Reggie Joiner, the founder of the widely-followed family ministry organization Orange, and its newly appointed CEO, Kristen Ivy, have both resigned after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with one another.
The news came on Wednesday when the ministry's board released a statement to supporters. It says it was with "profound sadness" that they announced the resignation of both Joiner and Ivy effective immediately.
The statement says that Joiner "has admitted to past inappropriate adult relationships, which violated our company policy and eroded trust within our organization.
"During the course of the Board’s investigation, Kristen also disclosed a past inappropriate relationship with Reggie."
The board says that allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Joiner were first brought forward 13 days ago, and it "promptly [launched] an external investigation when the potential of inappropriate behavior was brought to our attention."
Columnist Jonathan Merritt first broke the news on Wednesday, and followed up on Thursday with the statement from Orange.
Orange describes itself on its website as "a team of ministry leaders, educators, researchers, counselors, writers, editors, artists, musicians, and producers all committed to supporting churches and families as they nurture the faith and future of the next generation." It says it works with over 10,000 ministry leaders across 80 denominations in more than 40 countries.
Joiner co-founded North Point Community Church with Andy Stanley, where he served for 11 years as the church’s executive director of family ministry, Church Leaders reports.
Joiner had become a much beloved leader in evangelical family and youth ministry circles and has written over 30 books.
Ivy was named Orange's CEO in September 2023, but had been on staff with the ministry since 2006. She has written over 20 books on parenting and ministry.
Neither Joiner or Ivy have made public statements as of yet, and Joiner has taken down all his social media accounts.
The news came just one week ahead of its annual Orange Conference for ministry leaders. The board says it will continue with the conference, saying, "Now, more than ever, we believe it is important to gather for the Orange Conference next week, so we can be there for one another. If you’re joining us, you can still expect a community of leaders, speakers, ministry partners, and people who share unshakable hope in the future and mission of the Church."