Looking for Grace

Elita Galvin

This podcast explores the roots and history of the Baltimore-based group Greater Grace World Outreach (GGWO), how they got to where they are today, and what happens to those who discover that twisted grace isn't so great after all.

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24 episodes
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Avg 46 min
English

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Friday · 44 min
The GRACE Report: Women Part 2 with Jennifer Dean
On this episode we continue the discussion on what the GRACE report had to say about Greater Grace and it's treatment of women. For part 2, I am joined by author and advocate Jennifer Dean. CONTENT WARNING: In keeping with October being Domestic Violence Awareness month, for this episode we are taking a deeper look at domestic violence within Greater Grace-what the GRACE report says about it, and how women who find themselves in unsafe marriages and situations within the confines of groups like Greater Grace find themselves trapped not only by their partner, but by the very institutions who should be protecting them. Jennifer is an abuse survivor and also a former member of Greater Grace who now works to raise awareness about abuse and whose mission is to come alongside women with truth, validation, and hope.Her website, which is full of encouragement and resources, can be found at beyondtheshadow.me, and her incredible book, "Shadow of Joy", can be purchased on Amazon at https://tinyurl.com/ShadowofJoy.
October 23 · 36 min
The GRACE Report: Women
Well, we have finally arrived! This episode officially marks the beginning of a true deep dive into the GRACE Report and what it had to say about so many topics and all the recommendations that were made. Given that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it seemed appropriate to start this journey with what the report writers had to say about Greater Grace and their treatment of and attitude towards women. CONTENT WARNING: this episode does contain statistical data regarding domestic violence and related issues and a reference to sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been impacted by domestic violence and need help, there are resources available such as the Domestic Violence Hotline, which is open 24/7 at 800-799-7233.
October 9 · 36 min
Heroes of the Faithful: Steve
In the very first spotlight segment "Heroes of the Faithful", we will be looking at the story of a man named Steve whose character and courage set him apart in the time of the Christian Research Institute investigation and subsequent writing of the Martin Report. Steve would likely not consider himself to be a hero of any kind, but it's his belief in what was right and his willingness to take action to stand for that belief, even at a personal cost, that make his story even more worth taking a look at. If you know someone who you think should be nominated for this spotlight segment, please reach out at lookingforgracepodcast@gmail.com.
September 25 · 41 min
I Need a Hero
This week, we will be taking a closer look at a series from this summer on the Grace Hour Show about Flawed Heroes. From the absurd to the maddening, we will discuss what does and does not qualify as a character flaw-and the idea for a new segment for the podcast that was inspired in large part from this series. CONTENT WARNING: This episode does contain conversation regarding self-image, mental health issues, and self-harm. Please only listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available any time by calling or texting 988.
September 11 · 49 min
In Conversation with Melissa
This week I was delighted to be joined on the podcast by Melissa. Melissa's time with "the ministry" began in Wiscasset under Carl and wove it's way through South Berwick and Lenox before her journey led her away for a time. She then found herself back in Baltimore with "the ministry" under Tom Schaller. In this conversation we talk about her life experiences and explore the differences in being with The Bible Speaks under Carl Stevens and Greater Grace under Tom Schaller. We also talk about what leaving looked like, and all the lessons she has learned along the way. Melissa is kind, warm, and insightful, and had so many wonderful and wise things to share-I hope you all enjoy this conversation as much as I did! If you have stories you'd like to share, please reach out at lookingforgracepodcast@gmail.com
August 28 · 51 min
Predators in the Pews
In this episode, we will be taking a look at what the church's response should be when a convicted child offender wants to join their faith community, or when a member of their faith community is convicted of an egregious crime against children and wants to remain an active part of the faith community. Specifically, we will be looking at this through the lens of how church leaders in Pawley's Island Community Church and Greater Grace World Outreach handled these requests-and what the results of those decisions were. We will also be looking at what organizations such as GRACE recommend in response to these situations. CONTENT WARNING: this episode contains multiple references to sexual crimes against children. Please take care if you choose to listen. Reporting credit for this episode goes to: Tim Whitaker of Tim Whitaker Speaks, The Post & Courier News/SC, WCBD News/SC, WMBF News/SC, ABC4 News/Charleston, and Fox News/Baltimore. Constructive feedback, stories, or just a hello can be sent via email to lookingforgracepodcast@gmail.com.
August 14 · 48 min
The Devil's in the Details
Here we are-we have arrived at the big split of May 2005 at the Chicago conference after over a year of chaos, division, battles for power, and failed attempts at peacemaking. In this episode, we will not be looking at just the Chicago conference itself, but the lens through which the lead up and result was framed by Baltimore leaders. We will also explore how this was just the beginning of a pattern that has continued to this day. Constructive feedback, stories, or just a hello can be sent via email to lookingforgracepodcast@gmail.com.
