CONFIDENTIAL — COMMITTEE USE ONLY

Investigation Reference: Spencer Matter
Wisconsin Presbytery · Grievance filed April 10, 2026 · Respondent: Rev. Kalan Spencer

Built from exhibits provided by complainant Yuanfu (Joseph) Juan. References to Exhibit B (removal letter) are drawn from Juan's quotations in the formal grievance — Exhibits A, B, and G have not been directly reviewed. This page does not constitute a finding or recommendation.

Document Inventory
Missing — Critical
Exhibit A
Removal letter (original) · 03/24/2026
Missing — Critical
Exhibit B
Removal letter + English translation — Charges 1, 3, 5 cite specific paragraphs
Missing
Exhibits C / D / E
Original Chinese LINE logs (05/31–11/01) — reviewed via Exhibit F translation
In hand
Exhibit F
Bilingual LINE log (Chinese + English) — primary evidentiary record reviewed
Missing
Exhibit G
Original removal letter in Chinese (教會會員資格)
In hand
Formal Grievance
Juan's 5-page complaint to Jason Heinen, stated clerk · April 10, 2026
In hand
Spencer Responses
04/11 (cooperative) · 04/12 (shifts to FCNI / Matthew 18 jurisdictional defense)
In hand
Juan Updates
04/11 clarification · 05/07 · 05/17 · 05/20 ongoing updates to presbytery
In hand
Exhibit I (Taiwan)
Taiwan Personal Data Protection Act demand re: Spencer's communications
Partial
Lima / Thomas Emails
Spencer's "Potential Resources" email (fwd'd by James Lima); Jacob's Well liaison letter (04/13)
Chronological Timeline
05/31
2025
Juan → Session
Membership withdrawal request
Juan formally requests removal from membership rolls via LINE. States he has been attending another church regularly. Notes wife will remain at Sanchong and that he may occasionally accompany her, but this does not represent continued formal membership.
Exhibit F / Exhibit C
06/07
2025
Spencer → Juan
First refusal — 4 reasons listed
Session refuses removal for four stated reasons: (1) first time mentioned, (2) no reasons given, (3) wife does not want to leave, (4) "Rev. Dr. Andrew McCafferty, whom you recently visited, evaluated your desire to change churches and stated, 'Joseph has no good reason to change churches.'" — McCafferty's view attributed to him personally. Invites Juan to schedule a discussion.
Exhibit C · Note: date in footer reads "7.6" but footnote in Exhibit F corrects actual send date to June 7.
McCafferty = individual, not Session (yet)
06/13
2025
Juan → Session
Reiterates withdrawal; requests written agenda
States he clearly expressed his position on May 31 and has been consistently attending the other church. Establishes the recurring condition that would define the next 4 months: "If the Session has a need for further discussion, please first provide a written list of the proposed topics and specific matters for discussion."
Exhibit C
07/19
2025
Spencer → Juan
Second refusal — McCafferty's view becomes "Session's position"
Spencer reiterates 3 reasons (now reordered). Reason 3 has materially changed from the June 7 language: "Because the Session of the church you have recently been attending also states its position that you have no valid reason to change churches." On 06/07, this was McCafferty's individual evaluation. On 07/19, it is presented as the institutional position of Hong En's Session. Juan later (09/25) specifically disputes this: "That Session has made no such resolution."
Exhibit C / Exhibit F
KEY FACTUAL DISPUTE → Verify with Hong En stated clerk
08/25
2025
Juan → Session
Third letter — repeats written agenda request
States he has already explained his reasons for withdrawal. Again requests Session to proactively provide a written list of proposed topics before any meeting. Invites Session to contact him once written information is provided.
Exhibit C
09/21
2025
Juan → Session
Follow-up: no response to 06/13 and 08/25 invitations
Notes that as of the date of his meeting with the pastor, he has still not received a response to the discussion invitations submitted on 06/13 and 08/25. Asks Session to proactively contact him to arrange a time.
Exhibit C
09/24
2025
Spencer → Juan
Calls prior communication a "misunderstanding"
Claims prior attempts to schedule time on 06/07, 07/19, and 09/21 were genuine. Lists the two topics the Session wants to discuss: (1) desire to change churches, (2) relationship with wife. Adds: "If the content above does not meet your 'writing requirements,' please provide a few examples so we can understand your 'writing requirements'; we will try to see if we can meet those requirements."
Exhibit C
09/25
2025
Juan → Session
Formal constitutional challenge
Juan disputes three elements: (1) ignoring his May 31 withdrawal statement; (2) the Hong En Session claim — "That Session has made no such resolution certifying that I have 'no valid reason to change churches'" — making statements inconsistent with the facts is "an offense against the Session of that church"; (3) no Biblical or WCF basis provided for the link between "a wife not wanting to change churches" and inability to withdraw. Requests "specific examples and standards from Scripture or the WCF."
Exhibit C
Direct contradiction of 07/19 Hong En claim BCO/WCF challenge — never answered by Spencer
10/07
2025
Spencer → Juan
Accuses Juan of verbal willingness / actual avoidance
States "from this interaction, we observe that although you verbally express a strong willingness to meet with us, in reality, it seems you are unwilling, using various methods to avoid meeting with us." Issues ultimatum: "If you are unwilling to provide an available time to meet, there is no need to reply to this message. If your reply does not include an available time to meet, we will understand it to mean that you are not willing to meet with us."
Exhibits C / D
10/24
2025
Juan → Session
Juan organizes the November 1 meeting
