[This is a lengthy post which includes original correspondence and documentation. Please read the post in its entirety. The safety reports sent to the elders in the original email have been moved to the end of the post.]
I decided to add my story to this website. My name is Kevin Krahwinkel and I attended Grace Community Church from Fall of 2008 until December 2016. I say attended, because I was never a formal member of the church. My family and I attended Grace Community with the intention of becoming members of this church and we even attended the New Members Classes. We were active in the church with my children involved in the youth and me and my wife in bible study. I prayed about becoming a member at Grace, but God always said “no.”
This is not about theology or teaching; this is about church leadership.
In 2013 I was asked by the lead of security to become a member of that team. I was currently a member of the Tennessee National Guard and a 24-year veteran of the military, trained in security as well as facility operations and corporate safety protocols. I was also a partner in a construction company where I had a license to work on residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
Because of my credentials in both military and construction, I was asked by leadership of the church to assist in several issues with the church building. I made repairs to broken items in the building, drywalled the children’s classroom, as well as dealing with security considerations such as locking up the building after services. When the head of the security team left the church, I was asked to take over his duties.
On May 25, 2015, the church was notified by the Maryville Fire Department that they were overdue a Fire Suppression System inspection (Sprinkler system). The last inspection by the City of Maryville was January 22, 2010. I was asked by the leadership of the church to meet with Morristown Sprinkler Co. to complete the inspection in November 2015. During the visit, the inspector found several discrepancies with the church building that are serious violations of the NFPA (National Fire Protection Act) sections 10, 25, 72, and 101.
Many of the discrepancies he noticed were the same ones written up on the January 2010 inspection by Maryville Fire Department. Emergency Exit signs and lights not operational, extension cords used improperly, and items hanging from the fire suppression lines in the basement. Additional items he noted were: items stored in the riser room where the water cutoff is located, the system was overdue a water flush (accomplished at the time of inspection), and the outflow valve needed to be replaced to prevent freezing. He also noted items stored in the back hallway emergency exit lane, ceiling lights hanging by the electrical wiring and electrical boxes in the basement without covers leaving exposed live electrical wiring. There were several more issues noted that are discussed later in this post.
After the inspection, I was asked what our plan was for the discrepancies noted. I told the inspector and the Fire inspector that we would rectify all of the discrepancies and they were satisfied with that answer. I forwarded all the information to the elder who asked me to meet with Morristown Sprinkler Co. When I checked on these problems later, I noticed that they had not yet been corrected. I again asked the elder if these issues would be fixed, but he did not give me an answer.
I brought these issues to another member of the security team who is professionally trained in safety inspections of public buildings. He started monthly safety inspections in June 2015 and sent these reports to the elders of the church. I also worked with another contractor in the church concerning these and other problems with the recent renovation on the middle level. He also took his concerns to the elders, but again with no results.
On September 29, 2016, the elders of Grace established a new policy:
“Because of the importance of having believing members, who are committed to one another, in agreement with the church doctrinal statement, and willing to come under the authority of the elder’s leadership, membership is required in order to serve in any regular, ongoing ministry of the church.
We certainly encourage our non-members to pray for the church, attend ministries, get to know the elders, come to our fellowship groups, and love people. However, all of this should be done with a view to joining the church as soon as is appropriate, not just attending it!” (www.gracemaryville.org/philosophy-of-church-membership/)
Because I was not a formal member of Grace and in response to the new policy, I resigned from my position on the security team and informed the rest of the security team. The following email was sent to each member of the security team and posted in the office:
Kevin Krahwinkel October 5, 2016
Dear members of the GCC Security Team,
As you have recently been notified, the Elders of Grace Community Church now require anyone serving in any ministry at the church to be a member of the church or become a member by January 1, 2017. This new policy was released in an email to ministry leaders on September 29, 2016. If you would like to see this message or have any questions concerning this new policy, please contact the Elders of the church.
In compliance with this new policy, I will not be allowed to serve with the Security and Safety Team or any other ministry in the church after December 31, 2016. I will immediately commence turning over my duties in Security and Safety to other team members, ensuring proper coverage of all my duties before I resign my position on OR before December 31. This will create seamless coverage of responsibilities, providing the continued level of security for the members of Grace during this transition time.
I would like to thank each of you the work you have done and the sacrifice of your time, providing a safe and secure environment for the members of Grace to worship.
Erik and Jonathan will keep you up to date on any future changes in this matter. I will continue to pray for the safety of the team members and the church as you continue the outstanding job you have started.
If you have any questions for me concerning my decision, please contact me.
Kevin Krahwinkel
The following is a collection of correspondence between me and the Elders of Grace Community Church from October 2016 until March 2017.
NOTE: This letter was written on October 5, 2016, but was not sent until December 15, 2016 to all the Elders of GCC. I had written this letter but was still praying over the content of the letter when the Church Membership Sermon was given on November 4, 2016. Then on November 20, 2016, the church had a Body Life Meeting. At this meeting, Chris Riser, spoke from the pulpit about the importance of church membership and the submission of members to leadership.
This was written and identified as an ‘open letter’ therefore it is not considered private communication and is accessible to anyone interested. As a result, the replies to the original message also are not private communication. An “Open Letter” is intended to be published, but I did not do so at the time. I had hoped that these letters would bring these serious safety concern to new light with the elders and a change to the issues, but they did not.
