(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — Journey Church has fired longtime Executive Pastor Jon Brown after months of internal turmoil over the church’s search for a new lead pastor. Brown, who served Journey for about 24 years and had been considered a leading internal candidate to replace former Lead Pastor Kevin Taylor, was removed from consideration and then terminated Thursday.
The firing comes amid broader concerns raised by current and former church members about transparency, finances, staffing and leadership. KCE independently verified that multiple pastors and church leaders have been fired after raising concerns, and that Kevin Taylor’s son-in-law remains employed in a leadership role at Journey Church, a relationship that has fueled concerns among some members about continued influence by the former lead pastor.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Taylor left Journey Church after being elected Superintendent of the Wisconsin/Northern Michigan Ministries Network of the Assemblies of God in April.
Board Admits Communication Problems
In a lengthy message to the congregation, the Journey Church Board acknowledged it had failed to communicate clearly and quickly enough about Brown and the pastoral search.
“We recognize that we should have communicated more clearly and much sooner,” the Board wrote.
The Board said Brown had been a leading internal candidate, but concerns emerged over a multi-level marketing business operated by Brown and his wife, Janet. The Board said the business itself was not automatically disqualifying, but members were concerned that a lead pastor or pastor’s spouse operating such a business within the congregation could create conflicts involving spiritual authority and financial recruitment.
The Board said weeks of discussions failed to resolve its concerns and that Brown ultimately had no path forward to become the candidate presented to members.
Brown Fired After Tensions Grew
After Brown was removed from consideration, disagreement inside the church intensified.
The Board acknowledged that many members strongly supported Brown and wanted more information about why he was rejected. Church leaders said they could not disclose every detail because of personnel and privacy concerns.
The Board then evaluated whether Brown could remain as Executive Pastor while supporting the continued search for someone else.
It ultimately decided he could not.
“Jon Brown is no longer a candidate for the Lead Pastor position and, as of Thursday, is no longer employed by Journey Church,” the Board wrote.
The Board called the firing one of the most difficult decisions it has faced.
Taylor’s Son-In-Law Became Issue During Brown Interview
KCE has learned that Kevin Taylor’s son-in-law, who remains employed in church leadership, became a specific issue during Brown’s interview for the lead pastor position. Board members asked Brown whether he would keep Taylor’s son-in-law employed if Brown became lead pastor. Brown responded that he would need to pray about the decision. Brown was subsequently removed from consideration for the position.
Current and former Journey Church members told KCE they believe Brown was later fired because he was widely supported by the congregation and because he would not simply fall in line with the Board. Those members also told KCE they believe the Board has been pushing out staff and church members who challenge its decisions.
KCE has independently verified that other staff members have been terminated after raising concerns about church leadership and that some members who challenged Board decisions have faced efforts to remove them from church membership.
Those developments have intensified concerns among current and former members that people who challenge the Board are being pushed out and that former Lead Pastor Kevin Taylor continues to have influence at Journey through family and leadership connections even after leaving the church for his regional Assemblies of God position.
Pastoral Search Was Paused
The dispute also provides more context for Journey’s previously unexplained decision to pause its lead pastor search.
Earlier this month, the Board acknowledged that the selection process had been paused while members were seeking records about the process.
The new Board message confirms that Brown had been a major internal candidate, that his candidacy generated weeks of disagreement, and that tensions continued even after he was removed from consideration.
The Board says it has now engaged Legacy Transition to assist with the search.
Trust Strained Inside Church
The Board openly acknowledged significant division inside Journey.
“We know there is hurt. We know there is disappointment. We know there are unanswered questions. And we know that trust has been strained for some within our church,” the Board wrote.
It also acknowledged mistakes and said it wants reconciliation and unity.
But Brown’s firing, the Taylor family connection, disputes over records and finances, and the termination of other pastors and staff members have left many members asking who is really controlling Journey Church and how much say the congregation actually has in major decisions.
68 Responses
I’ll never step into that church again I was turned away by the young adults group and their leader on how he acts and what he says to the youth
So are you there for God or something else?
Bingo!
I’ve been in one-after-another “churches” just like this.
Lead your families at home and stop expecting someone else to do it for you …
This place is a religious shit show.
