Paradise Springs Community Church Survivor Group

2. No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.

Testimony 1 - When Ken is questioned he tells the person questioning that they are either too immature or too messed up to
understand and so they need to just trust him. He will start a smear campaign against the person so others will openly
question the person about their criticism and get the person in line.

Testimony 2 - Ken had a hard time with anyone who questioned any of his teachings or methods of counseling. He took it very
personally. In most cases that I saw publicly, Ken could turn any questioning around to make the person asking the questions
feel insecure or humiliated, or that they were being insubordinate and divisive. At least several times a year, Ken would scold
the congregation from the pulpit that some people were being divisive, and that these people knew who they were and they
should leave the church. He also added that if they didn't leave of their own accord, he would personally ask them to leave.
Most of the time, none of us knew to whom he was referring. Here is a direct quote from him, "I am looking for people who are
committed to me, committed to what I preach about. I am not looking for critics."

Testimony 3 - Rather than logically talking things through when questioned, Ken becomes very angry. He from that point on
begins a campaign of character assassination and eventual totally severs the relationship. I have heard the message that he
preaches from the pulpit to those that disagree with him. It is called: "Just Leave" (If you disagree, just leave or you will be
asked to leave.)

Testimony 4 - If you didn't think like Ken and always agree and do what he said to do even in your personal life, he told people
to not help you anymore because you were no longer part of the "in group".

3. No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently
audited financial statement.

Testimony 1 - Don't know much here.

Testimony 2 - I know at different times there was no financial disclosures to the congregation regarding budget, but during some of the
years we were there. some men formed a financial committee. But Ken always had the last word on any decisions. There is significant
information about this that others, who were directly involved with financial decisions when they attended the church, have shared with
us. For example, when the church went through some difficult times financially Ken was asked to consider a salary cut but refused.

Testimony 3 - We don't recall ever seeing a financial statement.

Testimnoy 4 - While I was on the finance committee Ken came to me after someone questioned him and told me to cut his support, as
that person was partially supported by the church financially.

4. Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies
and persecutions.

Testimony 1 - Ken preaches that his church is the only one teaching the truth. All other churches are ungodly, worldly and
deceived. He talks a great deal about other churches that have said negative things about him and that they have set him up
to appear in the wrong. Ken is never wrong. He says that the more opposition the church receives the more on track they
know they are because Satan only attacks those that threaten him. Only churches don't face such opposition because they
basically follow the world (i.e. Satan).

Testimony 2 - From the time we first met Ken he had an unnatural preoccupation and fear of Satan, demons, and the spirit
world. In our contacts this continued for years but was not as evident when we attended the church. However, quite often when
something negative happened or Ken was sick, he attributed it to satanic influences (or that we as a congregation were being
disobedient). He would say he was being persecuted or victimized when former members or even current members had any
complaints or concerns.

Testimony 3 - When we confronted Ken face to face and questioned him privately regarding his teaching and counseling Ken
shared it with the whole church, presenting himself as the victim of our attacks. We are now deemed "unsafe" by our family
members that still belong to the church. We have come to find out that Ken is the only one who determines who is safe and
not safe. It appears that any criticism or questioning is considered persecution. Sickness is often blamed on Satan or others
trying to stop his great work.

To some extent Ken should be fearful, he has broken up many families and made many people angry at him. There has been
speculation as to what influence Ken’s counseling had on the Fishers. Robert was a long time friend and counselee of Ken's
that has been indicted for murdering his wife and two children and is on the FBI’s most wanted list.

Testimony 4 - Criticism of other churches not truly following Christ.

5. There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative
or even evil.

Testimony 1 - Since his church is the only one with the truth, to leave is to not want to follow Christ. He preaches that leaving
takes a person out of the blessing of God and into the domain of the devil. He relates tales of those who have left and their
demise. He asks why someone would want to leave a place where God is at work to go where God is not present (other
churches). To leave is to not want the truth, not want to grow and to openly choose to follow Satan rather that Christ.

Testimony 2 - Ken quite often said there was "a right way and wrong way" to leave the church, citing different examples.
However, many of our friends left the church after trying to meet with Ken or call him to express why they were leaving, but no
matter how they did it, it was still considered wrong. We, as a congregation, were drilled in this matter, so when we left, we
made sure we did it according to Ken's "right way." We wanted to part as friends and felt like we did. It has since been told to
us, by someone who was in the core group of leadership at the time we left, that even we apparently did not leave in the "right"
way. Ken and his wife may understand the reasons we, and others, left the church but it seems they always convey to the
leadership and congregation a negative perception. This results in the members thinking bad thoughts about those who leave.

Testimony 3 - We know of several families that felt like they were leaving on good terms to find out later that Ken was saying
that they had fallen into sin. He then said from the pulpit that should there be any questions, that he alone is to be asked
about it. The people that left are not to be talked to.

Testimony 4 - We were told not to talk to or have anything to do with past members who had left. I saw this happen to every
person that left. They were vilified.

6. Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of
grievances.

Testimony 1 - Ken has left a wake of hurt people in his path.

Testimony 2 - Many of our friends who left the church before we did were very unwilling to discuss why they left. They did not
want to hurt any relationships they still had with those still at the church, nor did they want to influence us in any way. They
also did not want to appear to be gossips. Because of that, sometimes we felt we were the only ones who saw potential
problems, doctrinal errors, etc. Also, some former members have felt very alone and confused after they left because they felt
it only happened to them. Some have since shared with us, and there are definitely similar complaints. Ken did not counsel
us. However, we have many friends who were and separately they have told us about some of their counseling sessions with
Ken and they are all remarkably similar.

Testimony 3 - We meet with several families (and know of many more) that all share the same stories as to how Ken has
caused their children to turn against them and refuse to talk or have any contact with them. We feel that Ken has driven a
wedge between our kids and ourselves by getting them to believe outright lies about us, based on "repressed memories". He
has a history of trying to get people to believe that the cause for any problems they have are because they have repressed
memories of childhood sexual abuse, usually by the parents. This invariably causes children to have bitterness toward their
parents. We have the testimonies of several men and women that say that he was trying to persuade them into believing that
their fathers molested them as young children. When we left our kids at Ken's church we were warned by former members
that we should not be surprised if our kids turn against us. They had seen this happen several times before. We did not heed
their warning because we trusted Ken.

Testimony 4 - A common thread of complaints concerning Ken and PSCC is the control, the obligatory "Kennite mentality",
gossip, judgment, legalism, Ken's absolute authority and breaking of confidences when counseling and mistreatment of those
who left.

7. There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of
the group/leader.

Testimony 1 - Not yet.

Testimony 2 - There is nothing of which we are cognizant.

Testimony 3 -
New Times (Weekly News Paper), March 31-April 6, 2005 "Shot At Redemption". This article's mention of Ken and Paradise
Springs brings out how cult-like it is. PSCC is also listed on several other cult watch web sites as a dangerous group: Rick
Ross Institute, FactNet, Steve Hassan's Freedom of Mind (Yahoo Group), Cultbusters (See Links)

Testimony 4 - The PSCCSG.ORG web site.

8. Followers feel they can never be "good enough".

Testimony 1 - Ken teaches that you must "get free from yourself" before you can enter the sanctification process. Ken says
that he is the only one free from himself, hence, by implication he is the only one in the process of sanctification. All members
focus on getting free but their faults, shortcomings, and sin continually prove that they are not. Ken also berates the
congregation for not getting it. From the pulpit he shames and belittles. Ken is often ill and from the pulpit says that his
illnesses are because of the sins of the congregation. If they would stop sinning he would be able to be well. The people feel
responsible and double their efforts to be good enough that Ken won't get sick.

Testimony 2 - I never felt this way about myself, because I believe I had security in my relationship with the Lord. But there
was certainly reason for others to feel that way. Ken had a tendency to manipulate those who had low self-esteem or poor
images, or those with bad experiences from their past. Once again, there were many times from the pulpit that he blamed his
sickness or other problems in the church on the members - that they had sin in their life, were being selfish or whatever. I
know I would be confused as to what on earth he was referring to - (it must be other people), and most of us would be left
feeling guilty and that we could never measure up to his expectations. Very few people would actually talk about any of this
because it was ingrained in us that we would be being disloyal, and we didn't know better, because we didn't have that inner
connection with God. I heard frustration many times from different former members because they thought they were applying
the things Ken taught them, only to then hear criticism from him. Ken did have an elite group that he mingled with and did
things with. If a problem arose with one of those in his elite group, or even a family member within that group, Ken would drop
everything to be with them and lend his support and help. When a similar problem would happen with some other church
family, they didn't get the same attention or care.

Testimony 3 - Talking to people that have been counseled by Ken while we were still going there, they would convey to me
that they were convinced that they were so emotionally messed up that they felt like they could not do anything for the Lord.
They said that maybe someday they would be able to if they got enough counseling from Ken. Ken had diagnosed some of
them with Multiple Personality Disorder and/or convinced them that they have repressed memories with Dissociative Identity
Disorder. I have heard Ken rebuking his whole congregation for not walking in the Spirit like he is.

