Lifewise Academy's mission is to convert students to Christianity. They want to reach all students. Lifewise's goal isn't to create a supportive environment for all students. If it were, they wouldn't have a platform that excludes other religions and denominations that don't align with them. Lifewise isn’t non-denominational; its curriculum is from the Southern Baptist Convention.
A YouTube video posted by Joel Penton's wife before the founding of Lifewise Academy describes blanket training, as outlined in books by the Duggars. Blanket training is a disciplinary practice for toddlers that relies on fear and punishment to produce desired behaviors. It instills a submissive character in young children. Bethany Penton explains how they have used this disciplinary method with their young children.
The Duggars television show was canceled after it was revealed that Josh Duggar molested his sisters. Parents Jim and Michelle Duggar did nothing to protect the girls. Josh is serving a federal prison sentence for having child sexual abuse material. Joseph Duggar was also recently charged with the molestation of a young girl.
When you observe Lifewise classes, you can see the same thought processes. Lifewise teachers tell children to let authority figures control them and to be submissive. These are dangerous concepts to teach children, and they are even more concerning for children who have experienced traumatic events. Teaching children to regulate emotions and cooperate with others are positive behaviors that help them complete tasks, and they also teach them not to blindly follow people in authority. Lifewise is following the definition of grooming. Internal documents tell teachers to instruct children to follow God before they follow their parents.
REACH HURTING KIDS
Lifewise Academy recently began using a training program called “Reach Hurting Kids.” This training focuses on converting children to Christianity who have been exposed to trauma. The idea of a ministry using childhood trauma as a tool to convert children is disgusting. Training staff and volunteers to prey on this vulnerable population is also disturbing. This also happens outside parents’ eyes and ears. Parents and Lifewise staff have no process for regular communication and interaction.
The Reach Hurting Kids program specifically tells organizations to avoid using experts when training staff and volunteers. The website claims the program is 90% effective when taught by a pastor rather than an expert. Understanding the behavioral issues caused by trauma and creating a loving, safe environment for children can be difficult. Focusing on converting students with trauma, rather than simply being a safe and supportive space, is the definition of grooming.
Lifewise Academy’s goal is to create children who will be submissive, obedient, and not question authority. This mindset starts at the top of the organization and extends to the local programs. Lifewise is training staff and volunteers to more easily convert children affected by trauma to Christianity while they are separated from their parents. This is the definition of grooming. Local donations from individuals and businesses are supporting this grooming. Children should not be pawns in the mission to boost church enrollment.