She was willing to give up her business in order to support her husband and increase the kingdom of God!!!
The kingdom of God does NOT act like freaking Rock stars “P-Jon” ? Like seriously? Let’s be real that’s just a place for wealthy people to have a good time while pretending to be”Godly” Christ NEVER in the Bible conformed to relevant! These guys all of them are phony money grabbing yuppies that use Jesus as a means to fool people for money to get their big houses nice cars vacations and whatever else you buy for them then post it on social media like they are influencers?? Show me in the bible where Jesus did ANY of this?? If you use carnal means to get people into your church you need to keep them there but telling them they can have whatever they want and healthy and rich… blah blah blah…ponzie scheme! They use just enough Biblical truth to mask their agenda which is neither Godly or Biblical. Its Joel Olsteen 101 fake! W
Yawn. You done yet?
What about Ryan marckiwzi guy? Who got fired from Kenosha sheriff, does he work here still ?
Someone should investigate the wrong he does at church too
Asshole
I absolutely love John and Janet they are amazing what a great leader and shepherd he is I look up to them they have my whole heart what a beautiful family they are . I also love how they encourage me to do small groups and big groups with my ideas. It is very sad to see Kevin and now John go . I’m not sure how journey church will handle this . Very sad news . Heart broken 💔⛓️💥.
We know there is hurt. We know there is disappointment. We know there are unanswered questions. And we know that trust has been strained for some within our church,” the Board wrote.
It also acknowledged mistakes and said it wants reconciliation and unity.
Dear Journey Church Board Members,
You have no idea what you have done, and the harm you have caused. This is the farthest thing from reconciliation and unity.
Pastor Jon poured everything into Journey Church.
You might as well of stabbed all of us in the heart.
Farewell 😪
Isn’t this about God?
I don’t think so, this is about a group of people making poor choices for the entire church! Pastor Jon has been at Journey for 25 years he’s helped many people and is loved dearly! What a terrible thing this Board has done, a small group of people with money! Just wondering if any prayed before destroying a family and causing despair for many
This Board of Deacons are on a power trip. And knew exactly what they were doing.
I couldn’t agree more
Well they seem to hire all kinds of dirtballs there What about the head football coach that sits his ass in the local bars and brags about sleeping with married women. Seems like it’s become more of a business than a church or Christian school!
Of course it seems like it’s a business. That’s what organized religion is.
The real concern should be how the church manages the schools money and how Kingdom Builders funds are managed.
lol actually leadership is a bigger issue. Everything else rolls down from that.
The board should be fired. Hypocrites! The excuse being used to remove Pastor John and Janet from a leadership role they clearly deserve is the same thing they do. They each have a day job and leverage church relationships to further expand their “side businesses”. Given that conflict of interest, the entire board needs to be removed from their role. Hypocrites!
Really? James Mathews works for a company that manufactures aluminium and steel cans for aerosol products. His clients are companies like Procter and Gamble. Unless there are some Fortune 500 executives in the church membership he is not leveraging church membership for business. Bryan Drummond works for Abbvie overseeing sales for their immunology line. He works directly with hospital systems across the country. Really do not think there is much opportunity to “cross sell” with the church membership for his business interest. Wil Siewert works for a non-profit health care company … please, explain how he his leveraging the church members for business. Angry member – I simply do not see the cited hyprocrisy regarding “side businesses.” If you are going to make public accusations then do not hide behind annonimienty. If you really believe there is merit to your statement then be bold and state your name. This is a free country … freedom of speech does not need to hide behind anonymous postings. Dave Isaacson 18 year member of Journey Church.
AGREE! THIS IS COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL BUT BE STILL…BECAUSE GOD WILL REVEAL THE TRUTH AND LET THE CHIPS FALL AS THEY MAY
THE DEVIL IS SO ANGRY HE CAN’T HAVE WHAT WE HAVE, WHICH IS A CHOICE, SATAN DOESN’T HAVE A CHOICE HE IS ALREADY DAMNED FOREVER! WE ON THE OTHER HAND HAVE A CHOICE TO FOLLOW JESUS OR SATAN DON’T LET HIM KNOW YOU ARE ANGRY KILL HIM WITH YOUR CONFIDENCE IN CHRIST HE DOESN’T STAND A CHANCE
IT HAS ALREADY BEEN WRITTEN
Agree. Pastor Jon is highly respected and a wonderful pastor. Very saddened that he had to be asked will you keep Pastor Kevin’s son-in-law? His honest answer was I would have to pray about it. That honest answer in part got him fired. He needs to be reinstated and the board needs to go.