Testimony 4 - I feel like I was always judged for my past and the teaching was very negative at times.

9. The group/leader is always right.

Testimony 1 - Ken is always right. He preaches that since God has placed him in authority over the church and since Ken
walks with God then he knows what is best. He tells the congregation that to disobey him is to disobey God. If they go
against Ken then God will deal with them but he will be blessed for his faithfulness.

Testimony 2 - Because Ken quite often said he had a gift of discernment, anything he "discerned" in a person had to be
accurate. Different times several friends came to me confused because through a counseling session with Ken, he would say
such and such had happened to them, and they were sure it hadn't. But Ken conveys to everyone that he has more insight
into people (because of learning counseling techniques) than they do of themselves. Usually Ken was not open to different
opinions, especially when it came to anyone questioning his method of Biblical interpretation or doctrinal beliefs. Once again,
several times a year from the pulpit he would say that if people didn't agree with him, they were being divisive, and needed to
leave the church.

Testimony 3 - Ken seems to imply that he has a direct connection to God that no one else has. If he has prayed about
something and made a decision, then it has to be right. To question that is to go against God himself. Ken tells people to just
leave the church if they do not agree with him. But friends of ours that still go there are afraid to leave because they know they
will be cut off from their family and friends.

Testimony 4 - While attending PSCC I belonged to a "recovery/grace group" based on the 12-step program. I left the church
before finishing the group study. Since I felt like I had left on good terms and had the blessing of Mimi, Ken's wife, I still
attended the group for a short time as we were near completion of the program. But then my group leader shared something in
group that I had shared alone with her in confidence. She told me that leadership had told her to expose me. I said I wanted to
know who it was that told her this because I had a real problem with betraying confidences. Because I dared question and did
not agree I was told that I was divisive and told to leave the group immediately and not come back.

10. The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other
process of discovery is really acceptable or credible.

Testimony 1 - Ken claims a special discernment that no one else has. He can "see" the sin and "system" of others, believer
or not. He knows, because of his special relationship with God, what is best for everyone in every situation. He preaches
about instances of "knowing" a person's sin. He even parks outside Walgreen's to watch people and then tells whomever he
brought with him what that person's sin is. From the pulpit he threatens to expose the sin he sees in the congregation. He
also "knows" what to do to help a person. If people would just do what he tells them their lives would go well.

Testimony 2 - The church was always considered as being "above" the rest of the churches. They really couldn't associate
with any other church because no other one really measured to their standard. Church members weren't encouraged to listen
to other Godly speakers/pastors on the radio. The only books I heard Ken recommend where the ones from which he learned
the teachings about the Millennial Reign, and certain counseling books.

Testimony 3 - Ken portrays that he is clairvoyant and able to read people's hearts and minds just by looking at them. He
claims that he can tell if someone has been sexually abused as a child or is a sexual predator or is gay without even ever
talking to them. He claims that he can tap into God's power and make instant judgements concerning people. While spending
time with Ken he often implies by the stories he tells, and sometimes explicitly, that he can read hearts and minds. People in
his church seem to believe this and fear him because of it. Even if what Ken says or does appears to go directly against
scripture, his followers believe that somehow he must be right.

Testimony 4 - Ken often criticizes other churches and denominations from the pulpit saying that they aren't really following
Christ centered ways.

Ten warning signs regarding people involved in / with a potentially unsafe
group/leader.

1. Extreme obsessiveness regarding the group/leader resulting in the exclusion of almost every
practical consideration.

Testimony 1 - What Ken is doing, not doing, where he goes, what movies he sees, what he watches on t.v., his health, his
family, his trips, etc. are the number one priority. The church fasts and prays for him, sometimes around the clock but does
not do so for other concerns, people, or issues. The people in the church buy carrots for him, others wash them, and another
couple makes juice for him and delivers it out of over involvement in his health issues. "Ken said" often starts or finishes
conversations.

Testimony 2 - I would say about 75% of members act in this manner.

Testimony 3 - When I attended one of PSCC's Grace Groups, (where men get together and talk about their feelings) it is
usually centered around how great Ken is or how bad their parents or relatives are. Our group leader usually advised the later
to "set a boundary" against those people (i.e. not talk to them).

2. Individual identity, the group, the leader and/or God as distinct and separate categories of
existence become increasingly blurred. Instead, in the follower's mind these identities become
substantially and increasingly fused--as that person's involvement with the group/leader
continues and deepens.

