Chi Alpha National Leader Resigns
The college ministry of the Assemblies of God churches has been criticized for its handling of sexual abuse scandals.
The national director of Chi Alpha, the college ministry branch of the Assemblies of God denomination, resigned his post effective Monday, November 20.
Scott Martin has led the Chi Alpha ministry since 2014. Chi Alpha World Fellowship has a presence on more than 300 college campuses, and has been plagued by criticism over associations with convicted sex offender Daniel Savala.
The denomination declined to comment on Martin’s resignation, according to The Christian Post.
“We are heartbroken to hear allegations related to Daniel Savala and the pain his reported actions caused. The Assemblies of God stands in strong opposition to the teachings and practices he followed. While he did not hold credentials with the Assemblies of God and was never on staff with any Chi Alpha campus ministry, The General Council of the Assemblies of God takes matters of this nature seriously and will do everything we can to help,” reads a statement on the denomination’s website.
“Why was Scott Martin allowed to resign? The fact that he wasn’t terminated speaks volumes about the good old boy club and the internal rot of this organization,” Ronald Bloomingkemper told MinistryWatch. Bloomingkemper is an advocate for victims who started an online forum, XA and the Lions Den, for survivors to share their stories and receive support.
“Make no mistake, we are in the 21st-century reformation of Jesus flipping tables,” he added.
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On October 31 in keeping with the spirit of the Reformation, the online forum posted 95 Questions for the leadership of Chi Alpha and the Assemblies of God to answer about Savala and how the denomination has handled the scandal.
“When will a national response be made from the Assemblies of God and Chi Alpha about the well-being of the victims as its foremost priority?” it asks in question 94.
At least two leaders associated with Chi Alpha have been charged with sex crimes.
Former Baylor University campus minister Chris Hundl, the former leader of the Chi Alpha chapter at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and his mentor Daniel Savala were indicted by a McLennan County, Texas grand jury on September 14 for indecency with a child and trafficking of persons.
The improper sexual activity allegedly happened in a sauna at Hundl’s home in Waco and at the Houston home of registered sex offender Daniel Savala.
Hundl told police he had considered Savala a “spiritual mentor” since he was in college, and that Savala considered masturbation a “spiritual activity.”
In October, Savala was also charged by the Houston Police Department with sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child by sexual contact, the Waco Tribune Herald reported.
Savala pleaded guilty to sexual abuse in 2012 in Alaska, but later allegedly served with five Chi Alpha Ministries college chapters.
In August, pastor J.R. Armstrong spoke publicly about the Chi Alpha scandal, criticizing the denomination’s leadership for failing to acknowledge the victims of sexual and emotional abuse at the summer’s General Council gathering. He called on General Superintendent Doug Clay and others in leadership to “speak up, take responsibility, and where necessary, to resign.”
Main photo: E. Scott Martin / Video screengrab via A Rock Stuck in the Dirt
