View source for Teen Mania Ministries

{{Short description|Christian organization in Texas, US}}
{{Infobox organization
|name         = Teen Mania International
|image        = Teen_Mania_Logo_2015.png
|image_border =
|size         =
|caption      =
|map          =
|msize        =
|mcaption     =
|formation    = 1986
|dissolved    = 2015
|type         = [[Mission (Christian)|Christian missions]]
|headquarters = [[Dallas, Texas|Dallas]], [[Texas]]
|location     = Dallas, Texas
|membership   =
|language     =
|leader_title = President/Founder
|leader_name  = [[Ron Luce]]
|key_people   = 
|num_staff    = 3 on Board of Directors
|budget       =
|website      = teenmania.com
}}
'''Teen Mania International''' was an [[Evangelical Christian]] youth organization located in [[Dallas]], [[Texas]] (formerly [[Garden Valley, Texas|Garden Valley]], [[Texas]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.teenmania.com/teen-mania-pulling-up-roots/|title=Teen Mania International &#124; Teen Mania Ministries|website=www.teenmania.com}}</ref> Teen Mania focused primarily on four key programs, with a few additional smaller endeavors. It was one of the largest Christian youth organizations in the U.S.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Derrick|first1=J.C.|title=Teen Mania turmoil continues|url=http://www.worldmag.com/2014/05/teen_mania_turmoil_continues|accessdate=October 6, 2015|work=World magazine|date=May 16, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Martinez|first1=Jessica|title=Christian Youth Group in US Aims to Reach 1.5 Billion Teens Globally, Changes Name to 'Teen Mania International'|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-youth-group-in-us-aims-to-reach-1-5-billion-teens-globally-changes-name-to-teen-mania-international-114035/|accessdate=October 6, 2015|work=The Christian Post|date=February 5, 2014}}</ref>

Its primary program included "Acquire the Fire" events, described by one writer as "a mix of pep rally, rock concert and church service,"<ref>{{cite news | first = Matthai Chakko | last = Kuruvila | title = Christian teens flock to BattleCry | url = http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/03/10/BAG63OJ6V43.DTL | publisher = San Francisco Chronicle | date = 2007-03-10 | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> that were held in over 30 cities across the United States and Canada each year. The ministry focused much of its energy towards its domestic and overseas mission trips, operated under the title "Global Expeditions".  Teen Mania operated a one-year-long residential leadership training program on its campus, titled the Honor Academy, aimed towards high school graduates, and college students.

The ministry faced criticism for its use of overtly [[militaristic]] symbolism, as well as techniques that have been compared as similar to [[military training]]. This aggressive element is reflected in the vision statement: "To build an engaged ensemble of young people that are: radical, passionate, resilient, informed revolutionaries that will take the Gospel to the nations and multiply by teaching others to do the same."<ref>[https://www.guidestar.org/profile/73-1284606 Guidestar.org], 2015. Retrieved 13 Feb. 2017.</ref> Teen Mania has also been criticized by some former interns and employees for what they characterize as [[spiritual abuse]] and financial mismanagement.<ref name="MSNBC">{{cite episode| title = Mind Over Mania | url          =  http://www.nbcnews.com/id/21134540 | archive-url  =  https://web.archive.org/web/20130129090138/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/21134540/ | url-status   =  dead | archive-date =  January 29, 2013 | network = [[NBC News]]| airdate = 2011-11-06}}</ref><ref name="derrick1">{{cite news |url=http://www.worldmag.com/2014/04/management_mania |work=World magazine |last= Derrick |first=J.C. |title=Management Mania: Christian youth organization struggles to survive financial turmoil |date=April 18, 2014 |accessdate=October 6, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429093932/http://www.worldmag.com/2014/04/management_mania |archive-date=April 29, 2015
}}</ref> In its final years it faced significant financial difficulties, including a foreclosure on the campus, a lawsuit for breach of contract, and over $5.2 million in negative assets.<ref name="Warrant">{{cite news |last=Derrick |first=J. C. |date=October 1, 2015 |title=Warrant issued for Teen Mania founder |url=https://wng.org/sift/warrant-issued-for-teen-mania-founder-1617251541 |accessdate=2024-10-13 |publisher=[[World (magazine)|World]]}}</ref><ref name="CT">{{cite news | first = Morgan | last = Lee | title = Compassion International Sues Teen Mania over Acquire the Fire
 | url = http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2015/october/compassion-international-sues-teen-mania.html | publisher = [[Christianity Today]] | date = October 1, 2015 | accessdate = 2015-10-05 }}</ref><ref name="Kumar">{{cite news | first = Anugrah | last = Kumar | title =Arrest Warrant Issued for Teen Mania Founder Ron Luce in Compassion International's Lawsuit | url = http://www.christianpost.com/news/arrest-warrant-issued-for-teen-mania-founderron-luce-incompassion-internationals-lawsuit-146873/| publisher = [[Christian Post]] | date = October 5, 2015 | accessdate = 2015-10-05 }}</ref>

