Inaugural Class Commencement
The Academy for GOD proudly celebrates a historic milestone this spring as we honored the Class of 2026—our inaugural graduating class.
This group of students began their journey with us in Kindergarten during our very first year in 2013. As The Academy has grown and evolved over the past thirteen years, these students have grown alongside us, helping to shape the culture and spirit of our school community. They have participated in countless lessons, events, field trips, performances, competitions, and memories that have become part of The Academy's story.
In addition, three of our remote learners also participated in our 2026 commencement ceremony. One student joined us to walk the stage while the other two live-streamed the ceremony from Uganda.
As we celebrate this special achievement, we congratulate the Class of 2026 and pray God's continued blessings over each graduate as they step into the next chapter of life.
An Open Letter Regarding Claims About Our Community
In recent months our community has been confronting the misconduct of a former leader. This has been a deeply difficult and disorienting season for many people connected to this community.
When allegations were brought forward, our leadership confronted these issues which led to his resignation. We then engaged an independent investigative organization to examine both the allegations and the practices of our ministries. At the same time, our community has been doing the biblical work of repentance—honest self-examination, reflection, and soul-searching about our life and practices.
Unfortunately, accusations from the godisacult website and socials have often made that healing harder. Individuals who had no role in any alleged wrongdoing—including students, employees, families, and neighbors—have been publicly criticized or misrepresented simply because of their association, however slight.
Victims deserve dignity and privacy. Students deserve the ability to pursue their education without being treated as villains. Families and employees deserve to live and work without being targeted for public hostility.
Those attempting to define the public narrative about this community through social media have had absolutely no relationship in recent years and had only brief and limited contact with the ministry many years ago. They did not participate in membership, attended our schools only briefly, and were not part of the leadership or accountability structures of this community. While anyone may share personal experiences, presenting such limited involvement as insider knowledge is misleading.
Journalists covering these events play an important role in examining institutions and asking difficult questions, and we remain willing to engage with responsible reporting. Professional standards of journalism call for treating information from unofficial websites and social media with skepticism and independently corroborating claims before repeating them. That standard applies to claims originating from disreputable and misguided websites and social media sites.
Truth matters. Accountability matters. Basic human dignity matters as well. The pursuit of truth should not come at the cost of dehumanizing the very people whose lives have already been terribly affected, including damaging individuals’ ability to make a living or choose their place of worship.
Our community will continue the difficult work of truth, accountability, and rebuilding. We ask that you give us the space and dignity to do so.
GRACE Investigation Update - March 13, 2026
As many of you know, our school engaged GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments), an independent investigative organization, to conduct a comprehensive review related to the allegations of misconduct of our former leader and to examine the practices and structures of our ministry.
Since that time, a lawsuit has been filed naming our church, school, and GOD International. Because this matter is now part of active litigation, legal counsel instructed us to pause the GRACE investigation while the legal process moves forward.
This pause does not reflect any change in our commitment to truth, accountability, or care for those affected by these events. Rather, it is a procedural step intended to ensure that all investigations and legal processes proceed appropriately and responsibly.
We remain committed to cooperating fully with the legal process and to continuing the work of strengthening our practices and structures. We ask for your continued prayers for everyone affected by these circumstances.
Thank you for your patience and care for our school community.
Academy Update - March 4, 2026
We recently became aware that our school has been referenced in a lawsuit that includes allegations involving our former head of school. We take such matters seriously and, above all, remain committed to the safety, well-being, and care of all those connected to our school.
In response to the allegations brought to us this fall, the Board of Directors engaged an independent third party to conduct a thorough investigation, which is still ongoing.
We are cooperating with the legal process and will provide additional information as appropriate.
Winter Bible Retreat: “Be Still & Know”
Written by Ms. Mathews, Jr High & High Vice Principal
The 2026 Bible Retreat was a beautiful and impactful time centered on our theme, “Be Still and Know” from Psalm 46. We are so grateful for the opportunity to step away from our regular routines and create intentional space for our Jr. High and High School students to encounter the Lord in meaningful ways.
““Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.””
We began our retreat with experiences designed to help students slow down and appreciate God’s creation. High school students explored Ruby Falls, while our jr high students visited the TN Aquarium. These outings were more than just fun excursions—they were intentional moments to pause, observe, and reflect on the beauty and creativity of our Creator. When we take time to acknowledge who God is, we are reminded that we are His creation.
Upon arriving in the mountains of Tennessee, students entered into a powerful time of worship. Many shared that they felt an overwhelming sense of peace and reassurance from the Lord. It was incredibly moving to watch students lay down their burdens and trust God with the things weighing on their hearts. Our guest speaker, Mr. Ty Mathews, taught from Psalm 46:1, reminding students that God is our refuge and strength—a very present help in trouble. Students were challenged to consider what it truly means to know God as their safe place and how their understanding of Him can continue to grow and mature.
Thursday morning began with teacher panels for both jr high and high school students. Student Council submitted thoughtful spiritual questions ahead of time, and our teachers prayerfully prepared responses. The discussions that followed were honest, reflective, and encouraging. Students asked sincere questions about faith, doubt, growth, and walking with God in everyday life. It was inspiring to see them wrestle with meaningful topics and pursue deeper understanding.
The afternoon provided a balance of fun and fellowship. Many students participated in paintball, while others enjoyed board games or simply spending time outdoors in the beautiful weather the Lord provided. Later, we transitioned into one of the most meaningful parts of the retreat—practicing stillness. High School students were given opportunities to meditate on Scripture, engage in guided prayer, journal, sketch, paint, or create wood designs. Some chose to sit quietly by the creek near the sanctuary, listening to worship music and soaking in God’s presence. The intentional quiet allowed students to truly practice what it means to be still before the Lord.
That evening’s worship was peaceful, reverent, and powerful. Mr. Mathews spoke again, connecting Psalm 46 with Exodus 14 and Mark 4—reminding students that the same God who parted the sea and calmed the storm is the One who offers peace today. Students were invited to trust God in their own circumstances and to know Him personally as their safety and salvation. The time of prayer and response was deeply moving.
We closed our retreat with another opportunity to be still in nature before breakfast, followed by worship and student testimonies. Many shared how the Lord met them in moments of quiet, worship, and reflection. It was a joy to witness the seeds God is planting in their hearts. We are expectant for how He will continue to grow and strengthen their faith in the days ahead.