October 5, 2016
Open Letter to the Elders of Grace Community Church,
This letter has taken a long time to write. For two months, I have wrestled with how to communicate the things that are heavy on my heart. It is difficult to say these things, but I feel it is important for you to understand my concerns. Much time in prayer has been spent over the content and the intent of this letter. I have received council from men of God whose judgement I trust in preparation of writing this letter.
I am not a formal member of Grace, but I have been involved in the ministries of the church for the past eight years. I know I am a Christian. I have had the blessing of the Lord for many years and have been a member of many churches as I have moved from place to place. This is the first time I have not joined a church while spending so much time involved in one. I know my “legal” status with the church and I also understand my responsibilities to the church.
I do not know how much of the following information has been presented to all of the elders of Grace, and that is why I am sending this to each of the elders individually. I bring these concerns to you all in an attempt to resolve the problems identified and in hopes of creating a method of identifying future concerns.
I have had concerns with some of the administrative actions I have witnessed. I am not attempting to cause trouble with any of you or to circumvent your authority; instead, I have attempted to help where I can in handling issues concerning the church, freeing all of you to use your talents in teaching and leading.
I want you to understand where my concerns are centered by providing my credentials concerning these issues. I am the owner of a construction company with a residential, commercial, and industrial contractor’s license. I am the commander of a Tennessee National Guard Squadron’s Maintenance and Facilities Division. In this position, I am responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of four commercial buildings of over 38,000 square feet and $132 million in facilities and equipment. I have been project lead on renovation and construction projects for over ten years renovating much of these buildings into new uses. To accomplish this, I have worked with the design, planning, and certification of facilities. I have experience in American with Disabilities Act, International Building Codes, National Fire Protection Codes, and National Electrical Codes, as well as multiple military codes to ensure proper compliance with all regulations. I am responsible for inspection of these buildings and construction projects to meet all associated laws. I have experience with multiple types of buildings from warehouses to office buildings to industrial facilities, and with renovating old buildings, as well as working with officials from city, state, and federal agencies.
I also understand when inspections are completed, inspectors will inspect different areas and sometimes see things differently. Just as a police officer does not cite every speeder and jay walker, inspectors do not cite or even look for all discrepancies, but that does not mean the issue is not there. Some areas in codes leave the interpretation of the intent of the code to the inspector and some are very specific on how to apply the code. It was my intention to prepare the church for the inspection of any agency, ensuring the church demonstrates that it is above reproach and is making every attempt to exceed their expectations. I reviewed the codes and the agency checklists to prepare the church for the inspections.
I have attempted to work on safety issues in the church, to provide a secure and safe environment for people to worship and learn. I was instructed to direct my inputs to Ron O’Dell and that he would be our conduit to the elders. I believe God put me in a place to receive training in handling issues with facilities and code compliance with state and local statutes, as well as in how to manage logistical situations, to use me in such a way to help the church. But as much as I have attempted to reconcile these issues, there have been almost no actions taken to meet the requirements of the law or to maintain a safe environment for the people of the church to worship.
I have conveyed the problems that the church needs to address by telling Ron O’Dell as well as sending written reports of these problems on several occasions (Attached are copies of some of the written reports). Each of these has been met with almost no actions taken to fix these problems. I do not do this to create a conflict, but to ensure the church does all it can do to obey the laws as well as make good use of the resources God has given us. In several incidents, the church is in violation of law and needs to correct the problems. These issues have been brought to the attention of church leadership, but nothing has been done to correct these discrepancies. The law requires us to fulfill this obligation, but more importantly, these items need to be addressed for the safety of the people in the church. I also received little feedback on the issues that were presented. I was never informed if any of the issues had been addressed or if any decision had been made on what needs attention. I have brought these issues to your attention on several occasions and there is still no progress on them except what I have done on my own. I do not do this to bring attention to myself or to create discord. I do this to help the church provide a safe place to attend. Even if these problems did not break the law, fixing them would still be the right thing to do to provide for the safety of the people.
Using the City of Maryville Fire Department’s “Fire Company Inspection Program” and National Fire Protection Agency regulations to evaluate the safety requirements for the building, the following are my concerns:
1. Safety
1.1. Doors frequently locked with people in the building. Almost every time I enter the church one side of each double door is still locked. This occurs almost every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. Both doors must be unlocked per NFPA 101 7.2.1.5.1 Doors shall be arranged to be opened readily from the egress side whenever the building is occupied. Locks, if provided, shall not require the use of a key, a tool, or special knowledge or effort for operation from the egress side
1.2. Items stored in back hallway exit route. I frequently remove items stored in this hallway. During the renovation of the upstairs restrooms and the installation of the coffee bar, construction equipment was stored there on multiple occasions. OSHA 1910.37(a)(3) Exit routes must be free and unobstructed. No materials or equipment may be placed, either permanently or temporarily, within the exit route.
1.3. Several electrical boxes in the youth room unsecured. These electrical boxes contain live electrical lines and there is no cover guarding access to them. Several months after I reported this problem, Tom Webb asked me about the issue. I had already fixed the issue by placing covers on the electrical boxes in question when no action was being taken to resolve this issue
1.4. Large quantities of construction materials remain in building. There is paint, stain, finish, and other materials in public areas of the building. I am especially concerned where these were stored in the elevator shaft on the children’s level. Many of these materials are poisonous and some are considered hazardous materials and yet they are being kept in an unsecured area where the children have unsupervised access to them. These materials need to be secured in a location where they are not readily available and can be safely stored.