In February 2014 the ministry changed its name to "Teen Mania International" as part of a move from Garden Valley to Dallas after defaulting on the mortgage on their campus.<ref name="derrick1" /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.charismanews.com/us/42675-teen-mania-s-youth-ministry-relocating-to-dallas |publisher=Charisma News |author=Melanie Korb |title=Teen Mania's Youth Ministry Relocating to Dallas |date=2014-02-05 }}</ref> In May 2014, Teen Mania announced that it would be expanding its work to include overseas churches.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://mysolutionsmagazine.com/solutions/2014/may/#page/29 | work=Solutions Magazine |title=Ron Luce Talks About Teen Mania Going International}}</ref>

In December 2015, founder [[Ron Luce]] announced via ''[[Christianity Today]]'' that they "would cease operations," effectively shutting down all of its operations.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2015/december-web-only/teen-mania-why-shutting-down-acquire-fire-ron-luce.html | title=Teen Mania: Why We're Shutting Down After 30 Years of Acquire the Fire| work=Christianity Today| date=17 December 2015}}</ref> Teen Mania filed for [[Chapter 7 Bankruptcy]] on December 17, 2015, closing the ministry permanently.<ref name="Financial Woes">{{cite news |url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/religion/financial-woes-force-teen-mania-to-shut-down/article_85041890-c141-5687-a5a7-d86412c5db7e.html?mode=jqm |publisher=Tulsa World |author=Bill Sherman |title=Financial woes force Teen Mania to shut down |accessdate=2016-04-22 }}</ref><ref name="Finished">{{cite news |last=Derrick |first=J. C. |date=December 18, 2015 |title=Ron Luce admits Teen Mania is finished |url=https://wng.org/sift/ron-luce-admits-teen-mania-is-finished-1617252515 |accessdate=2024-10-13 |publisher=[[World (magazine)|World]]}}</ref>

==Denomination==
Teen Mania was not affiliated with a specific denomination; the organization worked with local churches of various denominations as a para-church organization, while providing its programs and other resources for youth, parents and church leaders.<ref name="Charity Navigator">{{cite web |url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/search.summary/orgid/4518.htm |title=Charity Navigator Rating - Teen Mania Ministries |accessdate=2007-11-14 |work=Charity Navigator}}</ref>

==Founder==
{{main|Ron Luce}}

Ron Luce was the president and founder of Teen Mania Ministries. He and his wife Katie founded Teen Mania in [[Tulsa, Oklahoma]], in 1986.<ref>{{cite news | first = Tamra | last = Schultz | title = Acquire the Fire: Workshop for a New Revolution of Music | url = http://www.ninetyandnine.com/Archives/20011203/review2.htm | publisher = ninetyandnine.com | date = December 3, 2001 | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> Luce has publicly condemned "purveyors of popular culture" as "the enemy," who according to Luce are "terrorists, virtue terrorists, that are destroying our kids... they're raping virgin teenage America on the sidewalk, and everybody's walking by and acting like everything's OK. And it's just not OK."<ref name="CNN">{{cite news | first = Christiane | last = Amanpour | author-link = Christiane Amanpour |author2=Julie O'Neill |author3=Taylor Gandossy  | title = Teen Christians campaign against pop culture | url = http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/08/22/gw.teen.christians/ | publisher = CNN | date = August 23, 2007 | accessdate = 2007-08-27 }}</ref>

Ron and Katie Luce claimed they did not receive royalties for any product that was sold through the ministry or used for fundraising or other promotional purposes by Teen Mania.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://teenmania.org |title=Teen Mania's Statement for Financial Accountability |accessdate=2010-02-14 |work=Teen Mania Ministries Corporate web site}}</ref>

==Primary ministries==
There were six primary ministries within the organization that served to facilitate its mission.

===Acquire the Fire===

Acquire the Fire ("ATF") was a yearly youth conference that was presented in over 30 major cities in the United States and Canada. These conferences consisted of Christian teachings, full-length stage dramas, worship via song, and live concerts.<ref name=programs/> ATF / Battle Cry producers adopted a militaristic tone, with frequent use of words such as ''battle'', ''enemy'', ''soldier'', ''foes'' and ''warfare'', accompanied by the display of military imagery and, at one such event, the use of simulated weapons.<ref name="bc-phil">{{cite video| title = Acquire the Fire TV (atf.tv)| medium = TV series| publisher = Teen Mania Ministries / [[Daystar Television Network]]| date = December 9, 2006}} Edited telecast of "BattleCry" stadium events recorded in Detroit on 2006-04-08 and in Philadelphia on 2006-05-13.</ref> These events were mentioned by ''[[Ministry Today]]'' magazine as one example of the "crusade model" of [[evangelism]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Five Most Effective Models of Evangelism|url=http://issuu.com/charismamediaproduction/docs/mtma14_dig?e=6700021/6910085|publisher=Charismamedia}}</ref> ''Youth Today'' also noted the event's focus on [[Culture war|cultural]] and [[spiritual warfare]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Moore |first=Jennifer |date=April 2007 |title=Press Watch |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/204168075 |journal=Youth Today |pages=15 |access-date=2024-09-01 |id={{ProQuest|204168075}} |via=[[ProQuest]]}}</ref> In an interview in 2014, Ron Luce stated, "We're doing everything we can to raise up a young army who will change the world for Christ."<ref name="ministry today">{{Cite web|url=http://issuu.com/charismamediaproduction/docs/mtmj14?e=6700021/7767907|title = Ministry Today May/June 2014}}</ref>

