Dear Church Family,

Over the past several months, serious accusations have been brought against Art Lucier, and HMI. While we firmly maintain that these allegations are false, we believe it is both our right and our responsibility to respond with integrity, clarity, and transparency. For over 20 years, HMI has served faithfully in ministry, pouring our hearts into the calling God has placed on our lives. We do not take this moment lightly.

In order to protect the integrity of the gospel, the name of Christ, and the ministry He has entrusted to us, we have prayerfully decided to ask Art Lucier to continue to step back from public preaching ministry through till the end of August. This is not because he / we are guilty, but because we love the church deeply and want to preserve unity and trust while due process unfolds. We believe leadership is not about defending positions but about caring for people—and this step reflects that conviction. The board will re-evaluate this decision at the end of the summer. 

During this season, we are learning what it means to lead in a time of peace, to pastor locally, not just as part of a national movement, and to humble ourselves before God and others. We recognize that we still have room to grow as leaders, especially in the area of pastoral care. We are actively pursuing on-going training and accountability to better serve the people God has entrusted to us. We have never claimed to be without fault—and we have and will continue to acknowledge the pain we’ve caused some and the errors we have made along the way.

The Pastoral Team, along with Heather Lucier, will continue to lead the day-to-day operations of the ministry during this season. They remain fully committed to the vision and mission of this ministry and will guide us forward as we walk through this challenging season.

While the internet may amplify the voices of those who have had painful experiences, we also urge the body of Christ to remember the tens of thousands who have been touched positively by this ministry—those who have found hope, joy, healing, and a deeper walk with God. These testimonies are real, and they matter.

As we continue to pursue God together as a church family, we believe that worship will be our place of strength and encounter. We believe worship is part of our gifts and calling and in that place, we are challenged, encouraged, and set apart. We pray it continues to be a space where the Holy Spirit meets each of us powerfully. We will be opening up the church for more and more worship encounter nights, to really be in His presence as we go through these next few months.

We are also preparing a document that will outline many of the accusations and present the truth with full transparency. Being able to hear both sides of any story is very healing to many. We're asking how to be able to do this in a constructive, and non-defensive way. Until then, we ask for your prayers, patience, and grace. We remain committed to this house and to the mission God has given us.  We also believe that God can and will restore us and heal us as we continue to trust, seek and believe in Him. 

 

As His word promises:   "Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces, but will heal us; He has wounded us, but will bind us up." - Hosea 6:1

And again, in Psalm 147:3: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."   

We stand on these promises. We are walking through a valley, but we are not walking alone. The Lord is with us—and so are many of you. Thank you for your continued faith, your support, and your love.

With hope and humility,

Board of Directors
Harvest Ministries International