Accountability
A note from The New Evangelicals Board of Directors:
We’re committed to accountability and transparency at TNE. It’s something we demand of political and religious leadership, within our families, and of ourselves as a nonprofit organization. TNE’s audience is filled with people who have been hurt in the past and longed for restorative justice. With the recent findings of the GRACE report, we’re working through their recommended changes as part of our work to find a better path forward. Part of our accountability includes sharing publicly HOW we’re implementing GRACE’s recommendations. You’ll find regular updates to this page as we build out each of these needed changes so you can track progress and get a peak behind the curtain into how our nonprofit runs.
Background:
In August of 2024, the TNE Board of Directors initiated a third party investigation and engaged the organization known as GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment). In March 2025 the findings were published and released, which included a list of recommended actions for the Board. Those are outlined in this page, along with status updates to keep our community apprised of the work we are doing to pursue better paths forward. We’re committed to the work.
This link takes you to the full 94-page GRACE report. It is important for you to have access to the original document in its entirety so you can get the full picture of what we’re taking accountability for. We agree with the recommendations that resulted from this investigation and are methodically implementing them, starting with elements to diversify our board and leadership team. Please check back often for updates as we make these very important and timely changes.
FAQs
Who initiated the GRACE investigation and why?
The New Evangelicals (TNE) board of directors initiated the GRACE investigation in response to a concern raised about an incident between Tim and the Reporting Victim (RV) which occurred on May 9th, 2024. The full details are available within the report. As a result of the initial incident and inadequate attempts to reach an informal resolution that included a personal apology and mediation, a formal grievance was filed with the board of directors on July 17, 2024.
Recognizing the need for an independent review, the board engaged GRACE on August 27, 2024 to ensure a thorough, trauma-informed investigation that focused on assessing any misconduct, identifying systemic issues, and providing recommendations for accountability and improvement which resulted in the final report published on March 6, 2025.
Simply put, we wanted to know where we went wrong, how to best reconcile with RV, and how to ensure we took steps to prevent a similar situation from happening again.
Why hasn’t TNE published a summary of the report?
We understand that 94 pages is a lot of information to review, however we have avoided publishing a summary in order to maintain the impartiality provided by GRACE. We believe it is important and honoring of RV that their account be represented without TNE’s bias.
When did the board receive the report? When did Tim receive the report?
The board received an embargo copy on February 11, 2025 of the report to suggest any corrections before GRACE issued their final report. The embargo copy was not given to Tim and the board members were prohibited from speaking with him about it. The board received the final report on March 4, 2025, and Tim was provided a copy shortly thereafter on March 5, 2025. As a result of correcting errors on their end, GRACE reissued the final report on March 6, 2025.
What is the ETA on implementing changes?
We recognize that change must be both immediate and ongoing. Some policy updates are already in motion, and we anticipate implementing key structural changes within the next few months. However, we see this as an ongoing process rather than a one-time fix. Regular updates will be provided to ensure transparency in our progress.
Which policies are being prioritized?
TNE is prioritizing the development and implementation of a whistleblower policy and conflict of interest policy, along with the already established grievance policy to prevent future harm and ensure accountability at all levels of the organization. These policies will be accessible to all staff and volunteers as part of TNE’s operating handbook, and community members by request.
How is Tim taking accountability?
Tim acknowledged the findings of the report to the board of directors on March 11th, taking full accountability for what the report says are “two separate types” of behavioral misconduct, pertaining to how he drove, how he handled the grievance, and his response to RV’s and W1’s resignations (pg. 63). He outlined 5 things he did wrong and publicly apologized on TNE’s instagram account. Tim is committed to engaging in a process of personal and professional accountability.
Were RV and W1 compensated for their work?
RV and W1 were compensated for their contracted work with TNE. However, we recognize that financial compensation does not erase harm, and we are committed to listening and responding to the concerns they have raised with integrity and care.
Why weren’t your financials updated for Q3 and Q4 of 2024?
We acknowledge the lack of financial updates and understand the concerns this raises. TNE is a small organization and the individual responsible for updating the financials on our website was unavailable due to medical issues. We have worked to bring our financial reporting up to date and will ensure transparency moving forward.
Is Tim or the organization disputing GRACE’s findings?
No. Both the board and Tim accept the findings of the GRACE report and are committed to implementing the necessary changes recommended in the report. Our focus is on learning, accountability, and healing rather than disputing any aspects of the investigation.
How is TNE prioritizing transparency moving forward?
Moving forward, TNE is implementing regular public updates on our website and improved policies for staff and leadership accountability. Additionally, we are exploring ways to include third-party oversight to ensure lasting change.
Have any other employees or contractors come forward with allegations of misconduct?
As of now, we are not aware of any additional allegations. However, we encourage anyone with concerns to come forward, and we are committed to handling all reports with care, respect, and an established grievance process.
Does Tim or the board plan to address any articles published by other platforms related to the GRACE report?
TNE’s focus is on taking meaningful action rather than engaging in public discourse over external coverage. We recognize that individuals and media outlets will share their perspectives, and our response is to ensure our internal changes reflect our commitment to accountability.
What does this mean for the future of TNE?
TNE remains committed to its mission but recognizes that we cannot move forward without real accountability and transformation. This process will shape the future of the organization, and we are dedicated to rebuilding trust and credibility through concrete actions, transparency, and a commitment to doing better.
Next Steps
In the report, GRACE laid out recommendations that TNE needs to take in order to repair, diversify, and strengthen TNE’s foundation so that we can continue our search for a better way forward in our faith. The first recommendations we’re addressing in the next few months are…
- Diversifying our board by adding 3 new board members who have experience in large and small nonprofit work and don’t have a history of being a follower or fan of TNE currently. Applications are closed and interviews are being scheduled as of 4/14/2025.
- Building out official policies and procedures so TNE’s expectations are effectively communicated and team members have a clear path to address any concerns.
- Diversify leadership by expanding our executive team to create a meaningful sharing of power and decision-making.
If you have questions or would like to reach out to the board, please email us at board@thenewevangelicals.com.