Couldn’t have said it better. Thank you.
The board should be fired. They are hypocrites by calling out a conflict of interest for past on and Jon and Janet when each of them themselves engage in that very act. They leverage church resources and connections to run their “side businesses”.
Hypocrites! Pastor John and Janet are very deserving of that position. I hope the church wakes up and find another church that exhibits sound leadership.
Another weirdo ass cult church. IYKYK.
Coming from someone who is likely a liberal- biggest cult in town!
There should be Transparency for all. There is Definately more going on here than they are saying. When all this started we expected Pastor Jon to take over . He is a good man and Pastor , preaches the word of God with passion to think he has spent 25 years only to be fired ! There is so much more going on here. Recently closed Beack Park and Burlington locations sounds like they are having financial issues and refusing to open the books to the people ? I go to this Church to Praise God and learn more about God not to help finance the Boards mishandling of Church buisness. I Pray to God for all
So true
Journey Church is made up of imperfect people, and that has been the case for nearly 100 years. God has exerted His will through this church despite imperfect board members, staff, and congregants. If you are a Christian, be careful about throwing stones at other church members, the staff, or the board. Yes, this is a trying time for Journey Church. If you take serious issue with recent decisions, lean in with love, compassion, grace, and kindness. Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:12 are clear scriptures to guide how we treat one another. If you truly cannot bring yourself to demonstrate these biblical characteristics, then for your own spiritual health, it may be best to find another church home. I personally do not agree with all of the church’s decisions, but I will not do battle in God’s house against fellow members—that goes directly against Scripture. My loyalty belongs only to God, not to staff members, the board, or anyone else in the congregation.
There are too many things coming to light to ignore. I’ve been with Journey for 20 years. This is by far the worst for transitions, communication, transparency & trust is lost.
You point out you don’t quarrel with other church members, but the Bible gives the steps for resolution which IS/WAS being followed: 1. Resolve by private conversation…if issues can’t be resolved first between brothers (members) 2. Bring Witness 3. Bring it to the church body. Matthew 18:17
So telling people to find a different church because they bear witness or are of the church body hearingwhat tried to be resolved in step 1 & 2, is not correct either.
Brenda—You are correct. Since this has been going on for several months at Journey, I made the assumption people had already done that. You are referring to Matthew 18:15–17. If those steps do not work, verse 17 basically instructs us to part ways. Here is my concern: if members cannot find peace with the decisions of the church, they run the risk of becoming bitter, and that bitterness leads to spiritual apathy. I speak from experience. A church that I attended in California offended me, and even after I reasoned with the church (following Matthew 18:15–17), I still did not find peace. I sat in church Sunday after Sunday in bitterness and eventually stopped attending any church for over a year. That was not healthy for me. My previous comments are rooted in that personal experience, and I would not wish that on anyone. Rather than allowing bitterness to set in, I maintain it would be better for them to find another church home though my hope and prayer is that they can find peace through God and remain at Journey Church.
Dave this is a free country and we should be able to speak the truth without fear, except with jn the walls of Journey church , apparently than you get fired.
That’s a total misunderstanding of freedom of speech. Freedom of speech means an absence of government penalties for opinions and statements, not a lack of consequences.
If I call my boss an idiot, shouldn’t he or she be able to fire me even if true?
If I make statements my clients are offended by or disagree with, shouldn’t they be able to find different vendors?
If I say things my parents and siblings find crazy, shouldn’t they be able to stop hanging out with me?
I know the KCE comments section bashes KUSD a lot, but go take a Civic’s class.
Get a clue , this church will fire you for voicing concerns ,oh yeah and if a pastor is stealing photos of another man’s wife. Apparently that’s the same consequence. Enjoy these godly leaders
My leader is God himself.e get to choose what church to go to that does the best job at relaying His message vis the Bible.
All I’ll say is judge a tree by its fruit.
