JOE SCHIMMEL'S REFUSAL TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE

Joe Schimmel and his family have failed to respond to the various accusations originally published by The Berean Examiner on March 27 2006 and updated on June 15, 2026. The allegations against Joe Schimmel and Blessed Hope Chapel fall into four main areas: (1) refusal to permit an independent third-party investigation into allegations involving Holly Davidson; (2) lack of meaningful governance, oversight, and accountability; (3) alleged narrative management, reputational attacks, and disparate treatment of members who raised concerns; and (4) financial transparency questions relating to church leadership and church assets. The article further argues that these issues contributed to a significant exodus of members from the congregation. For full documentation see:  WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOE SCHIMMEL BLESSED HOPE CHAPEL ALLEGATIONS: JUNE 15 UPDATE

In a recent appeal for financial support, Joe Schimmel addressed his livestream audience, remarking, "My wife said, make sure you make these announcements." 1 Potential supporters of Blessed Hope Chapel should be aware of ongoing concerns regarding the church's governance structure. Alarmingly, Schimmel has described himself as "the top of the pyramid" and presents himself as the ministry's final authority. While the article repeatedly refers to an "elder board", it argues that there is no independent oversight mechanism and no body of elders with authority to hold Schimmel accountable. The central concern is therefore not simply leadership structure, but the absence of an identifiable system of external or independent accountability. This appears to be confirmed on Blessed Hope Chapel's website which refers to an undefined "leadership team".2 

The "Phantom Building Fund" section raises critical questions about the stewardship and transparency of money originally donated for a future church building. According to accounts cited in the article, congregational donations and a major donor contribution funded the purchase of land intended for that purpose. The land was later sold for approximately $2.8 million, but former members allege that the congregation never received a full accounting of how the proceeds were used. The article further reports concerns that roughly $180,000 to $200,000 may have been used to facilitate Joe Schimmel's housing transition through what was reportedly described as a retirement-fund loan. The central issue is the absence of publicly disclosed financial records, independent oversight, annual financial reporting, or documentary evidence that would allow donors and congregants to verify how restricted funds and sale proceeds were ultimately handled.

The New Testament presents the Apostle Paul as a leader who responded to accusations with openness, public accountability, and a willingness to submit his conduct to scrutiny. Whether defending himself before civil authorities in Acts 24-26 or addressing internal criticisms of his apostleship and integrity. In 1 and 2 Corinthians, Paul consistently sought to demonstrate that his ministry was conducted honorably before both God and people. Nowhere is this clearer than in his administration of the Jerusalem collection. Rather than handling substantial funds alone, Paul involved trusted representatives appointed by the churches, explaining that these precautions were taken "so that no one should blame us" and because they sought to do "what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man" (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). His concern was not merely actual integrity but the avoidance of credible suspicion. That biblical pattern is relevant whenever questions arise concerning church finances and governance. Former congregants of Blessed Hope Chapel are therefore entitled to ask for a full public accounting of church funds, including the disposition of building-fund proceeds and the circumstances surrounding the financing of Joe Schimmel's residence. Such requests are not contrary to Christian principles; they reflect the very accountability standards Paul embraced to protect both the church's witness and the reputation of the gospel. Where significant questions remain unresolved, the appropriate response is not less transparency but more, including a clear and public explanation supported by documentary evidence of how ministry funds have been administered.

And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. (2 Corinthians 8:19-21 cf. Romans 12:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:22).   

A significant further concern is the decision to hold meetings at a Seventh-day Adventist church despite historic theological differences between that denomination and the doctrinal positions publicly advocated by Schimmel. If Christians are expected to exercise discernment regarding the teachings, influences, and associations they endorse, some may reasonably question the consistency of using the premises of a church whose doctrines have often been criticized by the same theological circles. The issue is not the rental arrangement itself, but whether such an association risks creating confusion, undermining the principle of avoiding even the appearance of doctrinal compromise, and weakening the clarity of the ministry's public witness. Given Schimmel's emphasis on spiritual discernment and separation from error, it is understandable that a number of former members have sought an explanation for the apparent inconsistency.

