I wrote this letter late in 2007. I have known Sue Carlson for more than 30 years, and her husband, Dave, for 10 years. Sue is John Schoenheit’s sister, and his teaching partner on our flagship seminar, New Life in Christ. In late 2003 or early 2004 the STF Board unceremoniously fired her and Dave from their volunteer responsibilities.

Here is what John S. wrote in his opening letter in the July/August 2009 Sower magazine:

[“From God’s perspective, all of our talents and abilities mean nothing if we are not going to do the hard work of developing godly character. After all, He was the one who gave us our talents, so they do not impress Him. Jesus expressed the heart of God very well when he said that on the Day of Judgment many would come and report the talented things they had done, like prophecy, mighty works, and casting out demons. Yet Jesus made it clear that if we do these things on our own, for our own gain, not out of humble obedience to God, he will say he never knew us

(Matt. 7:21 and following).”]

August 15, 2009

Dear Brethren,

God bless you. In regard to the immediate aftermath of my December 21, 2008 letter to the STF Board, and the events of Monday-Friday, January 12-16, I want you to see what Jeff Blackburn sent us August 12 (it's at the end of this letter). It still puts a knot in my stomach when I read my wimpy words, but I'm actually glad that Jeff sent it, because I'd forgotten about it, and wouldn't want people to think I'm covering it up. I don’t need to.

December 21, 2008 (5% edited to remove a few non-essentials by JAL)

Dear John, Dan, Gary and Karen,

God bless you abundantly. I write with great love for you. It would be much easier for me to not write this letter, but I do so because I am committed both to you and to the ministry we all love, that which God birthed in my heart almost 22 years ago. I am also committed to standing up for God’s calling in my life to be a major spokesperson for Him. Were I not to do so, I would not be worth my salt. I believe it is best to crystallize my thoughts in writing now, and I ask you each to read and re-read this letter. I request that you set aside sufficient time with Elizabeth and me during the upcoming Board meeting to thoroughly discuss these matters.

The Board of Directors of Christian Educational Services (CES)/ Spirit of Truth Fellowship International (STF) removed Mark Graeser from the post of President January, 2007 (reported by Greasespotcafe.com). The dramatic move followed months of controversy in the group, which is the largest splinter group of The Way International.

Graeser filed a lawsuit for defamation of character against several CES leaders including Jeff Blackburn, Dan Gallagher, John Lynn and Gary and Karen Theisen. John Schoenheit was appointed the new president (reported by Greasespotcafe).

The controversy gives insight into the practices and doctrine of CES and its newer offshoot STF, which was designed to establish CES as a full service church rather than as just an educational agency.

It has been reported by several sources that Mark Graeser, President of Christian Educational Services / Spirit and Truth Fellowship International has been removed as president during their annual board meeting.  He apparently has responded by filing a defamation of character lawsuit against a number of people within the group.

CES/STFI is an off-shoot of The Way International. 

CES has been suffering from internal conflict over the last few months, arising from their practice of personal prophecy doctrine.  Apparently, John and Elizabeth Lynn's marriage was ended as a result of personal prophecies against Elizabeth.  The driving force behind this "doctrine" seems to be Karen Graeser, wife of now former president Mark Graeser.

For more details, see the ongoing discussions in GreaseSpot's forum.

Original CES documents related to CES's problems can be found in the download section of GreaseSpot.

UPDATE 1/18/07:

According to multiple sources, John Shoenheit has been made the new President.  There are differing reports as to whether this is temporary or will be permanent.  

Those named in the lawsuit are Jeff Blackburn, Dan Gallagher, John Lynn and the Theisens (sp?).