Testimony 1 - It is said that when you see Ken you see Christ. And that is how they serve him. He has also been said to be
the "treasure" given by God. Ken idolatry is rampant.

Testimony 2 -

Testimony 3 - Ken says from the pulpit both implicitly and explicitly that to disobey him is to disobey God and it is very
evident that his followers strongly believe this. Ken and his ministry becomes these people's whole lives to the point of being
rude and hateful to any outsiders including family.

Testimony 4 - It was Ken's word, not God's word that was the authority. Ken told me that if I didn't trust him, I didn't trust God.
When I started dating someone who was a deacon church members were quick to ask me, "What did Ken say about it?" It
was often asked, "What does Ken say?" instead of, "Is it Biblical? or "Does it line up with the Word of God?"

3. Whenever the group/leader is criticized or questioned it is characterized as "persecution".

Testimony 1 - The group will confront a member if they start seriously questioning Ken. The person is said to be divisive or
unsubmissive and will be pressured back in line. "After all he does for us" is the attitude. Any outside negative comments are
said to be demonic in origin and proof of Ken's walk with God.

Testimony 2 - Most definitely! Either persecution from former members or from Satan's attacks.

Testimony 3 - When I confronted Ken confidentially he shared it with many people in his church, if not all, and they said that I
was attacking him.

Testimony 4 - To any one that questioned, opposed or thought differently, Ken would often say, "Satan is using that person to
create division."

4. Uncharacteristically stilted and seemingly programmed conversation and mannerisms,
cloning of the group/leader in personal behavior.

Testimony 1 - There is a definite party line in the church that is repeated and told to one another.

Testimony 2 - I wouldn't say it's "stilted", but many have definitely picked up Ken's "lingo" and beliefs, especially in the area of
counseling. You can hardly have a conversation with someone who is still part of the church, without hearing something you
know came from Ken's mouth.

Testimony 3 - I have seen several in the church walk around with bottles of carrot juice just like Ken does. Several also give
themselves coffee enemas just as Ken does.

Testimony 4 - If you didn't act in a way that Ken agreed with, you were put out of the "in group" and eventually out of the
church. Once when someone was supported financially by our church asked a question at a Bible study Ken told those of us
that were on the finance committee to cut their support.

5. Dependency upon the group/leader for problem solving, solutions, and definitions without
meaningful reflective thought. A seeming inability to think independently or analyze situations
without group/leader involvement.

Testimony 1 - "Did you ask Ken about it?" "What does Ken think?" are the usual responses when a member talks about
changing jobs, buying a house, getting a roommate, etc. Some members are incapable of independent decision making apart
from Ken. He talks often about how a person didn't listen to his advice and the trouble it caused them.

Testimony 2 - It sure seems that way! Some are very dependent on Ken (or someone in leadership) to handle problems that
come up - instead of seeking the Lord and His Word for help. A quote we overheard, "I need to see Ken, some of my issues
have come up." The Bible is definitely played down as a solution to problems. A couple of different times in a meeting when
someone would share a verse that had really helped him, a couple of people actually got upset with him and said, "Verses
aren't going to help us .... " You basically had to resort (and agree) to Ken's counseling methods and beliefs to solve any
problems or questions. Almost the whole church was (is) involved in "Grace groups" (similar to 12 step program but they
changed it to fit their style and beliefs); if you didn't attend a grace group you were kind of looked down on. As far as Ken was
concerned (and most of the others came to feel this way also), everyone had "issues" that needed to be dealt with in this
manner and if you didn't participate, you were probably "in denial." I was always so amazed at the lack of response from some
people to Ken's doctrinal teachings. Some people knew better, having had some Christian education. They are either choosing
to ignore it, or are completely blinded to it.

Testimony 3 - Many in the church get direction from Ken as to where to live, what car to buy, who to marry, who to associate
with, etc.

Testimony 4 - Ken withdraws approval if he doesn't have control or you seem too independent.

6. Hyperactivity centered on the group/leader agenda, which seems to supercede any personal
goals or individual interests.

Testimony 1 - Ken is in to missions so everyone is to be into missions. Ken tells the church that they have been chosen by
God for a special purpose and as they support Ken they get part of the spiritual reward. Individual desires to serve God outside
of Ken's plan are not options. Gifts are to be used in service to PSCC and Ken's great mission. It is considered a great honor
to be part of it all.

Testimony 2 - Yes, I've seen several personal relationships between couples (who were old enough and mature enough to get
married) disintegrate because Ken (and therefore the rest of the church) didn't agree with the match. Many people got to the
point where they would ask Ken (or some other leader in the church) for counsel in most any decision they had to make, even
to the pursuit of a personal goal.

