Maranatha Campus Ministries

Maranatha Campus Ministries was founded by Robert Weiner in 1972 as a ministry to students at Murray State University in Kentucky. By 1984, the group had expanded to more than 100 campuses throughout the United States and also 16 foreign countries.

From the beginning, MCM was Charismatic/ Pentecostal in teaching and also heavily authoritarian, taking many of its views on submission to authority from Derek Prince and the other "Fort Lauderdale Shepherds". Members of the group were expected to sign covenants vowing submission to the authority of the church elders in all areas of life.

Parents first began expressing concern about the group when it was noted that students' grades often fell after joining MCM. Since commitment to the ministry was considered a higher priority than commitment to education, students involved in MCM often skipped classes and study groups to attend MCM events. Also, many students donated large amounts of money to MCM--money that parents had sent them to help support their education. When parents voiced concern about the influence of Maranatha on their children, the students often responded by cutting off communication with their parents, having been told by the MCM elders that their parents were being used by Satan to keep them from the work of the Lord.

Under the guise of "100% commitment to Christ", member of MCM were discouraged from going to the doctor, but told to have faith for healing instead. Dating was discouraged, as the group was taught that Adam and Eve did not date, but were simply brought together by God. Instead, based on 'leadings from the Lord', marriages were often arranged between members of the group by the elders. Members of the group were also strongly encouraged to live with one another and to cut off ties with everyone who was not a member of MCM, especially anyone who spoke negatively of the group. Those who did not comply with all directives from the elders or who protested any of the group's teachings or practices were said to have 'an independent spirit' and were subjected to exorcism. Anyone who left the group was immediately shunned by all MCM members, as they were considered 'out of submission'.

As concerns about the organization grew, Weiner appealed to the Christian Research Institute (CRI) for an endorsement to dispell the 'rumors' that Maranatha was a cult. CRI responded by expressing serious concerns about Maranatha's teachings and practices and issued a statement advising students against becoming involved with the group. Initially, Weiner agreed to look into the allegations and correct inappropriate practices. However, he failed to institute any substantial changes, and instead alleged that his critics were simply speaking from anti-Charismatic bias.

In 1989, the organization finally disbanded under the pressure of multiple abuse allegations. However, some chapters of Maranatha continued on independently. In 1994, many former Marantha churches and ministries reassociated as Morning Star International, later renamed Every Nation. Some critics assert that this organization is merely a restructuring of Maranatha, pointing out that almost all the leaders in Every Nation are former members of Marantha. However, Every Nation appears to self-consciously distance itself from Marantha Campus Ministries. A statement on their website declares:

"While several Every Nation pastors, including Rice Broocks, Phil Bonasso and Steve Murrell, were active as campus ministers in Maranatha (a campus ministry founded by Bob Weiner) in the 1980’s, Every Nation unequivocally rejects the excessive teachings and practices that were present in Maranatha, specifically: controlling discipleship, authoritarian leadership, and theological mysticism."

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To view a video recording from the Rick Ross website showing an interview with former Maranatha Campus Ministries member Bob Tedford, click the links below:

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

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