Pastor John Longaker: Another Woman Recounts Her Sexual Encounter and a Third Woman Describes Her Counseling Experience #churchtoo

“No one toxic will offer you apologies, explanations or closure. The toxic person does not recognize their own issues. In any case, you have the power to heal without their participation.” Peter Shepherd

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I left a message for Pastor Longaker on the church phone, offering him a chance to respond to the following stories. He sent me an email when I posted the original story because I had asked him to share with me the statement he planned to make to the church. In today’s message I said that I would be posting that original email on Monday and offered him the opportunity to add to that response.


Christy’s Story

This is Christy’s story told in her own words.

I met Mr. Longaker when I began working at a local Christian bookstore when I was 17. At some point, early in my employment there, he had told me that he had served a year in prison for something that had happened between him and a young girl at a former Christian school where he had taught. Even then, he made it sound like he was a victim, that this girl threw herself at him and he ended up in a situation where he had no choice but to plead guilty to the charges. I even remember his Parole Officer coming to the store on multiple occasions to check on him—while I was there, standing behind the counter.

There was a bunch of young teenage girls who worked there with me. He was able to obtain a job in that environment because his wife’s brother was the manager of the store. I wonder what the parameters of his parole were? Did they allow him to be in that environment working with girls who were minors?

He began his pursuit of me by contact such as touching my lower back, brushing past my back side while we were behind the counter, all the while becoming more and more sexual. He continued this behavior from the fall of 1999 into the spring of 2000.

(Editor: Graphic descriptor warning)

I remember him telling me that I had a great *bottom.* He would rub his private area against my backside while we were working behind the counter, and ask me if I could feel how hard he was. I remember him inserting his fingers into me, under my skirt, while pretending to fix something below the counter, so he was out of sight. On one of these occasions, he took my underwear off and put them in his briefcase to take home.

However, in the spring on 2000, my father ended up finding out something sexual was going on between the two of us. My father confronted him and told him to stay away from me. I was then sent away to live with people in another state for several months.

In the late summer of 2000, I came home and began working there again. At this point, I was 18, and felt that I had control over my life. John began his pursuit of me again, inviting me to stay over at his home while his wife and son were away visiting family for a night. I did this. I will never forget driving home the next day and feeling so disgusted with myself. I couldn’t shower enough to wash it all away. It was soon after this, that I put a stop to it all. While I continued to work at the store, I began dating. Finally, in June of 2001, I found a new job.

Thinking back, I knew he had moved back up to New England. Until recently, I didn’t care where he was or what he did, so long as he never entered my life again. I held this all in and did my best not to confront it, until someone randomly sent me the link to this article, John Longaker, a Convicted Predator, Is Now a Pastor and His Brave Victim, Kelly Haines, Wants to Know Why not realizing my connection to Kelly’s story. This article has opened up wounds that I have spent years trying to contain.

When I found out he was a pastor at a church, my anger and disgust began boiling over inside of me. Unlike Kelly, who has tirelessly fought for her voice to be heard, I have quietly lived with the impact of his actions. I have lived with shame and brokenness, as many victims do. Mr. Longaker might have thought that his only accuser was Kelly Haines, but my story will no longer remain quiet. Mr. Longaker lacked the foresight to recognize that his teenage victims would eventually grow-up.

Given what we know of Kelly’s experience with Mr. Longaker, my own personal experience, and knowledge of others who have had similar encounters with him, my concern is that his predatory behaviors utilize his platform of Christianity; knowing he is in a position of power. I am appalled that his church would stand by him as he adamantly denies wrong-doing so in the face of great evidence.

This platform that he has managed to attain gives him easy access to misguide and manipulate vulnerable individuals. This “nice” guy, is a sick human being, who continues to distort the word of God to match his personal agenda. While I fully believe in the power of Christ’s restoration and forgiveness, from his response to the article, it does not appear that this man has ever repented of his sins.

This fact is evident: even when given an opportunity to be honest, he quickly turns the story to maintain his own innocence and minimize the truth of his victim. That is not the voice of a man who is truly sorry for the damage he has done. That is the voice of a coward, who hides behind Christianity and his own warped view of forgiveness. I may never see justice in my lifetime. I may never have total freedom from the damage he inflicted on me. But he will face a JUST and HOLY God someday. And I know, in that day, he will atone for his sins.

I didn’t want to come forward. I didn’t want to face this haunting point in my life. But I do believe there are others out there. And if speaking up and attaching my name to something so significant will help another person come forward, or stop his ruthless use of power, then so be it.

I want my message to him, his elder board, and his church abundantly clear: I am no longer silent. My voice will be heard. To use the words of your “friend”, Mike Adams, Mr. Longaker: If your pattern of behavior has continued, I promise that I will pursue formal criminal and/or civil charges and I will contribute my own personal resources and the vast resources available to me to hold you responsible. Make no mistake about that, sir.