In 2014 and 2015, Acquire the Fire cancelled many events due to financial difficulties attributed to ATF youth music leader and treasurer Jonathan Bimp, leading to criticism from many church leaders who said they did not receive refunds of the money they had paid.<ref name="Warrant"/><ref name="Financial Woes"/>

===Global Expeditions===

Global Expeditions was a short-term [[missionary]] ministry. Young people were sent on missions projects of between one and eight weeks in the United States and overseas. To date{{As of?|date=September 2024}} Global Expeditions reported having sent 67,783 missionaries on the field to 69 countries and has documented 1,324,637 reported decisions for Christ.<ref name=programs>{{cite web|url=https://www.teenmania.com/programs/ |title= Programs|publisher=Teen Mania International|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150805091248/https://www.teenmania.com/programs/|archive-date= 2015-08-05}}</ref>

===Honor Academy===

The Honor Academy was an [[internship]] program for high school graduates and college students.  Honor Academy interns performed most of the day-to-day functions of the different ministry programs through ministry placements. Teen Mania reports there are over 5,000 graduates of the Honor Academy.<ref name=programs/>  In order to participate in the Honor Academy, individuals were required to raise their own financial support, which ranged from $650 to $850 per month depending on the specific program.  These funds were a tax-deductible contribution directly to the ministry and were non-refundable.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://honoracademy.com/finances.php| title= Honor Academy: Becoming an Intern| accessdate=2007-07-01| work=Honor Academy |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928100104/http://honoracademy.com/finances.php <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-09-28}}</ref>

During the mid-2000s, the Honor Academy had nearly 1,000 participants per year, resulting in seven-figure profits for Teen Mania. However, enrollment numbers declined to fewer than 100 as of 2014.<ref name="Suspend">{{cite news |author=J. C. Derrick |date=2014-07-18 |title=Teen Mania suspends major part of ministry |url=https://wng.org/sift/teen-mania-suspends-major-part-of-ministry-1618205287 |access-date=2024-10-13 |publisher=WORLD}}</ref> In 2014, following the foreclosure on the Garden Valley campus, Ron Luce announced that the program would be rebranded in Dallas as the Acquire the Fire Leadership Institute. It was later announced in July 2014 that the new internship would be suspended for the 2014–2015 academic year, with second-year interns participating in a scaled-down road tour called Go Teams.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.teenmaniaalumni.com/news| title= Teen Mania Suspends Internship For One Year; Creates Go Teams| publisher=Teen Mania Alumni| accessdate=2014-07-16}}</ref> Teen Mania said that prospective students in the cancelled program would be refunded on their payments toward the $8,400 tuition, although some parents complained of the short notice.<ref name="Suspend" /> The proposed new program never took place as Teen Mania filed for bankruptcy in 2015.<ref name="Financial Woes"/>

===Extreme Camps===

Extreme Camps was an annual series of summer camps that was held at the campus in Garden Valley, Texas. Activities included [[paint ball]], [[ropes courses]], [[Swimming (sport)|swimming]], and [[extreme sports]] with presentations from Christian speakers and musicians.<ref name=programs/>

===School of Worship===

The School of Worship was a second-year program for Honor Academy graduates focusing on technical skills and spiritual leadership for musicians.<ref name=programs/>

===Battle Cry Campaign===

{{main|Battle Cry Campaign}}

The '''Battle Cry Campaign''' which ended in 2007, was an organizing initiative of Teen Mania Ministries, started in 2005 and headed by Teen Mania founder [[Ron Luce]]; it primarily sought to influence American and Canadian social and political culture.  Major backers include prominent evangelical leaders [[Joyce Meyer]], [[Chuck Colson]], [[Pat Robertson]], [[Josh McDowell]], and [[Jack Hayford]].<ref name="initiative">{{cite news |url=http://www.demossnewspond.com/teen/releases/2006/ATFSeason082506.htm |publisher=DeMoss News Pond |title=Faith-Filled Teens Take Radical Counter-Culture Message to Tens of Thousands of Peers Across United States |date=2006-08-25}}</ref>

==The campus==
[[File:Teen Mania Ministries headquarters, 2005.jpg|thumb|right|Teen Mania headquarters in Garden Valley, Texas, during the summer of 2005]]In 1996 Teen Mania relocated from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Garden Valley, Texas, purchasing the property that was formerly the location of [[Keith Green]]'s Last Days Ministries.  Garden Valley is now home to five other major Christian ministries.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}}