1.5. Unauthorized items stored in Fire Standpipe room (Room on mid-level behind toddler bathroom). I have frequently removed items placed in this room that prohibit access to the Standpipe valve.
1.6. The discrepancies in the unfinished renovation of mid-level were discussed after the annual inspection with Morristown Sprinkler Systems in November 2015 and reported to the church that next week. The following items were cited by the inspector but not documented with the understanding these discrepancies would be rectified:
1.6.1. Three holes in floor when toilets were removed, allowing leaks into new construction as well as fire break discontinuity (Rectified Oct 2016 – I filled the holes per code)
1.6.2. Ceiling tiles in elevator shaft not installed, preventing proper operation of fire detection system and fire suppression system. (This item is still unresolved)
1.6.3. Fire suppression head covered in elevator shaft on mid-level preventing proper operation (Rectified Nov 2015 – I removed plastic from unit)
1.6.4. Flammable liquids and paint stored in several locations in both buildings. Improper storage found behind Annex, Annex basement, Annex serving area, loading dock, and in the unfinished elevator shaft on middle level. (Rectified Nov 2015 - several gallons of flammable materials have been disposed of per law)
1.6.5. Fire alarm system and fire suppression system turned off for several weeks during renovation without following proper procedures for continued use of building without systems being active.
1.6.6. Fire exit in the back hallway is frequently blocked by items stored in the area. No item can be placed there that could hinder people from evacuating the building in the event of an emergency
1.6.7. Lights and projector hanging from Fire Suppression system (Lights were removed after several reminders, Rectified Oct 2016 – I moved the projector to a new hanging position)
Note: These issues do not incur any real expense. The issues that have been rectified (holes in floor, removal of flammable liquids, moving lights and projector) cost less than $10 to resolve and the church did not have to bear that expense. If it was a matter of financial difficulty, I would have been happy to help take care of the expense. Even if these issues were not legal indiscretions, they would still be the right thing to do and be worth the little effort required to accomplish them.
2. Facilities
2.1. HVAC heat unit vents are in bad shape with corrosion on all the vents. This has frequently caused exhaust to enter the building and create a hazardous condition. When the building was evacuated on Reformation Night 2014, the Maryville Fire Department inspected the vents and identified the need for replacement. Another event occurred December 8, 2015 where the building had to be ventilated to remove fumes that had entered the building. The church was notified of the need at that time as well as in other reports, but this problem has not been resolved.
3. Financial
3.1.1. I have concerns with the financial operation of the church. I have attended the annual business meeting, but I never see a true update over the course of the year on the financial situation of the church. The budget is quickly discussed and then nothing is heard for another year. I give faithfully to the church and I hope the church is using the money well, but it would help to occasionally know where the church financial state currently is and if there are changes to be made. Many of us gave money for the church to buy land in the preparation for a future site, but that money was used for building renovation and I never heard an update on the money used for this renovation or the money remaining to buy land.
3.1.2. I was asked to make renovations to one of the children’s rooms in August 2014. I used my own time and resources on this project, and shortly after completion, it was announced that the entire children’s level would be gutted and renovated. This was a waste of money and my time. If there was a plan to renovate, why was I asked to make the changes that would only last for a few weeks?
3.1.3. When I see how much money was spent on renovating parts of the church, especially on the mid-level and creating an elevator shaft, yet several safety concerns that are not expensive have not been corrected, I wonder where the priorities are, making the church look nice or making it safe for the people.
The sermon on November 4th, Church Membership, has made my decision easier. Pastor Riser’s comment from the pulpit:
“If they are members of the Security Team, tasked with watching over the safety of the members of the church, we certainly want to know they are members of the church. Committed to it, committed to you, believers who are accomplishing those things.”
Chris demonstrated that he is more worried about church membership than utilizing the right people for the job of keeping the people of the church safe. When he questioned my commitment to the safety of the members of the church, he questioned my integrity. I believe the people of the church know my commitment to their safety and to them as well, by my actions. I have volunteered my time, my efforts, and my God-given gifts to the church to “accomplish those things” but my commitment to these efforts were questioned in front of the entire church and done so during a service. My integrity and actions have been unreasonably and publicly questioned by an elder at Grace without justification. I believe these comments were uncalled for, unfounded, and a direct attack on me and the security team personally. I do not see how such comments help the church or are edifying in any way. These comments do not create “Unity” in the church, they create a division and suspicion. If you do not believe I am able to do the job or that I am not trustworthy or not committed to the safety of the people, ask me to resign. Do not insult me or question my integrity in front of the church.
The people he directly attacks are the ones that freely give of their time to provide this service for the church and are often the first ones approached to handle problems that arise from time to time. We are the ones that clean up the spills of coffee, the ones that help visitors find their way, the ones that keep an eye on people, the ones that do so many of the little things around the church besides security. You wish for people to be involved in the church and yet you insult the ones that are involved in many areas.
The Body Life Meeting of November 20th did little to solve my concerns. It was repeatedly stressed that the renovations were done “legally” yet there are several things about that renovation that do not meet Fire Code. It was said that the elders desire to be “held accountable,” but on the multiple occasions that I have mentioned these issues previously addressed in this letter to the elders, nothing was done to address the issues and no response was given.
