Colo. Christian School Sues Founding Megachurch Over Eviction Threat

Resurrection Christian School (RCS) has filed a lawsuit against Resurrection Church, the megachurch that founded it, alleging the church attempted to interfere with school operations and threatened eviction. The lawsuit was filed on July 28 in Larimer County District Court, seeking to clarify and enforce two lease agreements between the school and the church. RCS also requested a temporary restraining order to prevent church officials from disrupting school activities and asked the court to order the church to cover the school’s legal expenses.

RCS was established in 1998 by members of Resurrection Church as a separate nonprofit organization with the goal of providing education grounded in “Christian principles and values.” The school has operated on a portion of the church’s property, which was leased under a 99-year agreement signed in 2012. According to the lawsuit, the lease includes a base rent of $1 per year and additional rent covering the school’s share of utilities, property taxes, insurance, and related expenses.

Senior Pastor Jonathan Wiggins has led Resurrection Church in Loveland since 2010, and the congregation is among the largest in northern Colorado. The lawsuit claims that Wiggins’ actions in recent years have been divisive, with allegations that he has expressed dissatisfaction with the school’s independence and claimed it no longer serves the church’s interests. The suit states that Wiggins has reportedly argued the lease agreement is “below market” and should be terminated.

The lawsuit further alleges that church officials have taken steps to disrupt school operations, including demanding that school officials vacate offices within the church building. These offices, the suit notes, remain unoccupied by the church. Preschool classes that previously met in the church’s children’s area were also reportedly forced to relocate. These actions, according to RCS, have created significant challenges for the school’s ability to function effectively.

The legal dispute comes amid a history of tension between Wiggins and members of his own congregation. Last year, Wiggins filed a defamation lawsuit against six individuals from Rez Church, accusing them of making false claims about his personal conduct. The case was dismissed after three months. Now, the school’s lawsuit suggests that Wiggins’ alleged behavior has extended to his relationship with the institution he helped establish.

The case highlights the complex dynamics between megachurches and the organizations they found or support. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome could have implications for the relationship between religious institutions and the entities they affiliate with, raising questions about autonomy, governance, and the responsibilities of leadership. The situation also underscores the importance of clear agreements and mutual respect in maintaining collaborative efforts between churches and their affiliated ministries.

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