Soul Survivors cover art

Soul Survivors

Soul Survivors

By: Premier Christianity magazine
Listen for free

About this listen

 For many years, Soul Survivor stood as a beacon of the UK evangelical movement, leading thousands of young people to faith annually. However, in April 2023, its reputation plummeted following allegations of misconduct against its founder, Mike Pilavachi. This series aims to unpack the circumstances surrounding these allegations, hearing from those at the heart of the story. Also, in light of an increasing number of similar stories emerging within the UK Church, it seeks to understand why such incidents are occurring and explores how we can prevent them in the future. Join us as we delve into the hard truths and lessons from this, and promote safer practices within the Church. Soul Survivors is brought to you by Premier Christianity Magazine. For a special half price offer, head to premierchristianity.com/podcast. This series is produced by Megan Cornwell and Kelly Valencia. Sound design by Bradley Howard. Executive producers are Charmaine Noble-McLean, Sam Hailes and Marcus Jones. Additional research by Anna Clarke. The theme song is Toxic by Chris Llewellyn, featuring Propaganda. If you've been effected by the issues raised in this series, a listening ear and spiritual support is available from Premier Lifeline. Call 0300 111 0101 (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday) or visit premierlifeline.org.ukPremier Christianity Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • We speak to Matt and Beth Redman

    We speak to Matt and Beth Redman
    Apr 9 2024
    In a special interview, Matt and Beth Redman open up on the abuse they suffered under Mike Pilavachi at Soul Survivor and urge the wider Church to learn lessons for the future. Matt and Beth were speaking following the release of the Let There Be Light documentary. More details can be found here: https://www.lettherebelight.life/ Soul Survivors is brought to you by Premier Christianity Magazine. For a special half price offer, head to premierchristianity.com/podcast. This series is produced by Megan Cornwell and Kelly Valencia. Sound design by Bradley Howard. Additional research by Anna Clarke. Executive producers are Charmaine Noble-McLean, Sam Hailes and Marcus Jones. The theme song is Toxic by Chris Llewellyn, featuring Propaganda.
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Episode 4: Red flags

    Episode 4: Red flags
    Mar 28 2024
    We look into the formation of Soul Survivor and the ministry of Mike Pilavachi prior to that. Soul Survivors is brought to you by Premier Christianity Magazine. For a special half price offer, head to premierchristianity.com/podcast. This series is produced by Megan Cornwell and Kelly Valencia. Sound design by Bradley Howard. Additional research by Anna Clarke. Executive producers are Charmaine Noble-McLean, Sam Hailes and Marcus Jones. The theme song is Toxic by Chris Llewellyn, featuring Propaganda. Additional material in this episode from Link FM, Facing the Canon Youtube, Soul Survivor Youtube, Catch the Fire Toronto Youtube, Vineyard Church Mombassa Youtube, New Wine Youtube, David Armstrong STV Productions, Awesome City TV Youtube, Ecat Wright Youtube. Refelection provided by Rev Jonathan Edwards, former general secretary of the Baptist Union. If you've been effected by the issues raised in this series, a listening ear and spiritual support is available from Premier Lifeline. Call 0300 111 0101 (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday) or visit premierlifeline.org.uk
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Episode 3: The open secret

    Episode 3: The open secret
    Feb 26 2024
    We look into the allegations made in the Church of England's report into safeguarding relating to "the physical wrestling of youths and massaging of young male interns" by Mike Pilavachi. Soul Survivors is brought to you by Premier Christianity Magazine. For a special half price offer, head to premierchristianity.com/podcast. This series is produced by Megan Cornwell and Kelly Valencia. Audio editing by Bradley Howard. Additional research by Anna Clarke. Executive producers are Charmaine Noble-McLean, Sam Hailes and Marcus Jones. The theme song is Toxic by Chris Llewellyn, featuring Propaganda. Additional material in this episode from Link FM, Jonathan Cook, Church Unlimited and Harvest Christian Church. Refelection provided by Rev Dr Kate Middleton - psychologist, church leader and one of the directors of the Mind & Soul Foundation. If you've been effected by the issues raised in this series, a listening ear and spiritual support is available from Premier Lifeline. Call 0300 111 0101 (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday) or visit premierlifeline.org.uk
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
All stars
Most relevant
I attended the Soul Survivor festivals from '96 - '04 and certainly encountered a powerful move of God. It was exciting.

I can recall the celebrity culture that surrounded Mike Pilavachi, and he was charasmatic, but it all appeared unobtainable for your average believer - the leadership/worship band were seemingly on a separate, anointed, and unobtainable spiritual plain.

This podcast captures the narrative surrounding this scandal well. I had no idea about the exact nature of the abuse taking place, and importantly it seems to have given a chance for the victim's voices to be heard.
However, it does appear to abruptly end after the interview with Matt & Beth Redman - not sure if any more episodes will be made available?

We all have a history, issues that need to be worked through, with redemption and forgiveness at the heart of the Christian message. The podcast captures this side of things too - a balanced report.

The importance of accountability

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.