Chris stated that during the renovations on the children’s level:
“We’ve had to be in compliance with everything the city has asked us, and to the best of our knowledge and understanding we are legal on everything that we have done and everything that is currently in the building at this point.…We’ve done everything that the city has asked us to do and so we feel like we are in full compliance with everything that the city has asked of us, and we’re legal in all aspects, according to what they have asked for us to do.”
I believe this is a matter of semantics. If the church is “in compliance with everything the city has asked of us,” it does not mean they are in compliance with the law. It only means they did only what they were explicitly told what to do. I did not see the inspection of the city, but I reviewed the codes that the city has adopted and attempted to meet those regulations. But just meeting the law doesn’t mean the church is doing what is right in the sight of the people or of God. The church needs to be above reproach, the institution that sets the standard for the rest of the community to look up to as an example, not a place that does as little as possible to meet the law.
During construction of the mid-level, I know that the church did violate several laws, in particular:
NFPC 101 2002 (National Fire Protection Code section 101 year 2002)
9.6.1.8* Where a required fire alarm system is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period, the authority having jurisdiction shall be notified, and the building shall be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all parties left unprotected by the shutdown until the fire alarm system has been returned to service.
9.7.6* Sprinkler System Shutdown.
9.7.6.1 Where a required automatic sprinkler system is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period, the authority having jurisdiction shall be notified, and the building shall be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all parties left unprotected by the shutdown until the sprinkler system has been returned to service.
I notified Ron of this requirement on the first Sunday after construction started. I again notified him the following week when I found the systems still shut down, but the situation was never addressed any time during construction. When construction was completed, no fire extinguishers were on that level. New ones had to be purchased and installed before the next service for the church to meet NFPA 10 (National Fire Protection Act section 10) requirements. Considering these events, the church may have fulfilled all “legal” expectations of the city because the fire department did not inspect the systems during construction, but they were knowingly in violation of fire codes and made no effort to correct them. With flammable materials, no fire detection system, no fire suppression system, and no fire extinguishers on the middle level, people were at great risk.
Chris stated in that same meeting that he welcomed people to “hold the elders accountable,” yet when I have notified the leaders of problems, they have ignored them. Repeatedly ignoring safety concerns when they have been brought to your attention by several sources is definitely not being accountable. The safety reports delivered to Ron as well as the numerous verbal notifications were attempts to ensure the church is doing all that it can to meet the law and yet these were met with inaction. Most of the repairs I did myself when I discovered that nothing was going to be done to resolve the problems.
In compliance with your new policy of ministry and formal church membership, I will be resigning from all ministries in which I am currently involved, effective immediately. I do not agree with your new policy, but I will comply with your wishes and remove myself from all ministries. I could understand a requirement for all ministry leaders and those teaching to be members, but the policy of not allowing non-members to participate in ministry in any form prevents them from using their God given talents to glorify the Kingdom of God. Non-members, including youth, cannot be part of the nursery ministry, Kingdom Kids, the video and sound ministry, the music ministry, men's or women's ministry, prison ministry, or any other ongoing part of the church, other than attending the events, praying for others, and inviting them to their homes.
I also do not agree with how this information was released to the church. Sending this in an email to ministry leaders and requiring them to impose the policy puts undue burden on a volunteer staff and puts them in the difficult position of explaining to their group what you as elders have decided. Sending out an email on Thursday evening for leaders to contact everyone and then expecting them to be in the New Members class on Sunday afternoon is not realistic. This should have been made public to the entire church first and then sent out through the existing notification system so everyone could read it for themselves and could bring questions to the Elders before it was slowly leaked out. The meeting on Sunday night was not really a meeting to discuss church membership since more time was used to discuss the color of the sanctuary than was spent on church membership, but that meeting should have been held earlier to discuss this issue.
I will miss helping out in the church and being part of a ministry at Grace, but this is the will of the Elders. I have participated in church events, tithed to the church, and I have used my God given talents to minister to others. I have prayed consistently about membership in Grace, but I have not been called to join the church. I believe that membership is something that should not be taken lightly and I will not enter into it without a good deal of prayer.
I take church membership very seriously. It is a contract, a covenant between both sides to uphold, and something I do not enter into lightly. My concern with some of the actions of the leadership at Grace mentioned before has made me question if I can enter into that covenant. We have stayed at Grace a long time in hopes that I would see an improvement in this commitment, but the problems remain and now the requirement for formal church membership has made it impossible for me to attempt to make things better. The membership requirement is not the reason, but it is the catalyst for our decision to leave Grace Church.
I think it is better to see people for who they really are through their actions instead of their words. People can easily join the church and then just sit there and not participate in its ministries. I come to the church and do everything I can to help many ministries, volunteering my own time, frequently taking time off of work and away from my family to do so. I donate money to these causes when I see a need without request for reimbursement, but my commitment to the church is questioned.
I have been in the military for over 30 years and I understand submission better than many. I must submit to those in authority over me and obey the lawful orders given to me. I must follow the orders but I am also responsible to inform those in authority over me when they are not correct in their orders or when they are making a mistake. I am required to help them fulfill their duties to the best of their abilities by properly bringing problems and solutions to them.
This issue has caused my family great concern. My family feels torn between staying as non-members and searching for a new home church. We have been faithful to attend Grace, to support Grace, and to help in any way we can, but now our ability to serve at Grace has been taken away. I have only recently talked to my children about my concerns with the church leadership and how I feel about your current requirement for membership.