The allegations concerning Holly Davidson focus on her conduct, judgment, and suitability for ministry leadership. Former members cited in the article raise concerns about alleged boundary issues in her relationships with younger male congregants, her role in youth ministry, and leadership's handling of complaints made against her. The article also references criticism of her public presentation and manner of dress, with some former members arguing that it was inconsistent with the standards of modesty and discernment expected within the church's own theological framework. The broader criticism is not limited to any single allegation but concerns what former congregants describe as a pattern of behaviour that warranted independent review, accountability, and greater transparency than was ultimately provided.

The concerns relating to children and young people extend beyond isolated incidents and focus on alleged deficiencies in supervision, household governance, and youth ministry oversight. Former members cited in the article describe concerns regarding the supervision of minors at church events and dissatisfaction with leadership responses to parental complaints. The article further alleges shocking concerns about the Davidson household were raised directly with church elders, with former staff members and congregants reportedly describing persistent behavioural problems among the Davidson children, recurring disruptions during church activities and trips, and concerns about their welfare and hygiene: "The household disorder was not subtle. Former staff members and congregants went directly to the elders to plead that Chad and Holly Davidson's children were chronically unruly, disruptive, and out of control in church gatherings and on numerous trips — church members also observed their hygiene as filthy on repeated occasions, with some even contemplating calling authorities due to what appeared to be gross negligence." The central criticism is not any single allegation, but the claim that repeated concerns affecting children and young people were raised without the degree of accountability, transparency, independent review, or corrective action that many former congregants believed was necessary.

Unacceptable Contradictions

The biblical response to serious allegations is not to ignore them but to address them openly and truthfully. If the allegations are without foundation, they should be publicly refuted with evidence and facts that clear those accused. Scripture also cautions against dismissing concerns merely because they are uncomfortable. The biblical principle of "two or three witnesses" recognizes that multiple independent witnesses may establish the credibility of a matter and warrant careful examination. Where numerous individuals raise similar concerns, the appropriate response is not avoidance but transparent investigation, allowing the facts to determine whether the allegations are true or false.

The contradictions are impossible to overlook. Joe Schimmel and Chad Davidson have continued producing content through Good Fight Ministries as though nothing of significance has occurred, despite Schimmel's longstanding emphasis on personal responsibility and accountability. Serious concerns that have been raised publicly remain unanswered, and rather than providing clear, documented explanations supported by evidence, Schimmel has continued his ministry activities without addressing them. Accusations do not simply disappear because they are ignored. Where issues affecting integrity and public trust are involved, transparency and accountability are reasonable expectations. Having spent years calling others to account, Schimmel can hardly object when similar standards are applied to his own ministry. If accountability is a principle for everyone else but not for himself, the concern extends beyond inconsistency to hypocrisy. Unless documented explanations and supporting evidence are provided in response to these matters, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain that everything is above reproach, and the possibility of serious unresolved problems cannot be dismissed.

Further Concerns

* Calvinism

For years, Schimmel has maintained a strong anti-Calvinist position, publicly rejecting doctrines such as unconditional election, limited atonement, and irresistible grace, while emphasizing human responsibility, accountability, and the necessity of responding to truth. His 'Calvinism Refuted' series is devoted to challenging those theological positions and defending the proposition that God desires all people to come to repentance. 3

Despite fundamental theological differences with Calvinism, Schimmel has shared a platform with Doreen Virtue on at least four occasions:

Guard Your Heart Against Darkness, an interview hosted on Doreen Virtue's channel featuring Joe Schimmel. [youtube.com]
Doreen Virtue EXPOSES New Age, Wicca, And The Occult, an interview published by Good Fight Ministries featuring Doreen Virtue. [youtube.com]
Why Harry Potter is NOT for Christians, an interview on Doreen Virtue's channel with Joe Schimmel. [youtube.com]
Elites Are Hiding in Bunkers - The Bible Prophesied This, a recent video featuring Joe Schimmel on Doreen Virtue's channel. [youtube.com]

The relationship appears unequal from either perspective. It is also noteworthy that comments on three of these videos have been disabled, limiting public discussion and scrutiny. From Doreen Virtue's theological position, it is difficult to understand why she would choose to share a platform with Schimmel, given the existence of the serious unresolved allegations and the fact that he is fundamentally opposes her Calvinist convictions.