In February 2014, Ron Luce announced that the Garden Valley property had been released to its mortgage holder and the ministry headquarters were to be moved to Dallas, saying, "the reality of land management is no longer practical or germane to the international scope of the organization."<ref name="moving">{{cite news
|url=http://www.tylerpaper.com/TP-Breaking/194163/teen-mania-moving-headquarters-from-garden-valley-to-dallas
|publisher=Tyler Morning Telegraph
|author=Rebecca Hoeffner
|title=Ministry moving headquarters to Dallas
|date=2014-02-07
}}</ref> Teen Mania's Communications Director later told reporters that the Honor Academy had in fact stopped their mortgage payments in November 2013 leading to default and foreclosure, but that Luce hid "the full nature of the situation" to raise donations.<ref name="derrick1"/> Luce has denied these reports, saying the ministry has only missed one payment, in November 2013. He described the foreclosure as "[[Deed in lieu of foreclosure|friendly]]", and said that after the transfer of property in March Teen Mania would continue to pay rent until it relocated in August 2014.<ref name=bouncing />

==Canada==
Teen Mania also had a separate Canadian division titled Teen Mania-Canada located in [[Prince Edward County, Ontario]].<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2008/2008-06-21/html/misc-divers-eng.html|title=Miscellaneous notices|publisher=Canada Gazette (Government of Canada)}}</ref>

==Memberships and coalition activities==

Teen Mania Ministries participated in a number of coalitions or networks, both formal and informal.
* '''Battle Cry Coalition''' – Teen Mania's own coalition included prominent [[Christian Right]] leaders [[Jerry Falwell]], [[Pat Robertson]], [[Ted Haggard]], [[Chuck Colson]], and [[Joyce Meyer]], and other personalities such as [[Jack Hayford]], [[Kay Arthur]], [[Prestonwood Baptist Church|Jack Graham]], [[Greg Laurie]], [[Josh McDowell]], [[Tommy Barnett (pastor)|Tommy Barnett]], [[North American Mission Board|Bob Reccord]], [[Kirk Franklin]] and [[John C. Maxwell|John Maxwell]].<ref>
{{cite web  | author = Teen Mania Ministries  | title = Battle Cry: Battle Cry Partners  | url = http://battlecry.com/pages/partners.php  | accessdate = 2006-12-09 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061207020326/http://www.battlecry.com/pages/partners.php<!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2006-12-07}}</ref> Coalition members participated in Teen Mania's events and programs and also assisted in promotion of the Battle Cry Campaign.<ref name="summits">{{cite web  | title = Battle Cry: Summit Schedule  | url = http://battlecry.com/pages/summitschedule.php  | accessdate = 2006-12-09  | author = Teen Mania Ministries |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061129060854/http://battlecry.com/pages/summitschedule.php <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2006-11-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  | author = Teen Mania Ministries  | title = Battle Cry: The Battle Cry Alliance  | url = http://battlecry.com/pages/The_Alliance.php  | accessdate =  2006-12-09 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070109181512/http://www.battlecry.com/pages/The_Alliance.php <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-01-09}}</ref>
* '''The Arlington Group''' – Teen Mania is a member of the [[Arlington Group]], a coalition which unites the leaders of almost all of the most prominent Christian Right organizations in the United States. Arlington Group members have prominently appeared in Battle Cry materials and events, including Battle Cry Coalition member [[Pat Robertson]] and former members [[Jerry Falwell]] and [[Ted Haggard]]. While campaigning for a [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] seat, group member [[Keith Butler (Michigan)|Keith Butler]] delivered the opening invocation at the Battle Cry stadium event in Detroit on April 8, 2006.<ref name="bc-detroit-8">
{{cite video
  | people = [[Ron Luce]]
  | title = "Battle Cry" Detroit
  | medium = TV program (live)
  | publisher = [[National Religious Broadcasters|NRB Network]]
  | location = Detroit, Michigan
  | date = April 8, 2006 }}</ref> One of the first "Battle Cry Leadership Summits" was held at the church headed by Arlington Group member Harry Jackson in November, 2005.<ref>
{{cite news
  | last = Chang
  | first = Pauline J.
  | title = Over 700 Pastors, Ministers Answer 'Battle Cry' to Rescue Youth
  | publisher = The Christian Post
  | date = 2005-11-21
  | url = https://www.christianpost.com/news/over-700-pastors-ministers-answer-battle-cry-to-rescue-youth-13826/
  | accessdate = 2018-05-09 }}
</ref> Ron Luce has spoken before at least two political conferences organized by Arlington Group members in 2006: [[Vision America|Vision America's]] "War on Christians" conference,<ref name="visionamerica-conf">
{{cite video
  | people = [[Ron Luce]]
  | title = Vision America's "War on Christians" Conference
  | medium = TV program
  | publisher = [[Sky Angel]] Angel Two channel
  | location = Washington, DC
  | date = September 4, 2006 }} Conference session recorded 2006-03-27.</ref><ref name="visionamerica-washtimes">
{{cite news
  | last = Duin
  | first = Julia
  | title = 'Values voters' call for congressional action
  | publisher = The Washington Times
  | date = 2006-03-28
  | url = http://washingtontimes.com/national/20060327-101943-9837r.htm
  | accessdate = 2006-12-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102003951/http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20060327-101943-9837r.htm| archive-date= 2 January 2007 | url-status= live}}
</ref> and [[FRC Action|Family Research Council Action's]] "Values Voters Summit".<ref name="frca-conf">
{{cite video
 |people      = [[Ron Luce]]
 |title       = Values and the Midterm Elections
 |medium      = TV program / DVD
 |publisher   = [[C-SPAN]] - National Cable Satellite Corporation
 |location    = Washington, DC
 |date        = September 28, 2006
 |url         = http://www.c-spanstore.org/shop/index.php?main_page=product_video_info&products_id=194449-1
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070926225138/http://www.c-spanstore.org/shop/index.php?main_page=product_video_info&products_id=194449-1
 |archive-date = September 26, 2007
}} Conference session recorded 2006-09-23.</ref>
* '''National Network of Youth Ministries''' – Teen Mania is a member of the Cooperating Ministries of the National Network of Youth Ministries.<ref>{{cite web
  | author = National Network of Youth Ministries
  | title = NNYM Cooperating Ministries
  | url = http://www.youthworkers.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=coopmins.home
  | accessdate = 2006-12-10 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070104020045/http://www.youthworkers.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=coopmins.home| archive-date= 4 January 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> Other prominent members of this network include [[Assemblies of God]], [[Campus Crusade for Christ]], [[Church of the Nazarene]], [[Fellowship of Christian Athletes]], [[Focus on the Family]], [[The Salvation Army]], [[Young Life]] and [[Youth With A Mission]].
* '''GOD TV''' – Teen Mania's television program, ''{{Not a typo|atf.tv}}'', and exclusive live broadcasts of Acquire the Fire events are featured on [[GOD TV]], an international Christian television broadcaster. This channel is available in the United States on the [[DirecTV]] satellite system. The U.S. version of this channel features a number of personalities and programs connected with the [[Apostolic-Prophetic Movement]] of Christianity, including [[Rick Joyner]], [[Cindy Jacobs]], [[Mike Bickle (minister)|Mike Bickle]], [[Rodney Howard-Browne]], [[Steve Hill (evangelist)|Steve Hill]], [[Francis Frangipane]], Patricia King, and the ''[[Elijah List]]'' program hosted by Steve Shultz.<ref>{{cite book
  | last = GOD TV
  | author-link = GOD TV
  | title = GOD TV January 2007 Program Guide
  | pages = 8, 9, 28, 29 }}
</ref>
* '''Other supporters''' – In presentations of the Campaign to churches and ministry groups, a number of additional individuals and organizations have been named as supporters, including Senator [[Sam Brownback]], Senator [[Rick Santorum]], [[Sean Hannity]], [[Benny Hinn]], [[Gary Bauer]], [[Hank Hanegraaff]], Dennis Rainey, [[American Family Association]], [[Trinity Broadcasting Network]], [[Family Research Council]] and the [[Traditional Values Coalition]].<ref>{{cite web
  | last = Luce
  | first = Ron
  | title = BattleCry Powerpoint Presentation (sun_am_ppt_4-12-06.ppt)
  | url = http://battlecry.com/files/sun_am_ppt_4-12-06.ppt
  | accessdate = 2006-12-18 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20060626214030/http://www.battlecry.com/files/sun_am_ppt_4-12-06.ppt <!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archive-date = 2006-06-26}}
</ref>