Testimony 3 - Many times Ken doesn't inform people as to when they are going to meet until the last minute. Those in his
church are accustomed to this and know what is expected of them. Those on the in group have time for very little besides
church activities.

Testimony 4 - As a leader on the youth leadership team. We had youth meetings once a week. But at Ken's request we
started having them 2 or 3 or more times a week.

7. A dramatic loss of spontaneity and sense of humor.

Testimony 1 - Since the question is, "What will Ken think about this?" is on every issue, spontaneity outside of what they
think Ken will approve doesn't exist.

Testimony 2 - Somewhat of a loss of spontaneity but I wouldn't say a loss of a sense of humor but there is a tendency to look
at life pessimistically.

Testimony 3 - There is too much dependence on Ken for there to be spontaneity. Members are mistrusting of those outside of
the group and often rude to those that have left. There is humor within the group but it is often at the expense of others.

8. Increasing isolation from family and old friends unless they demonstrate an interest in the
group/leader.

Testimony 1 - The majority of the people meet together on Mondays for group, Wednesday for church, Friday and Saturday for
softball and Sunday for church. The church camps together twice and year and are expected to be at every event for any
reason. Members are often encouraged to break off contact with family and friends because the path is so narrow that it is not
sure they'll make it and with unbelievers or nonmembers it will be even more difficult. Those not on "the path" will only lead
them off it.

Testimony 2 - Because of Ken's negative teachings about the physical family, coupled with the Biblical teaching of the church
being your true family, most members have a very strong loyalty to each other. This can be good but in this church, many will
ignore or disown their physical family. This church was our main source of friends for many years. We left with no hurtful
feelings towards anyone and wanted to continue the friendships we had. However, as we learned from other examples before
us, there is really no legitimate reason to leave (unless it's a move out of town), and once someone leaves the church the
members don't seem to know quite how to handle them. In our case, I believe they felt there was no reason to continue the
friendship since we couldn't agree with Ken's counseling and teaching.

Testimony 3 - Ken has basically built a ministry on Matt 10:34-37
"Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. "For I came to SET A MAN
AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER
MOTHER-IN-LAW; and A MAN'S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD. He who loves father or mother
more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me."

If Ken is against a family member of someone in his church (and he is against all those that do not follow him) then they are
cut off. This is done out of allegiance to Ken because Ken is Christ in the eyes his followers. PSCC's version of vs. 37 is: "He
who loves father or mother more than Ken, is not worthy of Ken; and he who loves son or daughter more that Ken is not
worthy of Ken."

Testimony 4 - Rather than reconcile, Ken told me in counseling to stay away from my mother and brother and that PSCC was
my church family now and that it was more important than blood family.

9. Anything the group/leader does can be justified no matter how harsh or harmful.

Testimony 1 - Because Ken has such an intimate relationship with God and only does what God directs then even if he were
to misinterpret what God is telling him all will be blessed for their obedience in following Ken. His harshness, which includes
open and unbiblical shaming from the pulpit is said to be a godly blessing done with the love of Christ that is in Ken. Since all
Christ does is loving, then all Ken does is also.

Testimony 2 - In a situation where our friends were publicly scorned and belittled by the whole church, most everyone who is
part of the church thought that that meeting went really well because "they were being real" - not at all considering how
unloving and harsh they were.

Testimony 3 - Ken has put himself in the place of God and his followers seem to accept this. They believe that Ken's ways are
higher and beyond understanding therefore his cruel behavior is acceptable to them and even imitated. Somehow he and his
whole church feel justified in destroying families and individual lives.

Testimony 4 - One young man had shared his struggles concerning personal sin at a Bible study and basically Ken told him
he wasn't to come back to church. There was a lot of harsh judging, condemning. Others were told not to have any contact
with him and his wife anymore.

10. Former followers are at best-considered negative or worse evil and under bad influences.
They can not be trusted and personal contact is avoided.

Testimony 1 - I know of few former followers that are allowed to be in contact with the church members. From the pulpit Ken
tells the church not to associate with a person who has left. They are no longer walking with God, have left unrighteously, are
not safe, and God will deal with them.

Testimony 2 - They cannot be trusted and personal contact is avoided. There is clear evidence of this taking place.

Testimony 3 - Anyone that has left Ken's church is considered out of God's will and therefore unsafe to have any sort of
relationship with. They are said to be used of Satan to persecute Ken and his church.

Testimony 4 - Every person that I saw leave was painted in a bad light, it started my early indications that something was
wrong, because not everyone could be wrong - statistically that was very improbable.