July 31 · 1 hr 51 min
Hot Takes with Grumpy Bex: GGWO Doctrinal Clarification
For this episode I am joined by a special guest who is not only a great friend of this podcast but an excellent writer in her own right. Becka from the Grumpy Bex blog is here to help me break down the recent Doctrinal Clarification presented by Greater Grace. We discuss what they clarified, what they didn't, and all the missed opportunities and pitfalls we spotted along the way. This episode is a bit longer than most, but it was a great conversation and one I hope you all enjoy listening to as much as we enjoyed having. Becka's work can be found on Substack at https://substack.com/@grumpybex -be sure to go give her a follow, as she's doing phenomenal work!
July 17 · 55 min
A Kingdom Divided
In this episode, we explore not only what happened in the immediate aftermath of Tom Schaller being named head of Greater Grace, but also what being handed great power can reveal about people's true character. As Maya Angelou once said, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."
July 3 · 39 min
The Battle for the Throne
Welcome to part three of the series on how Greater Grace came to change hands from Carl Stevens to Tom Schaller. In this episode, we take a look at how things went from seeming unity at Sandy Cove in February to rifts and schisms all over the place as a power struggle took place over who would actually become Carl's successor as head of Greater Grace.
June 19 · 44 min
Sandy Cove
Most people who have had interaction with Greater Grace, the GRACE report, previous message boards, or have even looked into the organization from the outside have seen or heard about Sandy Cove. In this episode, we are going to take a deeper look into this conference-it's intent, what was discussed, the implications and takeaways, and how it what was meant to be the beginning of re-solidifying the alliance between Baltimore and the affiliations would instead become something entirely different.
June 5 · 34 min
Cracks in the Foundation
Welcome to part one of a multi-part episode series on the decline of Carl Stevens, the rise of Tom Schaller, and the messy, messy middle in between. In these next few episodes, we will be taking a look at what happens when a leader fails, a power vacuum is created, and ambitious men pretendingto be humble servants see an opportunity too good to pass up-as well as what happens to those who dare to ask questions or get in their way.
May 22 · 1 hr 7 min
Shadow of Joy with Jennifer Dean
For this episode I am delighted to welcome back Jennifer Dean as we discuss her new book, "Shadow of Joy." We talk about the writing, editing, and launch process, along with all the emotions that come with creating and releasing such a personal project. We also talk about her book and what she wants the readers to know and to take away from the story. For more information, you can visit her website at www.beyondtheshadow.me. Content warning: This episode contains adult themes around coercive control and abuse.
May 8 · 30 min
The Appearance of Accountability
In this episode, we talk about the latest news of Greater Grace's decision to resign from the Evangelical Counsel for Financial Accountability while under investigation for being out of compliance with one of the ECFA guiding principles, and why this kind of accountability matters.
April 24 · 51 min
Duggar v. Anderson: A Cautionary Tale
Two families. Two super conservative religious ecosystems. How does this result in both families having two sons who became predators? On this episode we take a look at what might be contributing factors to how these two families got here-and what we can learn from it all. CONTENT WARNING: this episode contains conversation about sexual assault, molestation, and CSAM. Listener discretion is strongly advised.
April 11 · 1 hr 6 min
Purity Culture Pitfalls with Grumpy Bex
For this episode I am joined by the writer of the Grumpy Bex blog on Substack as we tackle the topic of purity culture and the impact it had on our generation, especially females of our generation, both as teenagers and in our adult lives. Content Warning: sexual content including abuse, coercion, and venereal disease
March 27 · 1 hr 5 min
In Conversation with Jennifer Dean
This week I am joined on the podcast by survivor and author Jennifer Dean. Jennifer is an absolute delight, and in this conversation we talk about her experience being in a marriage marked by coercive control and abuse while also being part of Greater Grace, and the way church leaders responded to her cries for help. She has turned those experiences into a way to help others, and is about to release her very first book, "Shadow of Joy" in April. You can find out more at beyondtheshadow.me.
March 13 · 1 hr 20 min
In Conversation with Arrow
I am so pleased to bring you the very first guest conversation on Looking for Grace podcast! I had great time chatting with Arrow about what's it's like when the world you know crashes with reality. We also discussed contradictions, cracks, and finding a way out. -and how we even managed to find some fun along the way.
February 27 · 39 min
Guilt by Affiliation
In this episode we will examine some examples of abuse at GGWO affiliate locations by local church leaders and the response of GGWO leaders in Baltimore. We will also take a look at GGWO's view of affiliation and why it is problematic. Content warning: this episode contains harsh language regarding abuse, listener discretion is advised.
February 12 · 42 min
Flag on the Field
In this episode, we take a look at the timeline of abuses at GGWO Baltimore that were detailed in the GRACE report and whether or not they fit the leader's claim of there having been no findings of abuse at the Baltimore campus in the last 20 years-and whether or not that even matters. Episode note: after recording this episode, I did uncover that Jesse A. was required to be on the offender registry for life.

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