Correct, God is in charge and the leader of all of the churches.
The church has shown the people they fired a lot of Gods love right Dave ???
Scam and the sheeple still follow
Yawn.
This is the stupidest thing I’ve seen all week. Appoint the man (yes only men) with the biggest heart for God- regardless of their position. I’ve been to that church and see many a congregant that would fill that role beautifully. I’ve seen Jon and met him a handful of times and he seems nice with a slight arrogance. I know Darren a little better and see his huge heart for God. Overall, why does it have to be someone within Journey? Let’s open the search up to any believer.
This church has always had issues–I remember going there one time and the pastor gave a sermon saying that if you don’t get involved in committees at the church that you are not a real Christian.
Doubtful. Nice try, though.
Racine Assembly of God is praying for Journey Church.
Good people don’t act this way, especially in the interest of God. Journey Church has real problems and may get smaller from here. Who wants to be associated with such an ungodly organization? How can anyone trust this church and its motives?
AGREE! THIS IS COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL BUT BE STILL…BECAUSE GOD WILL REVEAL THE TRUTH AND LET THE CHIPS FALL AS THEY MAY
THE DEVIL IS SO ANGRY HE CAN’T HAVE WHAT WE HAVE, WHICH IS A CHOICE, SATAN DOESN’T HAVE A CHOICE HE IS ALREADY DAMNED FOREVER! WE ON THE OTHER HAND HAVE A CHOICE TO FOLLOW JESUS OR SATAN DON’T LET HIM KNOW YOU ARE ANGRY KILL HIM WITH YOUR CONFIDENCE IN CHRIST HE DOESN’T STAND A CHANCE
IT HAS ALREADY BEEN WRITTEN
I have two stories about Pastor Jon.
When I was in my early 20s, I moved back home after college and didn’t have a Church home. I visited Journey church for the first time, it was a Saturday night service, and Pastor Jon was the preacher. His sermon included him sharing how he grew up in and out of the hospital, and he feared that he’d never be able to find someone who would want to marry him with his health. He praised God for his wife, and he teared up on the stage. It was one of the most beautiful sermons I had seen, and I decided then in there that I would make journey my Church home (for about 4 years afterwards).
Then the following year, I felt God convict me that I should tithe. So I decided I would given what I should’ve given the year prior. I logged onto to the Church website and tried to give exactly $3000. My debit card must’ve had a limit or the journey Church wouldn’t accept such a high amount, so it didn’t go through. So I just didn’t do anything. Then the next day at church, Pastor Jon was the preacher. He shared in his sermon how he would be taking youth to winter camp, but there were some students who could not afford to go and that if anyone felt led, they could donate to sponsor a student to go. I felt God tell me that I was supposed to cover it. So I messaged him, and I said that after everyone else donates, let me know what the final balances and I will pay it. He got back to me and said thank you very much, it’s an incredibly high amount, so I don’t actually expect you to pay it, feel free to just donate whatever you can, but the total needed to send all of the final kids to camp is $3000. I was in shock. Clearly God had put on my heart to tithe what I would’ve given the year prior, and he had a specific use for it! God is so cool. Trusting in God never returns void.
All that to say, Pastor Jon was used in beautiful ways in his 25 years, and obviously God has something else in store for him and his family now. God is going before them! Sometimes what can seem like death or like a loss is actually just being planted for something different and better.
In regarding journey, church, I believe the best about the church as well! It has blessed people immensely. And I pray that any negative press about this will be turned around for good and it will get people interested in Church. All in all, those who trust in Jesus will be saved. I pray everyone reading this knows that God loves them, he is not mad at you, and that you can replace your heavy load for his light load.
A faithful follower!
Paige W
The Board didn’t even have the courage to face the congregation today about Jon , they sent the transition Pastor to do their dirty work.
I guess they want to get their moneys worth they are paying for him to fly in and out of town twice a week, his lodging, and for his leadership. As well as paying Legacy.
I wonder what this is costing the church???
No worries though this won’t effect the budget, because they are using Kevin and Jolene’s salary to cover it.
Maybe that’s why they are firing everyone to help with the finances.
So glad they are fiscally responsible
It’ll be a journey all right, one that will probably include lots of $0 bonds.