==Finances==
Teen Mania was a member of the [[Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability]] (ECFA) until March 10, 2014, when their accreditation was terminated "for failure to provide complete renewal information."<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.ecfa.org/formermembers.aspx|title=Former Members|publisher=ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability)|accessdate = 2014-04-08 }}</ref> The organization said it planned to submit documentation supporting a renewal of accreditation by September 2014.<ref name=bouncing />

In 2014 [[Charity Navigator]] gave Teen Mania a two out of four star rating, with an overall score of 48.05 points out of 70, a financial score of 38.97 / 70, and an accountability & reliability score of 70/70.<ref name="Charity Navigator"/> Charity Navigator listed Teen Mania as the third-most insolvent charity in the United States, with over $5.2 million in negative working capital.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=topten.detail&listid=12#.U1FzHC_197G|title=10 Charities in Deep Financial Trouble|publisher=Charity Navigator|accessdate=2014-04-18}}</ref><ref name="Warrant"/> Teen Mania said it had reorganized its finances, and had appealed the ranking.<ref name=bouncing>{{cite web|last1=Andrews|first1=Mark|title=EXCLUSIVE: Ron Luce Speaks Out on Teen Mania's Debt, Overhaul|url=http://www.charismanews.com/us/44199-debt-ridden-teen-mania-bouncing-back-after-overhaul|publisher=Charisma News|accessdate=17 June 2014|date=10 June 2014}}</ref> In 2015, the rating was revised to one out of four stars, with an overall score of 66.39 / 100.<ref name="Charity Navigator"/>

