Summary

Much of this summary was taken from Philip's post exposing VBM's handling of these allegations.

Overview

The Allegations

Sexual Abuse

On August 3, This video was posted with accusations of child abuse, child molestation, etc.:

I have witnessed, not sexual improprieties, but numerous leadership behaviors that go hand-in-hand with characteristics described.

Even in my own private investigation I learned of several more accusers with claims, that have not yet shared their stories publicly.

That is extremely concerning.

I hate to think that these could be true, but a legitimate investigation MUST be done to clear his name if he is innocent, but call him to justice if not.

The 24 Non-Sexual Accusations

While the sexual allegations got the most attention, they are far from the only accusation brought up. VBM would have the public believe that there is only one “40 year old allegation” from a bitter woman with psychological issues.

In fact, there are serious allegations raised that, if true, disqualify Austin Gardner from ministry.

I believe they do.

Note: Austin was found to be unqualified for ministry by the deacons of Vision Baptist Church after their investigation. Many of the testimonies submitted to them are on this site.

In the Earnhart’s video, they mentioned many other serious allegations:

Forced Abortions
Misappropriation of funds
Shuffling of men to other ministries as well as out of the country to cover misdeeds such as adultery and fornication.
Boys and Girls being raped in the Children’s Home and their adult abusers were never turned over to authorities
Intimidation and insults if you dared to disagree
Beatings
Control by fear
Isolation if you chose to challenge him
Verbal Abuse
This philosophy is one of control, manipulation, cover ups and defying accountability when crimes are committed.
Loss or withholding of money – medicine, food
A Team culture that was used to control;
independent thoughts or ideas were not allowed.
This Dangerous philosophy of ministry taught and practiced by Austin Gardner, his sons, and many who are under his influence.

Days later, in another video the Earnharts reported additional submissions with specific details of abuse reported on their website.

In addition to the Earnharts, 17 more missionaries published a joint statement with accusations of:

Manipulation
Bullying
Slander
Spiritual abuse
Mental abuse
Fits of anger
Pastoral neglect
Abuse of power
Breach of confidentiality
Mishandling of sexual trauma

Austin-Gardner-Statement-Updated

These kind of allegations must be investigated seriously by a qualified, unaffiliated, unbiased investigator. But VBM leadership has refused to look into these things despite giving the impression to the public that they are indeed conducting a third party investigation.

Instead, VBM leadership is choosing to protect Austin Gardner and themselves instead.

But I am a personal witness to much of this behavior and culture, and I’ve stayed silent too long.

By doing a little bit of personal investigation, I am now aware of several more extremely serious allegations from people that have not yet shared their story publicly, but likely will in the near future.

To be clear, these allegations do not implicate Austin Gardner alone, but also the ministry philosophy and culture that he has created and led at Vision Baptist Missions, especially, but also Vision Baptist Church.

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