Sarah’s Story

(editor:10/27/18-name changed due to overwhelming response)

Sarah has been bombarded with phone calls from her local community. She is very upset. I tried to explain that once something is posted, it never goes away. Anyone looking for her story will be able to find it if they wish. I received full permission for the posting of her story. I warned her that the blog was well read and encouraged her to use a pseudonym as well as keep her reason for seeking counseling private. She said to use her real name and said to say why she sought counseling. I made one small mistake and attributed something to her that Kelly Haines had said and I corrected that immediately and notified her that I had done so.

Suffice to say, I carefully covered her story and everything that I wrote had been approved by her. But, because she is so upset over the response to her post and I know she lives in a small community, I am removing her post.

However, this is a brief description of her part of the post. She felt like Longaker downplayed her story when she went to him for counseling. She wished the church had informed her of Longaker’s arrest as well as letting her know of the presence of a sex offender in the congregation.

Sarah’s story was important because it showed the more recent mindset of Longaker.

Just a first name?

Kelly pointed out the following to me. She noted that Longaker doesn’t put his full name on the church website which is correct as of today. That causes me to wonder if that oversight is intentional…

Little girls grow up

This comment by Christy needs to be read again and again. Predators of children and teens usually forget something.

Mr. Longaker lacked the foresight to recognize that his teenage victims would eventually grow-up.

Thankfully, Christy and Kelly grew up to be brave women and Sarah courageously joined them to tell the stories that needed to be told.

Comments

Pastor John Longaker: Another Woman Recounts Her Sexual Encounter and a Third Woman Describes Her Counseling Experience #churchtoo — 34 Comments


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    1 bam


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    2?


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    Titanium?


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    drstevej,

    Princess Buttercup says hi!


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    dee,

    Howdy back at her. My Yorkies say hi.


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    I am enjoying the vision of “Pastor John” sweating now.
    Little girls do grow up, unlike some dysfunctional men.


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    I was talking to a close friend recently, who had no knowledge of TWW or other spiritual abuse websites. We both came to the sad conclusion that not only is the church full of false shepherds, but that, in the long run, as this becomes exposed, many who conflate The Church with the Body of Christ will be deeply confused, if not utterly turned off. Is this not the primary goal of The Enemy of all that is good?

    It is my hope that we who have had our eyes open for a time can help others through this traumatic experience. Yes, much about the so-called ‘Church’ is less than praiseworthy; and many within have preyed upon naive and trusting individuals for a very long time. I pray that disillusioned believers can be encouraged to maintain their trust in God, even if and when they lose their faith in the institution called The Church.


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    The organized church should realize by now that some “pastors” go into the ministry for reasons which have nothing to do with preaching the Gospel and serving Christ. Oh, they may appear to talk the talk and walk the walk, but their hearts are wicked.


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    1 comment not approved. Please be careful when addressing the *whys* or a power differential relationship. Please do some reading how teens can be sucked into a relationship with a conniving predator-actually believing the person loves them.


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    dee:
    1 comment not approved. Please be careful when addressing the *whys* or a power differential relationship. Please do some reading how teens can be sucked into a relationship with a conniving predator-actually believing the person loves them.

    And Predators can sniff out Easy Prey.
    (Like a messed-up and lonely kid.)


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    drstevej:
    dee,

    Howdy back at her. My Yorkies say hi.

    “Bark bark bark bark
    Bark bark BARK BARK!
    Until you could hear them
    All over the park.”
    — T.S.Eliot, “The Pekes and the Pollicles”, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats


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    Again, and it warrants asking and re-asking:
    In the first place, how does a convicted sex offender gain access to kids in a church setting?


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    Christy, I am SO proud of you for finding your courageous voice and sharing your testimony ❤️❤️ I pray that this will add another layer of healing for you
    Dee, thank you for writing and posting these articles on JL.
    I pray Fellowship Bible Church of Castleton will have their eyes opened.


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    I don’t verbally offer or ask for prayer anymore (too many gross associations with all that xian vocabulary) but with all my heart I’m holding my young sister Christy in the safest and kindest of spaces and asking God, whom I still trust, to provide peace with the truth, a bunch of trustworthy friends and protectors, and a big open space in front of her for her life to unfold in safety and wonder. So proud of you, Christy.


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    Janet,

    She is a brave and amazing women!


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    Wow. How is this dude not behind bars let alone allowed back in the pulpit?! Disgusting. Angering. And Wrong!


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    Christy, i’m very sorry for what has happened. You were so young, and he a fully adult man (in years and biology, at least). I can’t imagine the psychological confusion.


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    Sarah, i’m sure your circumstances were devastating. I’m so very sorry. I hope for peace for you, and that justice comes down on the one who violated you.

    the consequences of his actions were not washed away from your life. neither should they be washed away from his earthly life.

    i’m mind-boggled that some christians have a mental disconnect where this is concerned.

