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24-7 Prayer Movement leader to step down as CEO following misconduct investigation

by Kelly Valencia
Mike Andrea.jpg - Banner image
24-7 Prayer

The CEO of the global prayer movement 24-7 Prayer International has been asked to step down from his role. 

It's after a four-month-long investigation concluded that Mike Andrea's behaviour "did fall below the standard expected of a senior Christian leader". 

In November, 2021 Mr Andrea was accused of psychological, spiritual and financial abuses by Steph Dickinson, a former employee of Global Generation Church which Mr Andrea also led. 

Writing in her blog, she said the alleged abuse took place between 2004 and 2010 but only felt ready to speak up in November, after her experiences left her suicidal. 

There were no allegations relating directly to Mike Andrea's role with the 24-7 Prayer organisation.

Concerns were also raised about potential breaches of law, but the investigation, carried out by Loch Associates Group, said the Local Authority Safeguarding Officer did investigate those concerns but found no evidence of criminality. 

Although both organisations launched the investigation together, each has independently decided on its own course of action based on the report's conclusions.

In a statement, Global Generation Church shared that Mike Andrea and his wife Stella had already resigned in late February and early March. 

They also said that while the report could not be made public due to "the nature and sensitivity of the information", at least 36 people had contacted investigators to raise concerns about some of their experiences at the church which had "left them hurt and in pain". 

"We thank all who participated in the investigation - for their willingness to do so - recognising people's bravery in coming forward as this will have by no means been easy.

"We are grateful that through their sharing we have reached a place where Glo has the opportunity to run toward good and healthy change," the statement read. 

A further report has been commissioned to expand on the report's recommendations to improve the church's employment, working practices and culture.

As for 24-7 International Movement, the organisation has decided to remove Mr Andrea as its CEO and has asked him to submit to "a process of personal and professional training and development" before they consider any new role within the organisation.

"This has been one of the most challenging situations that we have faced as an organisation in that time and we are grateful to those who have spoken up courageously to help us continue to become more like Jesus. 
"We know there are areas where we have failed, and for that we are truly sorry," a statement by 24-7 Prayer International read. 

The global prayer movement will also conduct a "full and thorough review" of the culture within the organisation and recruit a new CEO. In the meantime, Brian Heasley will continue serving as interim CEO. 

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