Institutional Commitment — Restoration Life Church
Restoration Life Church engaged Matthew18 following community concerns regarding doctrinal conduct and leadership response. The institution cooperated with all phases of the independent investigation. The final report and compliance requirements have been issued.
Case CT-2025-0087
Restoration Life Church
Integrity Score
Procedural compliance
Active Panels
Professional, Community, Alumni
Safeguards
All requirements met
Filed 2025-07-14 · Updated 2026-01-18
Investigation Progress
Click any stage to view detailed requirements and status
Case Timeline
Interactive chronological view of all investigation events
Procedural Safeguards
Required protections verified and active throughout the investigation
Investigator Appointed
Dr. James Whitfield, PsyD, LCSW appointed through verified vetting process
Verified 2025-08-05
Conflict Check
All participants screened — no prior relationships with Restoration Life Church confirmed
Verified 2025-08-12
Evidence Preservation
Digital forensic hold on Facebook posts, service recordings, and internal email systems
Verified 2025-08-15
Victim Advocacy
Independent advocate assigned for complainants and affected congregation members
Verified 2025-07-22
Oversight Panel
Three-panel oversight structure constituted: Professional (3), Community (10), Alumni (45)
Verified 2025-08-12
Mandatory Reporting
All legally required reports filed; no criminal referral required per legal review
Verified 2025-07-20
Integrity Metrics
Real-time procedural compliance tracking across investigation dimensions
Overall Integrity
Evidence Completeness
203 of 203 evidence items collected across 6 categories
Multi-Panel Consensus
Independent panel assessments — structured for procedural legitimacy
Final vote completed — unanimous on all three allegations
Final vote completed — 9-1 consensus
Survey completed — 42 of 45 responses received
Lead Investigator
Independent investigator credentials and methodology
Lead Investigator
Credentials
- PsyD Clinical Psychology, Vanderbilt University
- LCSW — Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- MA Pastoral Counseling, Asbury Theological Seminary
Certifications
- AWI Certified Workplace Investigator
- Board Certified Forensic Examiner (BCFE)
- Trauma-Informed Investigation Specialist
14
Years Experience
32
Cases Completed
Methodology Statement
Investigation conducted under AWI Standards of Practice adapted for faith community contexts. All interviews followed trauma-informed protocols with mandatory support referrals. Digital evidence preserved using forensic imaging with chain-of-custody documentation. Special attention given to power dynamics in prophetic ministry contexts.
Investigation Milestones
13 milestones tracked — 18 completed
Report Sections
Structured final report — sections released as investigation phases complete
Executive Summary
AvailableInvestigation into three categories of allegations at Restoration Life Church: false prophetic declarations, leadership cover-up, and retaliatory silencing. All three substantiated by consensus across all panels.
Investigation Methodology
AvailableAWI Standards-compliant investigation adapted for faith community context, utilizing trauma-informed protocols, digital forensic preservation, and multi-panel oversight.
Findings: Doctrinal Misconduct — False Prophecy
AvailableMember A delivered false prophetic declarations during services and on Facebook. 14 witnesses corroborated. Digital evidence preserved including 340+ reaction post.
Panel Determinations
AvailableAll three panels substantiated all three allegation categories. Professional Panel unanimous (3-0). Community Panel 9-1 with minority opinion. Alumni 88% support.
Recommendations
Available8 recommendations issued covering accountability, structural reform, grievance process overhaul, and ongoing monitoring.
Compliance Requirements
AvailableStructured compliance timeline with milestones at 30, 90, 180, and 365 days. Ongoing monitoring by Matthew18 oversight.