    You commit a crime (whether re: the laws of the land or the laws of what is morally right and common decency), you face the music.


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    Christy, thank you for being brave enough to speak the truth. I worked at the same book store in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. I remember feeling very uncomfortable the times I worked around him and I also remember him brushing up against us young girls “accidentally”. I was young and naive and did not realize the extent of his crimes.


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    elastigirl: i’m mind-boggled that some christians have a mental disconnect where this is concerned.

    What really gob smacks me is how secular organizations (on the whole) protect kids far better and more effectively than these ixtian outfits. Teachers for instance are thoroughly vetted and background checked before they’re allowed to be anywhere near kids.

    How come predators are allowed to waltz right into positions of trust and authority with kids in these so called churches?

    This has to change, and it will because the courts are rapidly losing their patience with churches who choose to be stupid and play stupid.


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    “How come predators are allowed to waltz right into positions of trust and authority with kids in these so called churches?”
    ++++++++++++++++++

    because “God works everything out for good for those who love Him”.

    you have to sorely redefine “good” and trick yourself and others for it to true in a useful sense.

    this verse, and the idiom, “God is in control’, inform a good deal of joe-&-joeanne-christian’s decisions to act or not act.


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    Sarah — I’m sorry people overwhelmed you with their responses. If statistics are accurate, most of the responses were probably negative. THAT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. Thank you for courage in speaking up. I’m so glad you got out from under John and we’re able to seek counseling elsewhere. Whatever happened to you that caused you to seek counseling, I pray God has brought safe people into your life to help you heal. ❤️


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    Heather,

    Thanks for adding your voice into this chorus It takes courage to speak out, when it would be easier and safer to stay silent I’m sorry these articles have drudged up the past, but I pray we can shed Light onto the potentially dangerous situation of having a convicted sex offender as a pastor.


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    Bravo to Christy for coming forward. It is disgusting that so many young women and girls (and young men as well) have to spend their youth defending themselves from predatory older adults. Other adults should not be aiding these predators!

    From her story: “Even then, he made it sound like he was a victim, that this girl threw herself at him

    Ya’ll. This is in the predatory handbook and anybody who says it is throwing out an instant red flag. Also, where there is one there are generally many. That alone should be enough to disprove any comments like the above.


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    Heather: I also remember him brushing up against us young girls “accidentally”.

    Plausible deniability.

    I don’t know if this is a hole in the sex registry laws, or if they just weren’t following them, but teenage girls who work with a creep like this should be WARNED. Often, we women warn each other but informal systems like that are likely to leave people out.

    It’s mind boggling that this guy actually went to jail for his behavior and people still allowed him so much access.


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    elastigirl: “God is in control’, inform a good deal of joe-&-joeanne-christian’s decisions to act or not act.

    God is in control huh?
    That’s a good one.

    I don’t know which is worse; its continued use as a meaningless cliche, or the real-time-real-world harm it causes when Joe and Joeanne use it to excuse themselves from doing the right thing.


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    Heather: I remember feeling very uncomfortable the times I worked around him and I also remember him brushing up against us young girls “accidentally”.

    The French have a word for that: “Frottage”.


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    dee,

    Has John responded to these accusations from Christy? Or is he just ignoring her??


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    Loren Haas:
    I am enjoying the vision of “Pastor John” sweating now.
    Little girls do grow up, unlike some dysfunctional men.

    I remember hearing that men are attracted sexually to those whose physical age is close to their emotional-development age. (Not sure if this applies to women, but they can get just as dysfunctional — ever seen a lonely thug?)


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    RG,

    Not yet. But he may soon be in a position to do so…


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    This man was our pastor for a few years. I went through a divorce and he shunned me immediately. I received an email from him stating, I was going to hell and so were my children because I chose to get a divorce. I chose divorce due to my ex hunband comitting adultry. Guess who “Pastor” John protected, the man committing adultry! I replied to the email and his response was my ex husband had been forgiven by GOD. But me protecting my children I was going to hell.
    One twisted human being. Don’t throw stones Mr. Longaker. You closet seems full of skeletons I was never informed of Mr. Longakers past and I had children attending this church with me.
    I never found him very approachable and he was always defensive. Some how this does not surpise me. Sorry you are going through this Kelly!!


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    N Powell,

    I had no knowledge of the circumstances around your divorce. I would have offered my support and encouragement in other ways had I known. I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m not surprised about John’s reaction though.

  33. Pingback: Convicted sexual predator pastor at Fellowship Bible Church: I’ve been forgiven – JimmyHinton.org

  34. Pingback: Did #PredatorPastor John Longaker, Head Pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Castleton, VT Win in Deceiving People about his Sexual Misconduct? | Life Hurts.....You’re a Fighter