Jeremy Riddle Removed From Conference Amid Spiritual Abuse Allegations

Jeremy Riddle, a worship musician and former board member at Dwelling Place Anaheim, has been removed from the Arise Shine Conference lineup in early May at Radiant Church in Michigan. This decision follows allegations that Riddle spiritually abused former staff at the embattled church. A statement on Arise Shine’s Instagram page noted that after discussions between Riddle and Katie Riddle, along with Radiant Church, the decision was made to exclude Riddle from the event.

Riddle was a worship pastor and board member at Dwelling Place, which was formerly known as Vineyard Anaheim and served as Vineyard USA’s flagship church. He resigned from the church in January, following a period of turmoil under the leadership of Pastor Alan Scott. The church has faced multiple controversies, including legal actions and internal disputes.

In November 2022, former Vineyard Anaheim members sued Scott, Riddle, and other board members, alleging they fraudulently removed Dwelling Place from the Vineyard movement. Last November, a third-party investigation commissioned by Causeway Coast Vineyard and Vineyard Churches UK and Ireland (VCUKI) found that Scott likely spiritually abused staff during his time as a Vineyard pastor in the United Kingdom.

Riddle stated in a January church service that his departure from Dwelling Place was not a “disconnection” from the church but rather a decision to follow God into a “season of consecration” and a “message of repentance.” However, former staff members have raised concerns about Riddle’s role in the alleged spiritual abuse. Last May, The Roys Report published an exposé detailing multiple allegations against Scott, including claims that Riddle pressured the DeBolts to resign after they raised concerns about Scott’s teachings.

Noah DeBolt, a former drummer at Dwelling Place, published his account of Riddle’s and Scott’s alleged spiritual abuse in two videos. Last week, DeBolt and other former staff members appealed to Radiant Church’s pastors Caleb Culver and Lee Cummings to remove Riddle from the Arise Shine conference. Cynthia Andrews, who sought counsel from Riddle about Scott’s spiritual abuse, reported that Riddle dismissed her concerns and urged her to remain under Scott’s leadership.

The situation highlights the complex dynamics within Christian leadership and the ongoing challenges of accountability and transparency. Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humble service, themes that resonate in the pursuit of truth and integrity within church communities.

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