Recent developments have brought renewed attention to John Ortberg, a prominent figure in Christian ministry and authorship. This article aims to provide an updated and comprehensive overview of the narrative surrounding Ortberg, focusing on recent information and past controversies. We will explore the evolution of opinions regarding allegations against him, his ministry background, and the current status of his endeavors.
Background and Early Career
John Ortberg’s journey in ministry is deeply rooted in the evangelical Christian movement. He received a robust academic foundation, earning a B.A. in psychology from Wheaton College, and M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees in clinical psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary. His theological exploration extended to the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, enriching his perspective and approach to ministry.
Ortberg’s early pastoral roles included serving as senior pastor at Simi Valley Community Church from 1985 to 1990, and Horizons Community Church (now Baseline Community Church) in Claremont, California, from 1990 to 1994. A significant chapter in his career began when he joined Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, as a teaching pastor in 1994. Willow Creek, co-founded by Bill Hybels, was known for its innovative approach to church services and its impact on contemporary Christian worship. Ortberg remained at Willow Creek until 2003, becoming a well-known speaker and author within evangelical circles.
Image: Cover letter from South Barrington PD regarding the Police report on John Ortberg, part of the documents reviewed in the evolving narrative.
From Willow Creek, Ortberg transitioned to Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Northern California in 2003, where he served as senior pastor for seventeen years. Menlo Park Presbyterian is a multi-campus megachurch, and under Ortberg’s leadership, it continued to be a prominent evangelical congregation in the region. His tenure at Menlo Church, however, would eventually be overshadowed by controversy.
The 2020 Menlo Church Resignation
In 2020, John Ortberg’s leadership at Menlo Church came under intense scrutiny, leading to his resignation. The controversy stemmed from the revelation that Ortberg had allowed a volunteer, who had confessed to being attracted to children, to work with children at the church and in community sports programs. This information came to light after Ortberg’s son, Daniel Lavery, brought the issue to the attention of church elders, acting as a whistleblower.
Image: Screenshot of Daniel Lavery’s pinned tweet referencing John Ortberg and sexual abuse allegations at Willow Creek, highlighting the public nature of the controversy.
Initially, Ortberg was placed on leave, and the church initiated an inquiry. He was later reinstated, but further revelations, including the fact that the volunteer was Ortberg’s youngest son, reignited public criticism and internal pressure. This ultimately led to Ortberg’s resignation from Menlo Church in August 2020. The situation raised significant questions about leadership accountability, transparency, and the handling of sensitive issues within megachurches.
Allegations of Past Misconduct at Willow Creek
Adding another layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding John Ortberg are allegations of past misconduct during his time at Willow Creek Community Church. These allegations were brought forth in a blog post by Sabaah Jauhir-Rizvi, detailing disturbing experiences she claimed to have had during counseling sessions with Ortberg as a teenager.
Jauhir-Rizvi’s account describes a series of sessions where she alleges Ortberg engaged in inappropriate and sexually abusive behavior under the guise of counseling. These are graphic and serious accusations, detailing physical and emotional harm. Nancy Beach, another leader at Willow Creek at the time, is also implicated in Jauhir-Rizvi’s account, accused of dismissing her concerns and further enabling the alleged abuse.
Image: Page 2 of the South Barrington Police Department report summarizing the complaint against John Ortberg, offering official documentation related to the allegations.
John Ortberg has publicly denied these allegations, stating in a video response in 2021 that they are “not true” and “have no basis in reality.” He acknowledged the seriousness of such accusations, particularly in the context of clerical abuse, but maintained his innocence.
Recently, an editorial update from the original source of this article indicates a shift in perspective. After reviewing a Police Report filed in March 2021 by Sahaab Jauhar-Rizvi and considering other testimonies, the author states a change in opinion, expressing disbelief in Sahaab Jauhar-Rizvi’s accusations concerning John Ortberg. This update highlights the complexities of evaluating such allegations and the importance of considering various sources of information.
Image: Page 3 of the South Barrington Police Department report further detailing the summary of the Rizvi complaint against John Ortberg, providing more context to the official report.
The Center For Becoming and Current Status
Despite the controversies, John Ortberg has continued in ministry. He established “The Center For Becoming,” an organization focused on spiritual formation and teaching. This new venture allows him to continue his work as a speaker and author, albeit outside the traditional megachurch structure he was previously associated with.
Image: Promotional image for John Ortberg’s “The Center For Becoming,” illustrating his continued presence in ministry after the controversies.
Public records, specifically 990 tax forms for The Center For Becoming, reveal information about Ortberg’s compensation. In 2021, for 20 hours of work per week, his salary was reported as $220,000. In 2022, this increased to $240,000 for 40 hours per week. These figures have drawn scrutiny and discussion, particularly in light of the circumstances surrounding his departure from Menlo Church.
Image: Excerpt from tax form 990 showing John Ortberg’s salary of $220,000 for 2021 from The Center For Becoming, raising questions about compensation.
Image: Excerpt from tax form 990 indicating John Ortberg’s salary of $240,000 for 2022 from The Center For Becoming, showing an increase in compensation.
Conclusion
The narrative surrounding John Ortberg is complex and multifaceted. From his influential roles at Willow Creek and Menlo Church to the controversies and allegations that have emerged, his career has been marked by both significant achievements and considerable challenges. The recent editorial update suggesting a change in opinion regarding the allegations adds another layer to this ongoing story. As John Ortberg continues his ministry through The Center For Becoming, the discussions surrounding his past and present actions remain relevant within the evangelical Christian community and beyond.
