An Earnest Plea to Ray Hoffman

WINGS note: this letter did not receive a response.

June 19, 2025

Dear Ray,

I hope this note finds you feeling better. I heard you have been experiencing pain in your spine, and I just wanted to let you know you have been on my mind and in my prayers.

One morning recently, I woke up thinking of you and felt moved to write. Though this is outside my comfort zone, I’m reaching out because of the deep respect others have shared about you and because you have the heart and strength to help in a meaningful way.

There have been many conversations lately surrounding the very serious matters of child sexual abuse, as well as emotional and spiritual harm within our fellowship. I know many who hold you in high esteem. I only met you briefly—while serving at the workers’ table at the Carsonville, Michigan convention—but I’ve followed the journey of this fellowship closely. I am part of the fourth generation in the fellowship and we have hosted Sunday morning and Wednesday evening meetings for 25 years. My husband and I are now in our seventies, still attending, still enjoying fellowship, and celebrating 54 years of marriage.

Over time, I’ve heard from individuals who have spoken very highly of your kindness, empathy, and support during their most vulnerable times—names like [redacted, redacted, redacted, and redacted] Each of them described you as thoughtful and compassionate. I believe those same characteristics still live in you, and I hope that, even now, you’re being led by that same heart.

What compels me to write is not judgment, but a deep longing for integrity in leadership and for the Spirit of Jesus to be visible in those called to care for His people. Sadly, what I’ve observed—and heard from others—has raised heavy concerns. While many begin with humility and sincerity, something often changes once they become leaders, part of what some have called the “good old boys club.” Access to “trust funds,” lack of accountability, and a shift in spirit often follow. Men who were once grounded and tender seem to grow distant, arrogant, and hardened.

We’ve seen examples: leaders insisting on taking the pulpit at funerals, ignoring letters from concerned individuals, excusing serious misconduct quietly without warning others, and failing to visit and know the people they serve. It leaves us wondering:

• Do they genuinely care for the flock?
• Have they studied what the Bible expects of elders?
• Are they walking in the humility, honesty, and compassion Jesus modeled?
• Why is the well-being of vulnerable individuals overlooked?
• Why are the concerns of women, victims, and even fellow workers dismissed?

We’ve also noticed a concerning trend of leaders insulating themselves—delegating hard conversations to others, allowing rudeness and dismissiveness toward women, while at the same time spending extended one-on-one time with favored “sisters” in ways that raise questions. These patterns hurt people deeply. Many have been cast out or left behind, not because of wrongdoing, but because the system broke them.

I’m not writing out of bitterness, but from a broken heart. Jesus is our example—He is the Shepherd, the Truth, the Advocate, the Deliverer, and the Friend of the outcast. I believe you still hold the key to being a leader like Him, one who reflects His spirit of humility, courage, and love.

Forget the Overseer Meeting notes. Speak from your heart. Write a letter of apology. Acknowledge the harm that has been done and take a bold step.

I encourage you to ask each state to donate to Bridges & Balm—a grassroots effort to care for those hurt or cast aside by the fellowship.

https://www.bridgesandbalm.org/resting-transitioning-workers-fund

Let each state write public letters of acknowledgment. Stand against the evil behavior in the ministry that has gone unchecked for too long.

We need more friends like:

• Ruth, loyal
• Hannah, prayerful
• Elizabeth, encouraging
• Deborah, bold and courageous
• Mary, quiet yet full of faith

And we need to follow Jesus, who is:

• The Lamb and the Lion,
• The Bread and the Vine,
• The Morning Star and our Foundation,
• The Redeemer and the Good Shepherd.

I have heard that some overseers are now discussing how to respond to growing questions from the churches.

But what if, instead of a formal statement, you became the voice of comfort for those hurt and discarded? What if you reached out to those who were told, “There’s no place for you,” and reminded them that they are precious to God?

Ray, you can still be that man—the one who sees the need, listens with compassion, and acts with courage. I am asking, from my heart and before God’s throne, that you return to your first love and calling. Let your words, your actions, and your leadership reflect Jesus.

You can help bring healing to those who have suffered so much. I believe in the testimony you had 20–25 years ago, and that is why I am pleading with you now—to stand up boldly, to speak truth in love, and to help restore what has been broken.

Thank you for reading this. I do not have all the answers, but I’ve written what’s been laid on my heart. I trust God will lead you to understand what is needed—and to act with grace and conviction.

With sincere hope and prayers,

Sally VanSickle
(Clinton)
Bay City, MI