''[[World (magazine)|World Magazine]]'' interviewed several former staff and board members who expressed concerns about Teen Mania's use of funds, citing such problems as the default and foreclosure on the Garden Valley campus, high debt load, "reckless spending," and an "unusual transaction" in which millions of dollars of Teen Mania's debt were funneled into [[His Work Ministries]], a nonprofit owned by Ron Luce. Many of them reportedly resigned in protest. An independent audit in 2011 said, "A discerning donor will quickly see TMM is technically bankrupt—this is a matter that demands an explanation."<ref name="derrick1" /> In response, Teen Mania Ministries stated, "The ''World'' article "Management Mania," which appeared in the May 3 edition of the magazine, included several false statements and misperceptions regarding the current state of Teen Mania Ministries."<ref>"[http://www.teenmania.com/regarding-the-may-3-world-magazine-article-management-mania/ Regarding the May 3 WORLD Magazine Article, 'Management Mania,']" Teen Mania website, accessed 3 May 2014.</ref> ''[[World (magazine)|World]]'' responded that "Luce has declined to identify any specific error in WORLD's article," and published an audit document from [[Calvin Edwards & Co.]] to substantiate their report.<ref name="World">{{cite news
|url=http://www.worldmag.com/2014/05/teen_mania_turmoil_continues/page1
|publisher=WORLD
|author=J. C. Derrick
|title=Teen Mania Turmoil Continues: Board member resigns following WORLD report
|date=2014-05-16
}}</ref><ref name="Edwards">{{cite web
|url=http://www.worldmag.com/media/docs/teen_mania_ministries_advisory_memo.pdf
|publisher=WORLD
|author=Calvin Edwards & Co.
|title=Teen Mania Advisory Memo
|date=2014-05-16
}}</ref> Edwards confirmed that the report was authentic and said "it was met with strong opposition from Ron Luce, who sought to maintain the status quo."<ref name="Finished"/>

In July 2014, WORLD reported that Teen Mania had [[outsourcing|outsourced]] its finance department to the [[Nashville]] firm Entertainment Financial Services, Inc.<ref name="Suspend" />

Following criticism from many church leaders who had not received refunds for canceled Acquire The Fire Events, Teen Mania's former director of international operations was quoted as saying, "They're now at a point where they can't pay back people."<ref name="Warrant"/>

On December 17, 2015, Teen Mania filed for [[Chapter 7 bankruptcy]] in Tulsa. The bankruptcy filing disclosed that the ministry had "total assets of $528,874 and total liabilities of $2,124,874." News reports cited Teen Mania's IRS 990 forms that listed "fiscal 2012 revenue of $13.8 million, expenses of $14.8 million and assets of negative $5.2 million."<ref name="Financial Woes"/> Former employees described "irresponsible spending" as the cause of Teen Mania's financial collapse.<ref name="Finished"/><ref name="Financial Woes"/>

==Controversy and criticism==

===Cult accusations===

Based on Teen Mania's doctrines and behavior, some Christian mental health professionals have labeled it a [[cult]].<ref>{{cite web
  | last = Duncan
  | first = Wendy and Doug
  | title = Teen Mania: Sound the Warning Bell on Teen Mania
  | publisher = VM Life Resources
  | date = 2011-06-02
  | url = http://www.dallascult.com/index.php?page_id=277
  | accessdate = 2011-06-02 }}</ref><ref name="Hoeffner"/> In an [[MSNBC]] documentary, counselors Doug and Wendy Duncan identified all of [[Robert Jay Lifton]]'s [[Thought Reform (book)|"Eight Criteria for Thought Reform"]] in the Honor Academy program, as described in personal accounts and video footage from several alumni and former staff spanning the past twelve years.<ref name="MSNBC"/> The documentary won an investigative reporting award from the [[Council on International Nontheatrical Events]] (CINE).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cine.org/film/mind-over-mania/|title=MIND OVER MANIA &#124; CINE|website=www.cine.org}}</ref>

A blog published by a former intern, entitled "Recovering Alumni," has raised concerns about recurring [[spiritual abuse]] and health and safety issues at the Honor Academy, publishing firsthand accounts from many other interns alleging mistreatment over the past 15 years to the present. In an interview in the ''[[Tyler Morning Telegraph]]'', the blog's author claimed, based on an email list, that about 200 Honor Academy alumni consider themselves "recovering."<ref name="Hoeffner">{{cite news
  | last = Hoeffner
  | first = Rebecca
  | title = Teen Mania Says Boot Camp Revamped, But Critics Liken Program To Cult
  | publisher = Tyler Morning Telegraph
  | date = 2011-11-05
  | url = http://www.tylerpaper.com/article/20111105/NEWS01/111109887
  | accessdate = 2011-11-07 }}</ref>