God uses our trials for his glory, I hope we get to see His glory revealed.
Oh is the Mega Church imploding Interesting but not surprising…People fail to realize that when someone really is for God he will remove you from where you don’t need to be…and by the way to find God and have a relationship with him you don’t need a church building you need a Heart posture.
As a Christian, we know the devil is just a door knock away from all of us. It’s how we proceed forward with him. I do believe journey church in Kenosha has had a knock on their door by the one and only devil himself. Lying and deception have taken over the church. We had a strange feeling about how Pastor Mike explain the situation yesterday he was either told to deceive the congregation or that’s his perception of what went on . Which is completely off. We have only been going to the church for 3 years and have never been in any inner circles for fear that a situation like this would occur. Pastor John has our utmost respect and has been an awesome pastor for the church. We will be praying for Pastor Jon & his family. If you have a FB acct listen to Pastor Jon ‘s brother Tim on what transpired.
Facebook… and all the others are a breeding ground for Satan to do his thing. Slowly and methodically, unbeknownst to user most times.
This boards motive is to push out all who oppose them, staff and members. Kevin is pulling the strings to ensure his daughter’s husband has a job still. AG has been contacted and is not willing to help. If you are insubordinate you can be removed is the mind set. This is why people have issues with trust in the Church.
The son-in-law has many friends on the board. He’s not going anywhere.
I like “the son in law” as much as I like Jon. I have no clue what the heck is going on nor why
Sex abuse allegations to follow.
Nah, you’ll have to find that slander elsewhere.
This BS is a great example of why people in general are running from organized religion. Not much God activity going on with this church☠️
Read and teach from the Bible. I went there a couple of times and it was a show of sorts. An extravaganza of some sort of performance. Sing praise songs and teach what the Bible tells us without trying a wow factor.
Yes, the Holy Spirit prompts people to raise a hand during a worship song, but some like to get the attention and not from God at the time by doing dramatics. The church should not be a business and became too big without a “true” guidance from God.
I agree. A lot of money is spent on the coffee shop, decor, shirts, props, etc etc
Exactly the church mall…. Show me this in the Bible? Show me Jesus profiting and being just like EVERYBODY else??? Its not in the Bible. Period!
Agree. Pastor Jon is highly respected and a wonderful pastor. Very saddened that he had to be asked will you keep Pastor Kevin’s son-in-law? His honest answer was I would have to pray about it. That honest answer in part got him fired. He needs to be reinstated and the board needs to admitted error
The kingdom of God does NOT act like freaking Rock stars “P-Jon” ? Like seriously? Let’s be real that’s just a place for wealthy people to have a good time while pretending to be”Godly” Christ NEVER in the Bible conformed to relevant! These guys all of them are phony money grabbing yuppies that use Jesus as a means to fool people for money to get their big houses nice cars vacations and whatever else you buy for them then post it on social media like they are influencers?? Show me in the bible where Jesus did ANY of this?? If you use carnal means to get people into your church you need to keep them there but telling them they can have whatever they want and healthy and rich… blah blah blah…ponzie scheme! They use just enough Biblical truth to mask their agenda which is neither Godly or Biblical. Its Joel Olsteen 101 fake!
Exactly the church mall…. Show me this in the Bible? Show me Jesus profiting and being just like EVERYBODY else??? Its not in the Bible. Period!
So on September 12 we received an email that data breach has occurred, but no worries just personal data like birthdays, addresses and perhaps allergies. Likely no banking information. The staff member fired and data access reassigned as only essential. And 5 days later we learned PJon is gone. The timing is peculiar and similar to what I have seen in corporations . I know both PK and PJon and believe the best, but look at the situation it all started crumbling with the Gabe situation, was PK position change really an effort to remove him from what we see is now continued fallout. That having been said the Board needs to call immediate Member meeting and show transparency. Nothing short of that, but also full respect of HR policies and laws. I believe 25 years left PJon knowing to much.
CLS has/had an American football team?
Shelley and I are praying for all of you involved, basically the entire church. So many of you don’t even know us. We moved out of the area twenty years ago. Dr Don is only board member we know.
Reconciliation is the only way to get through this. This kind hurt has to be dealt with, or it could darken your life until it’s dealt with.
Love you all!