The Apologetics Index also lists a number of personal accounts of spiritual abuse within the organisation . The website 's founder was himself a victim of such abuse at the hands of one of YWAM 's most important leaders , Floyd McClung . Talking about McClung , the author writes : " While I have forgiven the spiritual abuse and accepted his reluctant apologies ... the abuse has had far-reaching consequences , the scars of which I still bear . " He also quotes Harold Busséll , author of '' By Hook or by Crook : How Cults Lure Christians '' : " While living in Europe , my wife and I were involved with an Evangelical youth mission based in Switzerland . We were with the group only six weeks , but it was almost seven years before I had overcome the psychological damage caused by their cult-like control and spiritualization … Questioning a leader was considered an act of rebellion against God and His chain of command . " The Christian Research Institute also say they have received complaints about YWAM . In 1990 , cult consultant Rick Ross published an evaluation of Youth with a Mission , that cited both positive and negative aspects of YWAM . After the 2007 shootings , Ross told the Fox News Network that he continued to receive occasional " serious complaints " about Youth with a Mission , but he believed it is " not a cult " . " Some of the political involvements of its founders and members have also been examined by the media
2007 shootings
2007 Colorado YWAM and New Life shootings
Youth with a Mission