, he won’t be mocked (Gal. 6:7)! That is why C.J. and SGC have been brought low and severely disciplined.
But more, this kind of thinking leads to passivity in the face of evil. The Bible commands us to expose evil and rejoice when the truth wins out; not when evil is covered up and truth is murdered.
Ephesians 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
1 Corinthians 13:6 Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
Fifth, he says, “I would urge you brother to forgive [all] of these offenses and move on.” Jason is not qualified to be a pastor. This is dangerous counsel based on an unbiblical understanding of forgiveness which is always contingent upon repentance and the confession of sin.
C.J. has never asked forgiveness for his serial lying or the cover-up of sexual abuse but I am told to forgive him and move on. In other words, forget about it!
This is pure wickedness but exactly what pastors have done in Sovereign Grace churches with victims of abuse. They are commanded to forgive, move on, and not tell anyone!
This past June another survivor of sexual abuse in Covenant Fellowship Church (Glenn Mills, PA) contacted me. This is the third one. Forgiveness was used like a weapon against her. I wrote this article as a result.
When Unconditional Forgiveness Is Used as a Weapon Against the Sexually Abused by the Likes of Dave Harvey and Andy Farmer
Friday, July 24, 2026 at 3:13PM
Dave Harvey served on the SGC board for 18 years. After C.J. stepped down in July 2011 following the release of The Documents, Harvey served for nine months as acting president and board chairman.
Andy Farmer is a longtime pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church, a member of Sovereign Grace Churches’ nine-member Executive Committee, and an instructor at the Pastors College.
Sixth, Jason continues, “There’s no good fruit to be borne here from this, only a bitter and angry heart.”
As a result of my work, and that of others, there has been a sea change in how churches and Christian organizations protect against predators, work with law enforcement, and care for victims and their families.
Moreover, victims who were silenced, were given a voice. This resulted in criminal convictions and national coverage that helped the cause of abuse victims.
Furthermore, exposing corruption and abuse in SGC inspired others outside SGC to do the same in their respective situations.
But according to Jason, there has been “no good fruit,” only bad fruit like “a bitter and angry heart.” He must be omniscient!
Seventh, “I don’t know you, but these emails tell me that there’s some bitter root in your heart and forgiveness needs to happen.”
Jason doesn’t know anything about me but that doesn’t give him any pause in dismissing me and my work. He is completely ignorant except for his infallible knowledge of the bitter root in my angry heart.
This is another example of Sovereign Grace abuse. If you raise issues with their leaders you are bitter and unforgiving. Even victims of sexual abuse were told they were bitter and unforgiving if they went to the police.
Jason’s response reminds me of Tyson Zeigler’s response when I wrote the SGC pastors about Shannon Harris’ experience with C.J. who was genuinely bitter toward her and Josh.
C.J. Mahaney Surrounds Himself with Pastors Like Tyson Ziegler Who Love to Taunt & Have No Interest in the Truth or Harms Done
Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 2:01PM
And Tyson’s response reminds me of C.J.’s classic response when I kindly brought up that he was taking more vacation time than allotted in our policy. He had Bob Kauflin come after me and make the claim I was bitter when I was actually being helpful.
The Lesser to Greater Argument: A Classic Example of C.J. Mahaney’s Abusive Leadership
Friday, April 17, 2015 at 4:56PM
Jason has no grasp of SG history, plays the bitterness card like they always do, has no idea how forgiveness works, is completely unconcerned with the rewriting of SG history, and doesn’t ask any questions. That is so typical! His sole concern is my sinful heart. Obviously, the thought never crossed his mind that he might be guilty of sinful judging.
Eighth, “I really do hope you heed these words.”
In Jason’s world, there is only one acceptable response – “heed these words.” There is no need for interaction, just obedience. Why? Because his counsel and discernment are infallible. He is above being wrong. He is a C.J. clone.
Ninth, “And not see this as an attack.”
I don’t see it as an attack. I see it as baseless accusations and foolish dismissals born out of ignorance by a newbie pastor who thinks he is wise and insightful.
But I can’t put all the blame on him. He has been kept ignorant by the national Council of Elders which is the highest authority in the denomination. It is composed of one elder from each church (two if you have over 500 adults) who is usually the senior pastor.
Thirteen years ago, they approved the statement below. It is still binding and posted on the SGC website. In a nutshell, I am the devil and C.J. is an angel. The Greek word for devil is diabolos. It means “slanderer” or “accuser.”
I am reminded of Isaiah’s words of judgement over Israel for their evil ways.
Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
Sovereign Grace Statement on Brent Detwiler
The Sovereign Grace Council of Elders approved the following statement on May 25, 2013:
As the Sovereign Grace Council of Elders, representing the elderships that govern local churches, we believe that Brent Detwiler has repeatedly and grievously slandered our churches and our leaders.[1] We denounce as sinful and unbiblical his determined effort to accuse our brethren.[2] Consequently, we urge our brothers and sisters in Christ to avoid giving audience to Brent Detwiler’s unbiblical speech until such a time that he repents of this ungodly pattern. Such harmful speech is ruinous to the church of God. Furthermore, in contradiction to Brent Detwiler’s ongoing statements, we vigorously reiterate our support of C.J. Mahaney as a qualified minister of the gospel.[3] While we wholeheartedly support our reformation in polity, we also publicly declare our gratefulness for C.J.’s many years of service and commend his ongoing ministry of the gospel.[4]
[1] This belief is based on the numerous public statements Brent has made accusing leaders of Sovereign Grace churches of lying, deception, hypocrisy, conspiracy, abuse, etc. without due process nor sufficient information and at times blatantly contrary to the facts.
[2] See Exodus 23:1, Proverbs 11:9,13, 20:19, 26:20, 1 Corinthians 13:7, Ephesians 4:29-32, 1 Timothy 5:19, Titus 3:1-3, James 4:11-12, and 1 Peter 2:1.
[3] Per Interim Board announcement on the review panels dated January 25, 2012 and Preliminary Panel Report dated July 27, 2011.
[4] C.J. serves as a pastor at Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville but does not hold a staff position with Sovereign Grace Ministries, Inc.
Originally, the opening paragraph read as follows. It has been removed.
The Sovereign Grace Council of Elders held their inaugural meeting May 23-25, 2013, in Orlando, Florida. In addition to approving a motion to form a Strategy Committee for International Missions and confirming Mark Prater as the first Executive Director, the Council of Elders also approved, by a supermajority, the following statement to be sent to every Sovereign Grace church and posted on the Sovereign Grace Ministries website.
First, it shows the statement was approved by a “supermajority” (i.e., two-thirds) but not all the pastors. In fact, some opposed it and/or the way the whole situation was handled.
Second, it shows the statement was sent to every Sovereign Grace church. People had to be turned against me lest they read the evidence. They had to believe my documentation was slanderous, sinful, and ruinous. And that I acted “without due process nor sufficient information and at times blatantly contrary to the facts.”
I responded to all these lies in the article below. It is a must read for pastors like Jason Roenicke if they have any interest in the truth. Here’s an excerpt.
SGM Council of Elders Commends C.J. Mahaney & Condemns Brent Detwiler
Friday, August 9, 2013 at 3:02PM
The Council of Elders claims I’ve accused their leaders without due process. This is the most deceitful and disturbing comment of all. It is pure spin and contrary to all the facts. These leaders know I’ve repeatedly asked C.J. Mahaney and those accused to defend themselves.
SGM has not been denied due process. The truth be told, they have fled, loathed, and despised due process. Due process means they have to provide answers to hard questions. Due process means they have to be open and honest. Due process means they have to refute evidence. Due process means objective judges are present to adjudicate. SGM fears due process more than anything in this world!
In this act of great hypocrisy, the Council of Elders condemns me for slander without presenting evidence or allowing any defense. This is a brazen denial of due process and an egregious violation of the polity they proudly espouse, but don’t follow, in their Book of Church Order. See Rules of Discipline, pp. 55-74.
One more observation (though much more could be said).
The statement says, “Furthermore, in contradiction to Brent Detwiler’s ongoing statements, we vigorously reiterate our support of C.J. Mahaney as a qualified minister of the gospel.”
Then it cites two pieces of evidence to support their conclusion in footnote 3.
“Per Interim Board announcement on the review panels dated January 25, 2012 and Preliminary Panel Report dated July 27, 2011.”
In the original statement, there were links to the “Interim Board announcement on the review panels” and the “Preliminary Panel Report.” The links have been removed and for good reason!
The first is a reference to three panels put together by SGM to examine very narrow questions about C.J. like my dismissal from Grace Community Church. It was a complete sham! I exposed it in no uncertain terms.
Panel Report on Brent Detwiler’s Dismissal from Grace Community Church
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 6:03PM
The “Preliminary Panel Report” is a reference to another corrupt enterprise undertaken by three top evangelical leaders to vindicate C.J. of disqualifying sins like coercive blackmail and pronounce him fit for ministry and a model to be followed. I likewise exposed their thoroughly corrupt investigation.
Conclusive Evidence the Investigation of C.J. Mahaney’s Confessed Sins by Kevin DeYoung, Ray Ortlund, & Carl Trueman Was Thoroughly Corrupt
Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 12:54PM
The national Council of Elders does not want you to know the truth. Not then. Not now. They won’t even reference the evidence, or tell you about the evidence, that vindicates C.J. That’s because the supposed evidence is actually evidence against them. It indicts C.J. and sets forth the truth if only people like Jason will read it!