After consulting Hong En's leadership, Juan invites the Session to an "informal" meeting. He proactively sets all parameters: Topic: Joseph's membership withdrawal. Specific items: Clarification of administrative procedures for withdrawal + Subsequent peaceful handling methods. Location: Brother Sean's house (neutral, private). Time: November 1, Saturday at 7:00 PM. Sets reply deadline of October 29. States: "If no reply is received by the deadline, I will consider that your Session has no intention of engaging in constructive communication." Also sends formal email to church inbox and pastor's personal inbox.
Exhibits D / E
Juan is the convener — directly contradicts "refused to meet" in removal letter
10/28
2025
Spencer → Juan
Confirms Nov 1 meeting — but adds own topics
"I am very glad to have the opportunity to chat with you! See you Saturday evening at 7:00." Spencer confirms, then adds: "The topics we want to discuss are the same as mentioned before: your desire to change churches and your relationship with Ina." — Confirming the meeting while inserting the same two topics Juan had excluded from his proposed agenda.
Exhibit E
10/29
2025
Juan → Session
Confirms meeting, reiterates narrow agenda
"Thank you for confirming our meeting on Saturday evening at 7:00 PM at Brother Sean's house. This discussion will follow the 'Topic' and 'Specific items' proposed in my Friday email, namely 'Clarification of the administrative procedures for withdrawal' and 'Subsequent peaceful handling methods.'" Asks Spencer to send expected attendee list by October 30.
Exhibit E
10/30
morning
Spencer → Juan
Reveals precondition: must discuss marriage first
"In Saturday's discussion, we will start with the following two aspects first: (1) Understanding your causes and reasons for wanting to change churches, (2) Understanding how these causes and reasons affect your relationship with your wife. Only after these two aspects are clear can we decide how to clarify your relationship with the church next."
Exhibit E
10/30
afternoon
Juan → Session
Juan issues deadline ultimatum
"Any discussion regarding marriage, spiritual condition, or interpersonal relationships does not belong on this agenda. Please confirm by tonight (10/30) at 22:00 whether you agree to proceed according to the originally established framework. If your Session still insists on proceeding in that direction or if this deadline passes, this meeting will be automatically canceled."
Exhibit E
10/30
evening
Spencer → Juan
Spencer declines to agree to narrow agenda
"From the content of your message, it seems you are unwilling to discuss these two items... due to insufficient information, we will be unable to respond to the items on your agenda. If you are unwilling to discuss these contents, we will consider it as you being unwilling to meet with us, and will cancel this meeting."
Exhibit E
10/30
~22:00
Juan (formal)
Juan formally cancels the November 1 meeting
"In accordance with the principles clearly stated in my previous letter, the meeting is automatically canceled. I formally announce the cancellation of the November 1 meeting." Leaves door open: "If, in the future, your Session is willing to return to a transparent and orderly communication framework based on the Bible and the Westminster Confession of Faith, I remain willing to convene a new meeting."
Exhibit E
Juan cancels — but as convener, after Spencer declined to agree to agenda
11/01
2025
Spencer → Juan
Post-cancellation letter — announces Chee update
Spencer characterizes Juan as "currently choosing to temporarily discontinue this procedure and discussion" (careful framing — not "refused to meet"). States he is still willing to meet if Juan provides times. Explicitly: "We will continue to update Rev. Moh-Herng Chee on our interactions and dialogues, so that our two churches can continue to cooperate in caring for you and your wife together."
Exhibit E
Notice to Juan that Chee will be updated — transparent but unauthorized per Juan's Charge 5
11/2025–
03/2026
Gap in record
Spencer communicates with Rev. Chee and/or McCafferty
Content of Spencer's updates to Rev. Chee not in evidence. This period is the evidentiary gap for Charge 5 — what was said to Chee, and whether it was accurate. The Taiwan Personal Data Protection Act demand (Exhibit I) may have originated from this period.
Gap — investigate what Spencer actually told Chee
03/24
2026
Spencer → Juan (official)
Official removal letter — the document at issue
Spencer issues formal removal. Per Juan's quotation (Exhibit B, ¶7): "On multiple occasions, we invited you to meet with us... However, through various means, you refused, and until now, you remain unwilling to meet with us." Per Juan's quotation (Exhibit B, ¶6): accuses Juan of "a pattern of utilizing God's Word rather than submitting to it" and "refusal to submit to spiritual authority." Per Juan's quotation (Exhibit B, ¶3): "These words are not spoken out of condemnation, nor are they formal church discipline" — but letter explicitly states intent to share these concerns with Hong En Church.
Exhibit A / B (not yet directly reviewed — content per Juan's quotations in formal grievance)
Critical: obtain Exhibits A and B to verify quoted language
04/10
2026
Juan → Wisconsin Presbytery
Formal grievance filed — 6 charges
Juan files with Jason Heinen, stated clerk of Wisconsin Presbytery. Identifies Spencer as "Minister Out of Bounds" under Wisconsin Presbytery. Requests formal investigation, retraction of the March 24 letter, official apology to all parties who received the letter, and ongoing pastoral oversight.
Formal Grievance document
04/11–12
2026
Spencer → Presbytery
04/11: Cooperative · 04/12: Shifts to FCNI / Matthew 18 defense
Initial response (04/11) is cooperative and open to engagement. By 04/12, Spencer begins building a jurisdictional argument — framing the matter as subject to FCNI (First Century Network International) and Matthew 18 process, not presbyterian discipline. This shift is significant: Spencer moving from cooperation to asserting the presbytery lacks jurisdiction.
Spencer responses on file
Charge-by-Charge Analysis
Charge 1