The cult accusations were challenged by Christian [[Christian countercult movement|countercult]] apologist [[Hank Hanegraaff]], who questioned the validity of the Duncans' use of Lifton's Eight Criteria for Thought Reform, stating that "the arguments proffered against TMM could just as easily be used to establish historic Christianity as a thought reform cult. Equally significant is the fact that cult [[Brainwashing|mind control]] as a sociological model has been utterly discredited."<ref>Schapiro, Jeff. "[http://www.christianpost.com/news/bible-answer-man-hank-hanegraaff-defends-teen-mania-ministries-61230/ 'Bible Answer Man' Hank Hanegraaff Defends Teen Mania Ministries.]" ''The Christian Post.'' 9 Nov. 2011. Web. Retrieved 20 March 2012.</ref> However, Hanegraaff's assertion contradicts current scholarship such as [[Kathleen Taylor (biologist)|Kathleen Taylor]]'s book ''[[Brainwashing: The Science Of Thought Control]]'' ([[Oxford University Press]], 2004), which gives credit to mind control as a sociological and psychological model and distinguishes it from religious faith.<ref>{{cite book |last=Taylor |first=Kathleen |author-link=Kathleen Taylor (biologist) |year=2004 |title=Brainwashing: The Science of Thought Control |edition=1st |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=0192804960}}</ref>

In a conference call in February 2014, Ron Luce admitted that "most Recovering Alumni content is true" and said that the ministry had made some changes because of it.<ref name="derrick1" />

===ESOAL renamed to PEARL===
In September 2010, local Texas news station [[KLTV]] reported a three-part story on the Honor Academy's optional "ESOAL" retreat (an acronym for the "Emotionally Stretching Opportunity of a Lifetime"). The yearly 48- to 90-hour event would test participants with extreme exercise, sleep deprivation, unpleasant food and other [[military training]] techniques in order to "stretch" participants "emotionally and physically."<ref name="Chesky">{{cite news|last=Chesky|first=Morgan|title=A look inside Teen Mania: ESOAL|url=http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=13194089|publisher=KLTV|accessdate=2011-03-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Heath |url=http://trailerclub.blogspot.com/2008/09/esoals-coming.html |title=What One Man Can Do, Another Man Can Do: ESOAL's Coming! |publisher=Trailerclub.blogspot.com |date=2008-09-09 |accessdate=2012-08-15}}</ref> Some interns who participated in the event describe it as abusive and authoritarian, questioning the spiritual value of activities like rolling down a hill repeatedly.<ref name="Chesky"/> Injuries including cuts, bruises, infections, sprains, dislocations, and exposure were reported by an area doctor, raising concerns about the event's safety.<ref>{{cite web|last=Chesky|first=Morgan|title=ESOAL: Past 'interns' reflect on Teen Mania program|url=http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13201171|publisher=KLTV|accessdate=2011-03-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
  | last = Chesky
  | first = Morgan
  | title = Do ESOAL Activities go too far?
  | publisher = [[KLTV]]
  | date = 2010-09-24
  | url = http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=13208668
  | accessdate = 2011-03-28 }}</ref>

In response to the KLTV news story, Teen Mania leadership promised to form an independent committee to investigate the charges of safety violations.<ref>{{cite web|last=Chesky|first=Morgan|title=ESOAL forming committee to evaluate program|url=http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13214711|publisher=KLTV|accessdate=2011-03-28}}</ref> The committee presented their report to the Honor Academy Administration on June 13, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=ESOAL Committee Report|url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rGU5QejpN1smSVmr7wTSr_w_mkMVWJNKtFWZYxZNtnM/edit?hl=en_US&pli=1|publisher=ESOAL Committee|accessdate=2011-08-23}}</ref> In a video announcement from his blog, David Hasz, the director of the Honor Academy, explained that ESOAL had "changed dramatically and metamorphosized(sic) over the years" and would now be called PEARL (an acronym for Physical, Emotional, and Relational Learning). Hasz said that the revamped event will be "similar to the last several years," but the military rank names that previously were used have been replaced with team-building names.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stoner|first=Heath|title=The Honor Academy Announces the PEARL LTE|url=http://www.honoracademydirector.com/2011/08/20/honor-academy-announces-pearl-lte/|publisher=Honor Academy Director|accessdate=2011-08-23}}</ref>

According to Honor Academy director David Hasz, "PEARL is not designed to be 'the event' that will spiritually change [participants] forever," and is "a small part of the Honor Academy."<ref name="Hoeffner"/>

Doug Duncan described the renaming of ESOAL to PEARL as "a bit of a whitewash," believing that the central idea of the event is still about [[Brainwashing|thought reform]].<ref name="Hoeffner"/> The ''Tyler Morning Telegraph'' reported that each participant of the 2011 PEARL was required to visit an on-site clinic after completion of the event. Of the 272 participants, 42 were said to have physical concerns "such as feeling faint, sprained ankles or knees, or potential breathing issues."<ref name="Hoeffner" />

