Before You Enroll: Questions MorningStar University Doesn’t Want You to Ask

I recently received an email advertising upcoming “Discovery Days” at MorningStar University, encouraging recipients to share it with young adults seeking direction. The Fort Mill based ministry school is recruiting for the upcoming semester. In the email, Michael Fickess, MSU’s director, promises students will "immerse themselves in a Spirit-filled community, discover their God-given purpose, and receive practical training to step boldly into their calling." Fickess declares “every generation has a unique role to play in God’s unfolding story.” What Fickess and MorningStar leaders fail to acknowledge is that this generation’s unique role may just be to expose their corruption.

In September 2024, responding to 3 lawsuits filed against MorningStar, over 100 former members, MSU, and CSCL students publicly called for Rick Joyner’s resignation and greater accountability. I was one of the drafters of that statement, which now has nearly 600 signatures from people of varying backgrounds united in preventing further abuse under the guise of spiritual leadership.

As we circulated our statement, more victims shared their experiences, leading to additional legal action. MorningStar now faces five lawsuits alleging a pattern of abuse, coverups, victim-blaming, and coercion to avoid accountability. Increased awareness and our public support for victims are empowering others to come forward.

Members of this generation and others are rejecting the manipulation of charismatic leaders who prey upon young people desperately seeking God’s purpose. For too long, celebrity pastors have hidden their sins behind a mirage of anointing, but the curtain is falling on their smoke and mirrors show.

We urge families to reconsider sending loved ones to MSU. While we believe God can move in even the most desolate places, we must not put ourselves in harm’s way. Rick Joyner has a documented history of restoring predators to ministry positions, granting them access to potential victims.

If you're considering MSU, demand transparency:

• Request MSU’s employee and volunteer code of conduct

• Ask for policies on preventing and reporting abuse

• Seek Board of Directors’ contact information and meeting minutes

• Review safety protocols for handling all forms of abuse

• Demand access to past investigations into MorningStar’s protective practices

When we requested these, we were met with rebukes and threats. Maybe you’ll have better luck. I've undergone multiple background checks, countless hours of sexual abuse prevention training, accountability checks, and reporting requirement education for various positions in religious and secular organizations. I know what good policies look like and I have yet to see anything remotely adequate from Morningstar. 

Be informed but encouraged—many are no longer willing to stay silent about corruption in the Church. We stand with victims and continue to call for justice and accountability now at MorningStar.

Destiny Edwards

CSCL class of 2006

P.S. We've moved our public statement for ongoing signatures to Change.org to broaden our audience. The same (original) statement with nearly 600 signatures will remain active on our website. Our plan is to add names we have already received to the change.org site (and vice-versa) so that we have a complete list in both places. Please circulate the petition at this link widely to your networks. Every voice of support empowers victims and their families. Thank you!