  

* TPUSA

GFM: "The Good Fight Ministries team had boots on the ground at the Turning Point USA event, where Ray Comfort and the guys from Living Waters used the opportunity to share the gospel with the student body at Cal State Fullerton. While there in person we even had the chance to do some interviews with those who attended. Today will be telling you what we saw, heard and thought of the event after taking it all in firsthand. Also, Candace Owens recently claimed to have been visited by Charlie Kirk in a dream. A dream she says confirmed her own beliefs about what happened and that it would all be revealed very soon. Finally, we'll look at the broader reaction from Christians across the country, many of whom are calling what's happening a revival following Charlie's death, while others are urging caution."

Why did Chad Davidson support an ecumenical event? Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist whose political and religious associations generated significant controversy. His public positions on politics, race, education, election integrity claims, and Christian nationalism drew criticism from various observers and advocacy groups. His involvement with ecumenical and charismatic movements, including associations with Roman Catholics, Mormons, NAR figures, and teachers such as Mark Driscoll, undermined biblical doctrine. These affiliations have advanced ecumenism, compromised the gospel, and placed Kirk in opposition to historic Christian teaching

* Eschatology

(610) The Fifth Beatitude In Revelation: The First Resurrection - YouTube

Schimmel teaches on "The Fifth Beatitude in Revelation". He refers to the statements commonly known as the "Seven Beatitudes of Revelation". (Revelation 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; and 22:14).

Schimmels insistence that the rapture occurs at Revelation 20 when Christ returns at the battle of Armageddon is a flawed argument which has been challenged a number of times.

Three events associated with the Second Coming occur prior to the battle of Armageddon: (1) the commencement of the Day of the Lord's wrath (Revelation 6:17), (2) the appearance of the sign of the Son of Man and the deliverance-gathering of the saints (Matthew 24:29-31; cf. Luke 21:25-28), and (3) the subsequent events leading to Armageddon. Notably, Revelation 19:11-21 contains no gathering of the saints, an element that would reasonably be expected if this passage marked the beginning of the Second Coming.

For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. (Revelation 19:6-8). This passage refers to the marriage supper of the Lamb, it is not a pre-rapture event. The resurrection (rapture) has already taken place prior to the celebration depicted here (Matthew 24:29-31; Revelation 6:12-17).

The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. (Revelation 20:5).

Prewrath teachers, do not regard Revelation 20:5 problematic to their eschatology. They typically argue that the "first resurrection" is a category of resurrection unto life, not a single momentary event. Below is a brief summary of Alan Kurschner's rebuttal of the posttrib view. 

The first resurrection includes multiple stages: 

Christ was raised first as the "firstfruits" (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).
The church is resurrected/raptured at Christ's Parousia after the tribulation but before God's wrath.
Tribulation martyrs are raised when Christ establishes His kingdom.
All of these belong to the same resurrection program called the "first resurrection".

Revelation 20:5 contrasts believers and unbelievers. Verse 5 says, "the rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended."

Prewrath interpreters understand "the rest of the dead" as the wicked dead who remain unraised until the Great White Throne judgment after the millennium.

Therefore the issue is not timing within the righteous resurrection. The point of the text is that the righteous participate in the "first resurrection" while the wicked await a later resurrection.

The text distinguishes two resurrection destinies (life and judgment), not necessarily every phase within the resurrection of the righteous.

Question: If the church is resurrected and raptured before Christ's descent to establish the kingdom, why does Revelation 20:4-6 mention tribulation martyrs and then call this "the first resurrection"?

Answer: Revelation 20 identifies the millennial participants and showing that these martyrs belong to the same "first resurrection" company as all other redeemed people. The term "first resurrection" describes the entire resurrection-to-life order, not merely the final phase of it.

From a forensic standpoint, Revelation 20:5 is viewed by prewrath advocates as evidence for two broad resurrections (righteous before the millennium, wicked after it).

Alan Kurschner examines this question at considerable length and provides a more detailed treatment of the issue: The Second Coming Does Not Begin with Armageddon | Bible Prophecy Answers with Alan Kurschner

1. (610) The Fifth Beatitude In Revelation: The First Resurrection - YouTube
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3. Calvinism Refuted - Good Fight Ministries