On July 13, 2012, Teen Mania Ministries suspended ESOAL/PEARL, indefinitely.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.honoracademydirector.com/important-announcement-pearl/ |title=Important Announcement about The Pearl |publisher=Honor Academy Director |accessdate=2012-08-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tylerpaper.com/article/20120713/NEWS01/120719926/0/news08 |title=Teen Mania Suspends Controversial Program |publisher=Tylerpaper.com |date=2012-07-13 |accessdate=2012-08-15}}</ref> In a statement, Hasz maintained that "those lessons learned through ESOAL and PEARL will still be taught" at Honor Academy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tylerpaper.com/article/20120714/NEWS01/120719906/0/Search |title=Teen Mania Suspends Contentious Boot Camp |publisher=Tylerpaper.com |date=2012-07-14 |accessdate=2013-02-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://knue.com/teen-mania-esoal-pearl-program/ |last=Colston|first=Chase|title=Teen Mania Ministry Suspends Controversial 'ESOAL' + 'PEARL' Program  |publisher=KNUE |date=2012-07-13 |accessdate=2013-02-08}}</ref> The intern who founded the Recovering Alumni website says she considers this "a small victory" but remains "concerned about the Teen Mania environment as a whole."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tylerpaper.com/article/20120714/NEWS01/120719906/0/Search |title=Teen Mania Suspends Contentious Boot Camp |publisher=Tylerpaper.com |date=2012-07-14 |accessdate=2013-02-13}}</ref>

===Battle Cry Campaign===
{{Main|Battle Cry Campaign#Controversy and criticism}}

Teen Mania's [[Battle Cry Campaign]] was criticized by mainstream media for its use of military metaphors and imagery, politicizing faith and cultural issues, and using statistics some{{weasel inline|date=June 2014}} believe are "greatly exaggerated."<ref>{{cite news  | last = Goodstein  | first = Laurie  | title = Evangelicals Fear the Loss of Their Teenagers  | work = The New York Times  | date = 2006-10-06  | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/06/us/06evangelical.html?ei=5070&en=44bb8a8b284d999c&ex=1165899600&pagewanted=all  | accessdate = 2006-12-10 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gerson |first=Jen |date=2006-10-31 |title=Pop culture versus God: Branded by the light |url=https://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1162206129588&call_pageid=968332188492 |accessdate=2006-12-10 |publisher=[[Toronto Star]]}}{{dead link|date=May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2007-04-06 |title=On The Media: "Hear Their Roar" (April 6, 2007) |url=http://www.onthemedia.org/transcripts/2007/04/06/05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070527215119/http://www.onthemedia.org/transcripts/2007/04/06/05 |archive-date=May 27, 2007 |accessdate=2007-04-07 |work=[[On the Media]] |publisher=[[National Public Radio]] |medium=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kuruvila |first=Matthai Chakko |date=2007-03-08 |title=Faith's Battlefield: S.F. event designed to get teens energized about evangelical Christianity divides believers with its combative language and emphasis on culture war |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/03/08/MNGCROHIP31.DTL |accessdate=2008-03-16 |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |pages=A–1}}</ref>

===Lawsuits===

Teen Mania was sued by [[Compassion International]] in November 2014, seeking $174,124.73 in damages for breach of contract related to canceled Acquire The Fire events.<ref name= "Kumar" /> On September 9, 2015, the 4th Judicial District Court in [[Colorado Springs]] issued an arrest warrant for Ron Luce for failure to appear at a hearing regarding this lawsuit.<ref name = "Warrant"/><ref name = "CT" /><ref name="Financial Woes"/>

=== ''Shiny Happy People'' Documentary ===
In June 2025, Amazon announced that the second season of the ''[[Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets|Shiny Happy People]]'' documentary series would focus on Teen Mania and the controversies surrounding it. The second season is scheduled to premiere on July 23, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parlevliet |first=Mirko |date=2025-06-18 |title=Shiny Happy People Renewed for a Second Season |url=https://www.vitalthrills.com/shiny-happy-people-renewed-for-a-second-season/ |access-date=2025-06-24 |website=Vital Thrills |language=en-US}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*{{cite web|title=Teen Mania Ministries|url=http://www.teenmania.com/|accessdate=December 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031080127/http://www.teenmania.com/|archive-date=October 31, 2015}}
*{{cite web|title=Teen Mani Canada|url=http://teenmania.ca/|accessdate=December 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930052219/http://teenmania.ca/|archive-date=September 30, 2015}}
*[http://www.ecfa.org/formermembers.aspx Teen Mania Financial Profile] from the [[Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability]]
*[http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.comments&orgid=4518 Teen Mania Rating] by [[Charity Navigator]]

{{coord|32|31|48|N|95|32|49|W|type:landmark_region:US-TX|display=title}}

[[Category:Evangelical parachurch organizations]]
[[Category:Christian organizations established in 1986]]
[[Category:Christian youth organizations]]
[[Category:Unaccredited Christian universities and colleges in the United States]]
[[Category:Evangelicalism in the United States]]
[[Category:1986 establishments in Texas]]
[[Category:Youth organizations based in Texas]]