Shekinah Church
| Shekinah Church | |
|---|---|
| Shekinah Church International | |
| Location | 7770 McGroarty Street, Tujunga, Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Christian |
| Website | www |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founder(s) | Robert Shinn |
| Clergy | |
| Pastor(s) | Robert Shinn |
Shekinah Church, also known as Shekinah Church International, is a Christian congregation based in the Tujunga neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, founded by Robert Shinn in 1994.[1]
History
[edit]Shekinah Church was established by Robert Shinn in 1994, initially serving as a religious community for Korean Americans in Los Angeles.[2] Over time, the church expanded its membership and activities.
In 2021, Shinn founded 7M Films, a talent management company representing social media influencers, particularly TikTok dancers.[3] The company provides production resources for its clients, including hair styling, makeup, wardrobe, and filming locations.[4]
Mission and beliefs
[edit]According to the church's official website, Shekinah Church International's mission includes:[5]
- Saving One Billion Souls: The church aims to save one billion souls directly and indirectly, bridging gaps between different ministries.
- Raising Up Leaders: Focused on mentoring Christians to become leaders who understand God's calling and the greatness of His power.
- Sharing the Father's Love: Emphasizes developing the fruit of the Spirit to deepen believers' relationship with God.
- Building His Sanctuary: Dedicated to manifesting the glory of God within the church to lead the body of Christ toward perfection.
- Supporting the Gospel with All Means: Encourages members to actively contribute time, effort, money, and prayer to support the Kingdom of God.
The church's faith statement includes beliefs in:
- The Trinity: Belief in one God existing in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- Divinity of Jesus Christ: Affirming Jesus as the only begotten Son of God, His death, resurrection, and return.
- Authority of the Bible: Viewing all scripture as inspired by God and authoritative for teaching.
- Divine Healing and Prosperity: Belief in healing through Jesus and inheriting blessings through faith.
- The Return of Jesus Christ: Anticipating the second coming of Jesus and the resurrection of believers.
Hierarchy and structure
[edit]According to accounts from former members and media reports, Shekinah Church has a hierarchical structure:
Leadership
[edit]- Robert Shinn – Founder and Pastor: Considered the central spiritual authority.[6] Members often sought his approval through intermediaries called Spiritual Mentors.
- Wives of Robert Shinn:
- Hannah Shinn – Current Wife: Holds the title "Woman of God" and serves as the church's chief financial officer.[4] Involved in managing financial aspects and enforcing rules within the church community.[7]
- Esther Shinn – Second Wife: Co-founder of Shekinah Church in 1994.[1]
- Shirley Kim – Third Wife: Attorney and former business associate; involved in church activities and listed in 7M Films' corporate filings.[1]
- Spiritual Mentors:
- Assigned to guide and monitor church members.[6] Members report their thoughts, actions, and decisions to their mentors, who provide spiritual guidance and enforce adherence to church teachings.
Communal living
[edit]- House Captains:
- Leaders within communal housing arrangements, responsible for enforcing house rules and managing daily operations.[7]
- Members:
- Live in communal housing with assigned roommates.
- Follow strict schedules, including early morning prayers and curfews.
- Required to seek approval for personal decisions from mentors.[7]
Notable members
[edit]Current members
[edit]- Miranda Derrick (née Wilking): A TikTok dancer signed with 7M Films and a member of Shekinah Church.[4] She resides in Los Angeles with her husband, James "BDash" Derrick.
