Campus safety notice: High-control group called the Restored Church Toronto
**Campus Safety Notice – Please Read**
Posting this again since my previous post and account got massively reported by the members, and subsequently deleted by Reddit.
To preface, you may have heard a group on campus called “Thrive” or “Thrive Bible Talk”. Don’t be fooled, this is a high-control organization called the “Restored Church Toronto”.
To my fellow students: I want to respectfully bring awareness to the presence of a high-control religious group that is actively recruiting on campus. Members often approach students by asking if they’d like to “study the Bible” or attend a small group discussion. Once they get your contact information, this typically turns into repeated one-on-one Bible studies.
If you already identify as Christian (Protestant, Orthodox, Catholic, etc.), they may cherry-pick Scripture to argue that you are not a “real” Christian and that your baptism was invalid. When questioned, verses are often stretched to fit their doctrine, relying heavily on sola scriptura while dismissing historical and theological context. There is very little openness to outside interpretation.
They tend to focus heavily on students who are emotionally vulnerable or going through mental health struggles, as people in these situations are easier to influence. At the beginning, they will “love-bomb” you with consistent attention—checking in constantly, offering support, making you feel deeply seen. For many, it feels comforting at first. Over time, however, this often shifts into pressure and guilt if you don’t attend multiple weekly church events. You may hear “do not forsake the assembly,” even though their expectations are unrealistic for students balancing school, work, family, and life.
There is also strong pressure to give money regularly, regardless of personal financial hardship. Missing a donation may lead to confrontation.
Students are often discouraged from prioritizing family gatherings, friendships, or social plans outside the group. Instead, you’re expected to commit first and foremost to church activities and only associate closely with your “brothers and sisters.” If you don’t, your loyalty and faith may be questioned. Dating is restricted to the church, if you have a significant other outside the church, you are told to break up with them.
After weeks of studies, individuals are often pushed to publicly repent and be baptized by full submersion, becoming “born again”. Catholics are called pagans, and their infant baptisms are labeled as invalid. From there, you are expected to recruit others and make disciples using the same methods. Members are then sorted into campus ministry, singles ministry, and couples/married ministry, deepening the social control.
To anyone currently involved or being contacted: please move with caution Leaving high-control groups is extremely difficult because of the emotional bonds, constant communication, and gradual reshaping of your worldview. Over time, it becomes harder to recognize manipulation from inside the system.
This group identifies as the “Restored Church Toronto” led by Evan Bartholomew and is affiliated with the known cult, the International Churches of Christ. The founder of the affiliated movement, Kip McKean, has long been associated with serious public controversies, including allegations of abuse cover-ups and financial exploitation. I strongly encourage everyone to research independently and verify information through multiple credible sources.
A church founded less than 100 years ago does not represent the historic Christian Church.
Students deserve community, faith, and support— not control, fear, or coercion. TMU should not be allowing a high-control organization to recruit students on campus.
Please stay safe, stay informed, and look out for one another.