Bill Gothard is an American Christian Minister and the founder of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), an organization that promotes conservative Christian values and provides educational programs and materials. Born on November 2, 1934, Gothard became well-known for his teachings on the Christian life, family, and principles of success.
Gothard’s teachings focused on topics such as homeschooling, courtship, and principles of authority, emphasizing strict adherence to biblical principles. He developed the Advanced Training Institute (ATI), a homeschooling program that incorporated his teachings and became popular among conservative Christian families.
However, in recent years, Bill Gothard has faced numerous allegations of s*xual harassment and misconduct. In 2014, a number of women came forward with claims of inappropriate behavior, prompting an investigation by the board of IBLP. As a result, Gothard resigned from his position as president of IBLP in 2014. Since then, he has remained out of the public eye and IBLP has undergone leadership changes and reforms.
Bill Gothard’s Educational Background and Career Overview
Bill Gothard’s educational journey began at Wheaton College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biblical studies in 1957. He continued his academic pursuits at the same institution and obtained a Master of Arts degree in Christian education in 1961. Driven by his passion for biblical studies, Gothard furthered his education by pursuing a Ph.D. in biblical studies at Louisiana Baptist University, successfully completing the program in 2004.
In 1984, Gothard took a significant step in his career by establishing the Advanced Training Institute (ATI). This program was specifically designed for homeschooling families and centered its curriculum around the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. With ATI, Gothard aimed to provide a comprehensive educational experience for families who chose to educate their children at home.
Not only was Bill Gothard influential in education, but he also garnered support and alliances within the political sphere. Prominent Republicans such as Sonny Perdue, Mike Huckabee, and Sarah Palin were known to be allies of Gothard. Additionally, notable personalities like the Duggar family, who gained fame through their reality television show, were among the many admirers of his ministry.
As part of his work, Gothard developed a course called Basic Youth Conflicts. He first taught this course at Wheaton College in 1964 during a two-week session. This course addressed various conflicts that young people face and aimed to equip them with the necessary tools to navigate these challenges successfully.
Moreover, Gothard’s involvement in the Institute in Basic Life Principles, a religious organization, has made him a controversial figure. He previously served as the leader of this sect and founded it in 1961 under the name Campus Teams. The institute’s primary objective was to assist parents and their at-risk adolescent children in making informed decisions about their future.
Meet the parents of Bill Gothard
Bill Gothard was born on November 2, 1934, in Illinois, USA to his parents William Whitmore Gothard Sr and Carmen Christina Torres Gothard.
Gothard was the third child born to his parents. Ann, Joan, Laura, David, and Steve were his two brothers and three sisters, respectively.
Bill’s father was a religious preacher
Bill’s father Bill Sr., also known as William Whitmore Gothard Sr., was born on October 17, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Luella and Arthur Gothard and died on March 17, 1994, in La Grange, Illinois, at the age of 88.
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Bill Sr. served as a cleric for many Christian groups. When Bill was a teenager, Gideon International appointed him to the positions of Executive Director and Editor. Those who knew Gothard Sr. said he was a hard worker who frequently worked from 8 am to 11 night.
Carmen Gothard was the mother of Bill Gothard
The daughter of Edward Torres and Lena Benson, Carmen Gothard was born on November 15, 1908, in Illinois.
On May 14, 1930, she was 21 years old when she wed Gothard Sr. Three sons and three daughters were born to the couple’s marriage, totaling six children.
Carmen spent ten years in La Grange and around five years in Brookfield. She eventually passed away on January 19, 2000, at the age of 91.
Meet the siblings of Bill Gothard
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Gothard has lost two sisters and a brother, but he still has two surviving siblings, David, and Laura Gothard. Anne Jeanette and Laura Gothard were Bill’s older sisters. Additionally, he had three younger siblings: David Gothard, Joan Christine Gothard, and Stephen Edward Gothard.
Bill Gothard’s Personal Life
Bill Gothard currently lives in his home on Arlington Avenue in La Grange. He has never been married and does not have any known wives. He also does not have any biological children.
In one of his early seminars, Bill mentioned that he was confident he would get married someday, but he decided to delay his engagement because he wanted to focus on his ministry work. Bill also shared that he was once tempted to get married, but the marriage didn’t last long. He explained that he had never met someone who he believed was worthy of a lifelong commitment.
When the charges against Bill Gothard emerged in 2014, he claimed that he had never kissed or acted inappropriately with a girl. Despite advocating for traditional family values and the father being the leader, Bill Gothard has contradicted his own advice about marriage. He believes he has a higher calling and has even suggested that not all men need to get married, while all women should.
S*xual harassment allegations on Bill Gothard
Bill Gothard, a prominent figure in conservative Christian circles, has faced multiple s*xual harassment allegations over the years. He is the founder of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), a conservative Christian organization that promotes principles for personal and family life.
Numerous women have come forward with allegations of s*xual harassment and misconduct against Bill Gothard. These allegations began to surface publicly in 2012 when a website called Recovering Grace published testimonies from former employees and participants in the IBLP programs. The accounts detailed instances of inappropriate behavior, including unwanted touching, grooming, and emotional manipulation.
As more stories emerged, a wave of individuals began sharing their experiences, shedding light on the pattern of alleged misconduct within the organization. The allegations involved both minors and adults who had been involved with the IBLP and its affiliated programs. Some individuals claimed that they were subjected to Gothard’s unwanted advances, while others described a culture of fear and control within the organization.
In response to these allegations, IBLP initiated an internal investigation and placed Bill Gothard on administrative leave in 2014. Subsequently, in 2015, Gothard resigned from his position within the organization. Despite these developments, some individuals within the conservative Christian community continue to support him, while others believe the allegations and advocate for accountability.