- James "BDash" Derrick: Dancer and member of 7M Films and Shekinah Church.[4]
- Ceasare "Tighteyex" Willis: Dancer specializing in Krump; member of both 7M Films and Shekinah Church.[4]
- Vik White (Slavik Pustovoytov): Dancer represented by 7M Films; member of Shekinah Church.[4]
Former members
[edit]- Daniel: Considered Robert Shinn's "right-hand man" for 30 years.[7] He acted as an intermediary between Robert and church members. Daniel left the church during the events described in media reports.[7]
- Melanie Lee: Left the church in 2011; has spoken about her experiences in the Netflix documentary.[6]
- Priscylla Lee: Former member who left Shekinah Church in 2022; involved in legal action against Shinn.[8]
- Kevin "Konkrete" Davis: Dancer and former member of 7M Films and Shekinah Church; featured in the documentary discussing his experiences.[6]
- Kylie Douglas: Former member who left in 2022 and joined a lawsuit against Shinn.[6]
- Aubrey Fisher: Dancer and former member; shared his experiences in the Netflix documentary.[6]
- Melanie Wilking: Dancer and sister of Miranda Derrick; left 7M Films and has publicly expressed concerns about her sister's involvement with the church.[2]
Practices and teachings
[edit]Shekinah Church emphasizes strict adherence to its teachings and the guidance of Robert Shinn.[6] According to former members, practices include:
- Die to Yourself: A doctrine encouraging members to renounce personal desires and, in some cases, family relationships to fully commit to the church.[6]
- Financial Contributions: Members are expected to contribute financially through tithes and offerings, sometimes totaling a significant portion of their income.[8] Former members allege that they were required to give up to 70% of their earnings to the church and its associated entities.[4]
- Controlled Living Arrangements: Members often live in communal housing with strict rules and schedules.[6] Personal activities and relationships are reportedly monitored by mentors.[2]
Legal actions
[edit]In 2022, former members, including Priscylla Lee and others, filed a civil lawsuit against Robert Shinn, Shekinah Church, and associated entities, alleging exploitation, manipulation, and labor law violations.[2][4] The lawsuit claims that members were subjected to "brainwashing, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, manipulation, and exploitation."[2] Shinn has denied all allegations, and the case is ongoing with a trial set for 2025.[9]
Allegations of misconduct
[edit]Former members have made allegations of psychological manipulation, financial exploitation, and inappropriate conduct against Robert Shinn.[8] According to the Netflix documentary and various media reports, some former female members have accused Shinn of inappropriate behavior during private meetings, including unwelcome physical contact.[4][10]
In the documentary, former member Melanie Lee alleges that Shinn made inappropriate advances towards her, leading to her departure from the church in 2011.[8] Another former member, Kylie Douglas, filed a police report accusing Shinn of sexual battery.[4] Shinn has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.[4]
As of October 2024, no criminal charges have been filed against Shinn related to these allegations.[2]
Controversies
[edit]Shekinah Church and 7M Films have faced allegations of controlling behavior and manipulative practices.[11][4][12]
In 2022, the family of dancer Miranda Derrick publicly expressed concerns over her involvement with the church and alleged that she had been estranged from them due to undue influence.[13] Similar concerns were raised by other families of 7M Films members.[9]
Former members allege that the church employs tactics such as isolating members from their families, controlling personal relationships, and requiring significant financial contributions.[4][2] They claim that members are discouraged from contacting non-member family and friends, leading to estrangement.[9]
Media representation
[edit]The church and its associated controversies are the subject of the Netflix documentary series Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, released on May 29, 2024.[14] Directed by Derek Doneen, the documentary features interviews with former members and explores allegations against the church and 7M Films.[10][12] It delves into personal accounts of former members who describe their experiences within the church and the challenges they faced upon leaving.[8]
The documentary has generated significant public attention and media coverage, bringing renewed scrutiny to Shekinah Church and 7M Films.[9]
Responses
[edit]Robert Shinn and 7M Films have denied the allegations, stating that they do not exert undue influence over their clients.[10] In a statement, 7M Films described the documentary as a "slanderous work of fiction" and asserted that they would pursue legal remedies against the filmmakers.[10]
In response to the documentary, Miranda Derrick released a video stating that the film is "one-sided" and has damaged her relationship with her family.[10] She denied being under any undue influence and expressed concerns about receiving threats and harassment following the documentary's release.[4]
Shinn has not publicly addressed the specific allegations made in the Netflix documentary as of October 2024.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Veloso, Lea (June 4, 2024). "Former Shekinah Church Members Claimed They Were 'Brainwashed' By Its Leader—Here's Who Is Still In the Cult". StyleCaster. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g Sun, Esther (May 31, 2024). "Where is Robert Shinn, the subject of 'The 7M TikTok Cult', now?". Today. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ Veloso, Lea (June 10, 2024). "Where's Robert Shinn Now? Here's if the 7M Founder Is in Jail For Allegedly Running a Cult on TikTok". StyleCaster. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Zargo, Gina (June 1, 2024). "The Shocking True Story Behind Netflix's Dancing for the Devil". People. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ "Shekinah Church International". Shekinah Church. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Part I: Die to Yourself". Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult. May 29, 2024. Netflix.
- ^ a b c d e "Part II: The Escape". Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult. May 29, 2024. Netflix.
- ^ a b c d e "Part III: Reap What You Sow". Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult. May 29, 2024. Netflix.
- ^ a b c d Park, Andrea (June 20, 2024). "'Dancing for the Devil': Updates on Netflix's 'TikTok cult' series". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Giorgis, Hannah (June 6, 2024). "7M Dancer and Shekinah Church Member Miranda Derrick Calls Netflix Doc 'One-Sided'". Vanity Fair. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ Marks, Andrea (March 21, 2023). "Dancers Sue 7M Films Claiming Owner Runs a 'Cult'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ a b Garcia, Eric (June 2, 2024). "The shocking true story behind Netflix doc 'Dancing For The Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult'". The Independent. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ "Family claims influencer is being held hostage by religious cult in TikTok video". NBC News. March 9, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ "Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult". Netflix. Retrieved October 6, 2024.