Failure of the church administration to resolve these issues and to blatantly ignore my attempts to hold them accountable has caused me to lose faith in the abilities of the church leadership. I cannot trust people who say one thing and then intentionally break the law. If I cannot trust the leaders of the church, I cannot follow them. The failure to do what is right and the personal attack on myself and others, has caused me to no longer desire to associate with the leadership at Grace. I have not felt welcome there for some time. I have been ignored and my integrity has been intentionally questioned in public.
Because of the issues I have mentioned, I do not desire to become a member at Grace Church. If the leaders of the church do not feel it is important to do what is required to keep the members safe and to obey the law, I cannot follow them. I have done all I can do to rectify this situation, but nothing has been resolved. I attempted to help the church in an area that I have experience, but that help was rejected.
It is best for me to leave Grace and for our family to find a new church home.
Kevin Krahwinkel
[For ease of reading, the attachments included in the original email to the elders have been moved to the end of the post. They outline, in detail, the safety concerns which violated building and fire codes and put the church body at risk. Please look through them, because they describe the degree of blatant violation of the law and lack of common sense.]
NOTE: This is the reply from the GCC Elders in response to the initial Open Letter to the GCC Elders.
Received 24 Dec 2016
Hey Kevin,
Thank you for taking the time to put together an understandable explanation of your view of things at Grace, especially the building issues and leadership problems. You have definitely worked hard over many years and I appreciate all that you have accomplished. It seems sad to see your time with us end like this. In particular I am sad that we've never had a chance to talk things out in more of a back and forth manner. Letters are certainly a good start and can sometimes lay things out with the most clarity. But they don't allow for any brother to brother dialogue about the issues.
So, in short, I'm asking if you would be willing to sit down with us as a group of elders. The issues you raise seem weighty enough that, even if you have already decided to leave, they should be talked through. We certainly have no wish to gang up on you, but would genuinely like to sift these things in a respectful way. Whether or not you believe it, we really do want to do what is right before God. At any rate, please consider this request and see if we can plan a time in the near future.
In the mean time, have a blessed and meaningful celebration of Christmas and I hope to hear back from you soon.
[Name Redacted]
Sent 01 Jan 2017
To the Elders at Grace Community Church
Thank you for your reply to my recent letter. I will consider the request to meet, but I would like to know a few things concerning the meeting.
First, who will be invited to participate in the meeting? Will it be some or all of the elders? Will the deacons be invited as well or will anyone else be there who is familiar with the issues?
Where will the meeting be held?
What will be the items on the agenda? Is this meeting to discuss the issues I have brought forward or is there another purpose for this meeting?
What is the overall objective of this meeting? I have taken the time to report the issues I had concerns with, but as of yet, I have heard no response to these issues, only the request to talk.
I have brought issues to the leadership that I mistakenly thought they wished to know about. I did not do it to embarrass anyone; I did it to help the church meet the law and to provide a safe place to worship. I have been available to discuss these issues, and have attempted to do so on numerous occasions with little success. I have submitted several letters to Ron concerning these issues with no response, but I feel that submitting these concerns in writing ensures a compete reporting where there is less chance of misunderstanding.
There have been several changes since my last letter. When the announcement was originally made concerning membership, my family had decided to stay and consider membership, especially with Lauren in the middle of her senior year. We have many friends there and Lauren and Brenna were very involved with the Uth. I had things I wished to work through with the leadership at Grace even if I would not be allowed to participate in the ministries in which I was currently involved. My family was significantly involved in many areas at Grace and we wished to continue serving in the nursery, security, youth, summer camp, and many others.
But things have continued to deteriorate. I have not felt welcome at Grace for some time, and feel I have been treated like an outsider since the announcement about membership. Several weeks ago, a member of the Security Team was questioned about being in the security office by a member of the church. This man has been a valued member of the security team and faithful to help whenever possible, but he was confronted about his continued participation even before the set deadline.
Then we were informed that Brenna would no longer be allowed to participate in the youth music team. Before she could play with the worship team, she was required to attend rehearsals, not being allowed to practice with the team, during a year-long process of evaluating her heart and commitment to the Lord. She willingly submitted to that requirement in order to play with the worship group. Now, after that year of waiting, she will not be allowed to play, not because of her formal status in the church, but because of mine. Brenna gave her statement of faith before Grace Church several months ago and was baptized there, but she is not allowed to play the piano, not because of her ability or her faith, but because I am not a formal member.
Then today, Lauren received an email from her mentor in the Ladies’ Bible Institute telling her that they would no longer be allowed to continue their discipleship meetings. They have been meeting since the beginning of the semester and Lauren very much enjoyed the mentoring relationship and the resulting spiritual growth, but because I am not a member of the church and neither is my daughter, the mentor was told that she would not be meeting her requirements to complete the Institute’s plan. The two of them have invested time and effort to build this relationship but they will not be allowed to continue it because of membership. It upsets me to think that my daughter’s heart is so broken over this. That she is not worth mentoring because she is not a formal member of Grace. Her intent was to continue in the Uth, like so many other students whose families are not members of this church, but she said she feels that she now has no choice but to leave; she has been kicked out.
I agree, it is sad that our time at Grace ends like this. After participating in many of the ministries of Grace, I have been told that I am no longer allowed to do so. I did not choose this, but I must comply with the policy of the church. After my family and I have been ostracized by the church we have supported and been involved in for over eight years, I do not see any reason to stay at Grace.
I will consider a meeting with the elders, but I do not see how it will change things. I will not be attending Grace Church in the future, and since I am not a formal member of Grace I am no longer a member of the Security Team. Therefore, the issues at the church are no longer my responsibility. The concerns with safety and the building have been passed on to the Security and Safety staff that remain, and I believe it is now their responsibility to handle them with the elders.
We are currently in the process of finding a new church home. I have prayed at length about where God would have my family, and I believe He is directing us elsewhere.
Kevin Krahwinkel
Received 09 Jan 2017
Dear Kevin,
I have communicated with the guys and wanted to get back to you - sorry the process can be a bit slow. Our desire for the meeting would be several-fold:
1. To express our deep love for you and for your family
2. To explain what we believe to be misunderstandings in your perception of how the church has treated you and your family
3. To express our appreciation for your service
4. To discuss the manner in which you speak to others about the church
We believe you have communicated pretty thoroughly about your concerns regarding the legality and safety of our building and we have considered and discussed these issues. More time debating our differences there seems unlikely to be profitable.
Kevin, your letter while thorough and detailed was disappointing on some levels. It really seemed that your efforts were more toward vilifying the church leadership rather than mutual understanding or grace. We are simply men who are trying to faithfully (though imperfectly) serve this congregation. No doubt you can build a case that satisfies your mind that we have failed. In the end God will be the judge of us and of you, and we will all be thankful that it is in Christ that we are judged. In the meantime the verses that come to mind are: Gal 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another", and Mt 7:2 "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you."
The older I get, the more I see the need for grace, both from God, and from one another.
So we would be very willing to meet and work through these issues noted above. We are certainly looking for progress not rancor or cold debate.
Let us know your thoughts,
[Name Redacted]
Please understand, I am not attacking Grace Community Church. There are wonderful people at Grace. Also, I am not judging the elders of the church, just extremely disappointed in their lack of response concerning issues of this importance. My letters concerning these issues and events include my disappointment but places no judgement on the elders. It is not my place to judge, but it is important to bring problems to the elders since they are the only ones with the authority to do anything about them. I would rather be judged for trying to do what is right than for ignoring the truth and allowing that which I know to be wrong to go uncorrected. I am sorry if there is any misunderstanding on that point.
I invested a serious amount of time in presenting these letters to the elders. I have tried to properly document the issues I have presented as well as provide accurate information. I have prayed over the letters and hoped that they could be helpful to the elders in making decisions. My intent is not to vilify, but to inform them of the laws concerning operation of the church building and the requirements necessary to provide a safe environment. I knew the elders were all busy men, and I was asked by them to assist in handling these kinds of issues. I fixed the issues I could and brought the remainder of them to the church leadership for consideration. I had hoped this information would be helpful to the leadership of the church.
I did as Mathew 18 dictates; I took my concerns to the elders. When I received no response, I took the voice of others to the elders in the form of safety reports from another member or the team as well as that of another contractor in the church, again with no response. They requested a meeting with me, but not to talk about my concerns for safety, but “To discuss the manner in which you speak to others about the church.” Now I am taking the issue to the church.
The last letter mentioned "grace" and "love" yet the scriptures quoted are of judgement and discourse. I prayed that this correspondence would bring a profitable understanding and solutions to these issues, but I no longer believe this is possible. This letter presented a condescending attitude with remarks such as "what we believe to be misunderstandings in your perception of how the church has treated you and your family" and "No doubt you can build a case that satisfies your mind that we have failed." Remarks like these belittle the issues I have presented and are not designed to assist in "brother to brother dialogue about the issues." Again, they do not address the problems I presented; the elders ignored them. It appears as an attempt to incorrectly place blame entirely on me and not an attempt to come to a mutual understanding and resolution and general safety for the people of the church.
As to how my family was treated, no one has even attempted to address the problems. Lauren is devastated by these events. She was continuing in the new members class when she was told she would no longer be mentored. She feels betrayed by people she has trusted and it will take a long time for that trust to be regained in the future. That is not a perception on how she was treated and there is no misunderstanding that she was dismissed from the mentoring; those are facts.
As to the proposed agenda of a meeting. It appears that the elders did not wish to discuss the issues I presented. The letter of December 24th states, "The issues you raise seem weighty enough that, even if you have already decided to leave, they should be talked through." But in the letter of January 9, 2017 the stance on the issue is now "More time debating our differences there seems unlikely to be profitable." I see a complete change in the elder's willingness to even consider the safety issues I have discussed here. With no discussion of the issues, the elders’ new position makes their stance on my points perfectly clear. But if there is no discussion how can there be any progress?
The agenda proposed, accompanied by the tenor of the last letter, present this meeting not to be an open discussion of issues, but a "five on one" counseling session from the elders towards me. The elders requested this meeting but since they established that they are not willing to discuss the issues I have produced, I was not inclined to accept their invitation.
To fix the problems with the building will cost less than the cost of donuts for a month. Which is really more important? The safety of the people or donuts?
Items stored in back hallway exit route.
Several electrical boxes in the youth room unsecured.
Large quantities of construction materials remain in building.
Unauthorized items stored in Fire Standpipe room
Ceiling tiles in elevator shaft not installed,
HVAC heat unit vents are in bad shape with corrosion on all the vents
Which of these needs to be debated? Only the HVAC costs any money. The ceiling tiles should have been included in the building contract. Which of these should not be remedied? Does it cost too much to protect the people and make the building safe? When I go into a movie theater or any other building, I hope that the people responsible for the safety of that building have followed all the laws and that the “exits from the building have been checked and are clear exits from the building in the event of an emergency.”
Even if these issues were not legal problems, they still need to be fixed to provide a safe place to worship.
I presented real issues with provided solutions as well as legal documentation to substantiate my claims. The NFPA code states clearly on the cover page of the document,
“This is a legally binding document duly incorporated by reference and that failure to comply with such requirements and hereby detailed within may subject you to criminal or civil penalties under the law. Ignorance of the law shall not excuse noncompliance and it is the responsibility of the citizen to inform themselves as to the laws that are enacted in the United States of America and in the states and cities contained therein.”
Most people do not know about these codes or how they apply but I did because of my experience with commercial building codes and required compliance. Violations are broken down into three categories: Technical, Life-threatening, and Severe violations.
Technical violations are usually minor, such as an Exit sign not properly lighted, missing or out-of-service fire extinguishers, or inoperative parts of a fire alarm system. These usually involve a fine or warning. In Knoxville, for example, the fine is a minimum of $114.50 per item per day. (Knoxvilletn.gov/government)
Life-threatening violations require immediate action and usually require re-inspection in 48-72 hours and include: blocked exit doors, inoperative alarm or sprinkler systems, exposed energized wiring. This kind of violation has occurred several times at the church building.
Severe violations require evacuation from the building and include gas leaks and carbon monoxide present. These occurred twice, requiring intervention from the Maryville Fire Department.
Projects I completed because nothing was being done to fix the safety issues:
Three holes in floor when toilets were removed, allowing leaks into new construction as well as fire break discontinuity (Rectified Oct 2016 – I filled the holes per code)
Fire suppression head covered in elevator shaft on mid-level preventing proper operation (Rectified Nov 2015 – I removed plastic from unit)
Flammable liquids and paint stored in several locations in both buildings. Improper storage found behind Annex, Annex basement, Annex serving area, loading dock, and in the unfinished elevator shaft on middle level. (Rectified Nov 2015 - several gallons of flammable materials have been disposed of per law)
Lights and projector hanging from Fire Suppression system (Lights were removed after several reminders, and I moved the projector to a new hanging position, Rectified Oct 2016)
Exposed, energized electrical boxes in youth room and other parts of the building were properly covered.
These issued I rectified on my own, using my time and my own money to do so because I had given the fire inspector my word that they would be fixed. My word is important to me, just as the safety of the people is important to me.
I complied with the policies of the elders by resigning from all activities requiring membership before their deadline. I did not agree with that rule, but that is their authority to make and enforce such policies. They established the rule and they expected everyone to follow them. Shouldn’t they also follow the laws established by the government for the safety of their building and their people?
Even if these issues were not enforceable laws, would it not be a good idea to follow them anyway? There is no law requiring you to lock your doors at your house, but for the safety of your family, it really is a good idea, is it not?
I cannot testify to some of the issues brought up in the report on this website because they were not mine, but I can testify to the issues I presented here. This is not second-hand knowledge; it is personal experience and I was witness to all of it. I left Grace knowing I had done everything I could to make it a safe place to worship for members and visitors alike.
What do I get out of all of this? I get no joy in bringing this to your attention. I do not desire retribution. I didn’t turn the church in to the city agencies; I merely brought these problems to the attention of the elders, allowing them the opportunity to properly deal with them. It consumed a significant amount of my time and energy to deal with each of these issues while I was at Grace and more effort to bring it to your attention, but I felt I must do this so that the truth would be known.
James 4:17 tells us, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” I knew it was right to do all I could to protect the people worshiping in the church building, and I did everything I could to accomplish that.
As I move on, I will continue to pray for the members of Grace.
1 Corinthians 1:3 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Kevin Krahwinkel
Attachment 1
Safety Report November 2015
I met with representatives from Morristown Sprinkler on November 5, 2015 to complete the inspection of the alarm system and the sprinkler system. Both Systems passed inspection as indicated in the attached reports. Although there were no discrepancies indicated in these inspections, the company representatives did have items we need to address to maintain the system and to ensure they work as designed:
1. Sprinkler standpipe is due five-year inspection (searching for last passing inspection date). Attached is the proposal for inspection.
2. Ceiling tiles in elevator shaft need to be placed and protective cover removed from sprinkler head. (This item should have been a write-up, but they will allow it to go undocumented if we will fix this issue soon).
3. Ceiling tile storage in the standpipe room. No storage allowed in this room except items relating to fire suppression system.
4. Lights hanging and projector hanging from sprinkler pipes in youth room (Again this is a violation, but they gave us a verbal direction to remove them without write-up).
Other items:
1. They also discussed with me upgrades to system required when the occupancy exceeds 300, we will need a new alarm system capable of voice direction to evacuate building.
2. When the youth room is renovated, the valve that tests the pressure drop in the sprinkler system (back corner behind the HVAC unit) needs to be 3 feet from where the line exits the building to prevent freezing.
3. Although they are not the Fire Department, the representatives warned us of the amount of paint stored in public locations (Elevator shaft and upstairs hallway) and items stored in the evacuation routes (chairs, tables, stacks of books, etc) that would be an issue with a fire department inspection.
I also met with Trimble Door Company on November 16, 2015 and they are currently working on a proposal to retrofit the main building doors with crash bars. I will forward that information upon receipt.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
[Name Redacted]
Attachment 2
Safety Report June 2016
FINDING 1: Emergency Light, Uth room, over double- door exit to dock, inoperative.
REFERENCE: NFPA 101, The Life Safety Code Section 7.9
CAUSES OF DEFICIENCIES OR HAZARDS IF KNOWN: Bad Emergency Light
RECOMMENDATION FOR IMPROVEMENT/COMPLIANCE: Replace Emergency light
FINDING 2: Missing Ceiling Tiles, 1st – 3rd grade Sunday school room (Room 307)
REFERENCE: Openings in ceilings can delay activation of smoke detectors and sprinkler heads.
CAUSES OF DEFICIENCIES OR HAZARDS IF KNOWN: Unknown
RECOMMENDATION FOR IMPROVEMENT/COMPLIANCE: Replace missing tiles to ensure fire detection and suppression system functions properly.
FINDING 3: Hole through floor, upper level, Former ladies restroom and office restroom.
REFERENCE: Openings in ceilings can delay activation of smoke detectors and sprinkler heads.
CAUSES OF DEFICIENCIES OR HAZARDS IF KNOWN: Former bathroom plumbing removed.
RECOMMENDATION FOR IMPROVEMENT/COMPLIANCE: Fill holes with concrete or other suitable material.
[Name Redacted]
Attachment 3
11 SEPTEMBER 2016
MEMORANDUM FOR Grace Community Church
TO: Ron O’Dell
FROM: Security Team Leadership
SUBJECT: Building Fire Safety and Facility Inspection Report
1. The monthly fire safety and facility inspection of the Main Building and Annex was conducted on 11 September 2016. The purpose was to determine the operability of equipment and determine any hazardous conditions that may exist.
2. All fire extinguishers, emergency lights and exit signs were tested per the Nation Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. All were found to be in good operating order, except as noted in finding 1 and 2 below.
3. Other facility issues of note include:
a. Storage room on middle level, still finding boxes on the top shelf under the fire suppression sprinkler. We must maintain at least 18 inches below the fire suppression sprinkler head per NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.
b. Annex lower level Left Room, Air Conditioning vent missing screw and needs to be resecured.
c. Annex basement, the junction box on the wall to the left of the water heater is missing the cover exposing live wires and needs a cover installed.
d. Uth room, the junction box on wall by the single door behind stage is missing the cover exposing live wires and needs a cover installed.
[Name Redacted]
FINDING 1: Emergency Light, Annex basement, back wall is hanging by wires, inoperative.
REFERENCE: NFPA 101, The Life Safety Code Section 7.9
CAUSES OF DEFICIENCIES OR HAZARDS IF KNOWN: Bad Emergency Light
RECOMMENDATION FOR IMPROVEMENT/COMPLIANCE: Replace Emergency light
FINDING 2: Emergency Light, Uth room, over double-door exit to dock, inoperative.
REFERENCE: NFPA 101, The Life Safety Code Section 7.9
CAUSES OF DEFICIENCIES OR HAZARDS IF KNOWN: Bad Emergency Light
RECOMMENDATION FOR IMPROVEMENT/COMPLIANCE: Replace Emergency light
Attachment 4
05 NOVEMBER 2016
MEMORANDUM FOR Grace Community Church
TO: Ron O’Dell
FROM: Security Team Leadership
SUBJECT: Building Fire Safety and Facility Inspection Report
1. The monthly fire safety and facility inspection of the Main Building and Annex was conducted on 05 November 2016. The purpose was to determine the operability of equipment and determine any hazardous conditions that may exist.
2. All fire extinguishers, emergency lights and exit signs were tested per the Nation Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. All were found to be in good operating order, except as noted in finding 1 through 3 below.
3. Other facitity issues of note include:
a. Room 307, missing ceiling tile needs replaced.
b. Elevator shaft, ceiling tiles need to be installed, and doorway need a closure.
c. Uth room, door in corning - needs to be marked "NOT AN EXIT", since door is sealed shut.
d. Sprinkler stand room in the toddler bathroom cannot be used as storage room.
e. Annex kitchen, Gas stove gas line needs to be properly installed, just have a 90-degree off of back of stove.
Thank you,
[Name Redacted]
FINDING 1: Emergency Light XL500D, Annex upper level, inoperative.
REFERENCE: NFPA 101, The Life Safety Code Section 7.9
CAUSES OF DEFICIENCIES OR HAZARDS IF KNOWN: Bad Emergency Light
RECOMMENDATION FOR IMPROVEMENT/COMPLIANCE: Replace Emergency light
FINDING 2: Emergency Light, Uth room, over double-door exit to dock, inoperative.
REFERENCE: NFPA 101, The Life Safety Code Section 7.9
CAUSES OF DEFICIENCIES OR HAZARDS IF KNOWN: Bad Emergency Light
RECOMMENDATION FOR IMPROVEMENT/COMPLIANCE: Install new Emergency light
FINDING 3: Exit Light XL400B, Lower Annex door by Kim’s desk, inoperative.
REFERENCE: NFPA 101, The Life Safety Code Section 7.9
CAUSES OF DEFICIENCIES OR HAZARDS IF KNOWN: Possibly Light bulbs burned