Steve Isitt is an author, researcher, and advocate for open fellowship and dialogue within the Christian community. Through his writing, correspondence, and investigative work, he has sought to address difficult and sensitive issues with honesty, courage, balance, respect, and a Christ-centered spirit.

His work focuses particularly on fellowship, Christian unity, receiving believers, and examining barriers that can divide Christians. Those familiar with his work have described his approach as calm, courteous, objective, and respectful, even when addressing controversial or painful experiences.

Steve’s work seeks to provide readers with a thoughtful examination of these issues and encourage honest consideration of perspectives that may challenge previously held views.

The Significance of John Ingalls’ Testimony

John Ingalls was a respected Christian elder and longtime co-worker within the Local Church movement, known for his humility, integrity, and steady devotion to the Word of God. For more than twenty years, he served alongside Witness Lee and took part in several key works of the ministry, including contributions to the church hymnal and the early development of the Recovery Version of the New Testament published by Living Stream Ministry.
He was not a man drawn to controversy, yet during the late 1980s he found himself compelled by conscience to speak to serious concerns regarding leadership practices and the direction of the movement. His response was never driven by opposition, but by a sincere desire for truth, transparency, and the spiritual well-being of the church. These experiences are captured in his book, Speaking the Truth in Love, a deeply personal account of conviction, struggle, and faithfulness during a difficult season.

John Ingalls passed away in 2016, leaving behind a quiet but enduring legacy of faithfulness and a testimony to the importance of speaking truth in love.

A Note from Stephen Isitt

It’s important to clarify my role in relation to this work. I am not the author of John Ingalls’ testimony—his book stands on its own as the foundation. My work comes later, building on that base, helping to carry the story forward and place it in fuller context.

What I’ve written and will continue to write, including Deviating from the Path, is grounded in John’s original account, along with supporting correspondence and confirmations from others who knew him and have expressed appreciation for his work. These have helped reinforce the credibility and importance of what he shared.