In May 2024, in the wake of the concerns coming to light surrounding IHOPKC, former students reached out to us regarding Jen Dragt and her conduct while serving in leadership at GSSM during the 2010–2012 period. These same individuals originally brought these same concerns to members of our leadership in 2012, reporting deception, sexual sin, manipulative behavior, and inappropriate interactions with at least one student under her spiritual authority. Specifically, the conduct described was tied to Jen’s ongoing struggle with homosexual sin and temptation, even though she was representing herself publicly as someone who had experienced freedom and was fit to minister to others in that area. Importantly, significant portions of what was reported in 2012 were directly admitted to by Jen at the time.
Having revisited these accounts, we realize we failed to respond as we should have.
When these matters originally became known to us in 2012, steps were taken to assess whether other students had experienced similar conduct. In part, this was an effort to determine the scope of concern and to assess the safety of the school environment. But looking back, we recognize that this response also communicated something deeply harmful to the former student who came forward: that her testimony alone was not enough. It should have been enough. Again, much of what she reported had already been acknowledged by Jen in the presence of leadership.
We failed to care for the one who came forward as we should have. She should have been clearly acknowledged, treated with seriousness and compassion, and offered pastoral care and counseling, rather than being left to feel isolated and dismissed. She deserved to be shepherded with tenderness and integrity through what was a very painful and confusing situation. We failed to provide that care, for which we are deeply sorry.
We also believe a more faithful response would have brought this matter into the light in a lovingly pastoral way. Jen needed to be relieved of ministry for the safety of the community, surrounded with real care, and helped out of hiding so that shame, fear, and accusation no longer had room to thrive in secrecy. The students who came forward understood this clearly even then: that what was hidden needed to be brought into the light, not to destroy, but to heal and to free her. We failed to do that.
It should be noted that Jen did everything we asked of her in connection with this matter at the time. But we failed to recognize and provide the intervention and care she needed. Our failures do not diminish Jen’s responsibility for her conduct and the harm it caused, but it is important to recognize that Jen was submitted to our spiritual oversight and care.
Through our interviews and surveys (both back in 2012 and more recently in 2024), we have identified only one victim. Still, one victim is too many. It should have been seen as such back then.
Jen served on our staff from 2008 to 2014 and the conduct in question took place during her leadership at GSSM in the 2010–2011 school year and the period that followed. We invite anyone from that period—or any period—who may have experienced any inappropriate conduct, or who may have relevant information, to come forward. Our desire is not to stir speculation, but to make room for healing. If others were affected, we want to care for them.
We repent for the ways we failed to protect those entrusted to our care. Our prayer is that the Lord would bring full healing to every person who was wounded and continue His redemptive work in every life touched by this matter. We are committed to learning from our failures and to responding with greater pastoral faithfulness.
Lastly, regarding the present. In 2025, we contacted Jen’s current pastor, who is also her employer, and confirmed that he was aware of the relevant history and concerns expressed in this statement. Based on his relationship with her up to that time, he believed she was healthy and fit for ministry. We are not in a position to make broad claims about her current condition. What we can speak to clearly is our own failure in how this was handled when it was first brought to us.
In Him,
Dr. Randy Clark, President
Dr. Mike Hutchings, Director of GSSM (2012-2024)
Max Myers, Director of GSSM (2007-2012)
Global Awakening Leadership Team