Life at Free Gospel Bible Institute

Many of you know me as “Sister Becky”, but for those of you who don’t, I was a student of Free Gospel Bible Institute from 2004-2007 and then served as faculty for 8 years. In all, I invested 11 years of my life into this school, caring deeply about the students and the work I was doing. While ministering was certainly the intent, I can’t help but see the unquantifiable hurt and deep harm that’s been caused—not in isolated cases, but on a wide scale.

So many who attended FGBI, entered full of zeal for God, but walked out shattered and confused—and I understand why.

In retrospect, I see clearly that God and the Gospel were grievously distorted on these grounds, and my heart breaks. I want nothing more than to see these mangled, false presentations of God exposed, so that every precious life that has walked through those doors may see with clarity, Who God is, as He is revealed in Scripture.

I also see the students who went on to serve. As intended, many graduated and rose to pulpits and platforms across the nation. I sincerely hope that, in each case, truth has been separated from error—and that the harmful culture we experienced together is not being replicated. But if it is—quietly repeating itself somewhere—this is why I’m speaking up.

Because I participated in this school’s ministry and was part of its influence, I feel like I have a responsibility—to express my sorrow and repentance for contributing in any capacity to harm in individual lives and across the Holiness Movement. My desire is to extend compassion and support to those who are still suffering, and to warn those who may still be spared. My heart is that the Gospel is presented faithfully, and that Scripture is held in highest esteem. I speak the truth in love and share my story to bring clarity where there’s been confusion, healing where there’s been hurt, and above all, to point back to the true Gospel—unfiltered, unmanipulated, and anchored in Scripture.

Thomas Peretic Regarding Childhood Sexual Assault

During my freshman year at Free Gospel Bible Institute it became clear to me that Thomas Peretic was not only dismissive toward and minimizing of the suffering of victims of CSA, but that he treated the hurt they experienced as a spiritual failing. In these clips he takes tremendous liberty with the word “offense” by reframing the pain and trauma a victim experiences as moral failure rather than a natural response to abuse. As an ongoing victim of SA, I recall very clearly, the confusion of this rebuke. This kind of teaching not only shames & silences victims, but also implies that seeking justice for victims is unspiritual. Scripture, however, is clear that God condemns those who harm the innocent and that He expects us, in righteousness, to pursue justice for those individuals. (Pro. 17:15; Isaiah 1:17; Psalm 103:6; Romans 13:3-4) Perhaps most disturbingly, is the context that these sentiments are part of a series specifically about loyalty to pastors.

(Clips from Lessons in Loyalty, Disc 3 Track 5 & 6- 2004)

For a deeper examination of Thomas Peretic’s teachings, check out this discussion group.

If you’re a former student or faculty member of Free Gospel Bible Institute and need a safe place to process what you’ve experienced, I’d like to invite you to talk with myself or a trusted team member equipped to walk with you—whether you’re looking for pastoral counsel, help untangling what you experienced, or simply someone who understands, we’re here to help.

You’re not alone.

To share your experience or get connected, visit:
👉 BereanHoliness.com/fgbi
To reach me directly, feel free to use the form below: