Part one was about control. Part two is about the money.

Behind the soul-winning and the sermons and the bylaws, the New Testament Christian Churches of America runs a very well-funded business. Tithing is tracked, enforced, and tied to your military paycheck. Fall behind and you go before the general board. Fall further behind and you lose your credentials.

So where does the tithing money go? Church CEO Michael Kekel told his congregation they owed $25,000 a year in property taxes on the fellowship hall. But tax records tell a different story. The fellowship hall paid $9.65. The $25,000? That's the bill on a personal house in the name of Kekel's wife.

In this episode:

-Tracy Pelfrey, former NTCC member of 17 years

-Bruce Smith, reporter, The Mountain News, who has covered NTCC for nearly two decades

-Sarah DeJonghe, former Navy Seabee and NTCC ex-member

-Archival recordings of R.W. Davis, founder of NTCC

-Archival recordings of Michael Kekel, CEO of NTCC

Next time on Pretend: Former members say that NTCC fosters a culture where adult men courting teenage girls isn't just tolerated — it's encouraged. That's next time.

Listen to Part 3 now:

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985

If you or someone you know is currently serving in the military and feels pressured by a religious group or organization, you have options. The Military OneSource confidential helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-342-9647. You can also reach out to your installation chaplain, who can provide confidential support across all faiths and no faith at all.

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