Fabrication of Records — "Refused to Meet"

What is alleged

Removal letter (Ex. B, ¶7) claims Juan "through various means, refused" to meet. Juan says this falsifies a sequence where he organized, confirmed, and convened the November 1 meeting — which broke down over agenda scope, not refusal.

BCO References
BCO Ch. 36 — Nature of offenses BCO 31-2 — Discipline purpose WLC Q. 144–145 — Ninth Commandment
What Exhibit F shows
  • Juan proposed the meeting (10/24), set location and time, confirmed (10/29)
  • Spencer confirmed meeting (10/28) — "See you Saturday at 7:00"
  • Meeting broke down because Spencer insisted on discussing marriage before addressing Juan's stated agenda items
  • Spencer's own 11/01 letter uses more careful language: "currently choosing to temporarily discontinue" — not "refused"
  • The removal letter's "through various means, refused" misrepresents Juan's role as the meeting's organizer
Evidence strength
Strong — the Oct 24–30 exchange is directly documented in Exhibit F and shows Juan as organizer and convener. Spencer's own Nov 1 letter uses more accurate language than the removal letter does.
Open questions
  • Obtain Exhibit B to verify exact language of ¶7 — working from Juan's quotation only
  • Was Spencer aware of the misstatement, or is this a drafting oversight?
Charge 2

Extra-Constitutional Demands — Administrative Coercion

What is alleged

Spencer conditioned membership withdrawal on pastoral conversations about Juan's marriage — an extra-constitutional requirement not authorized by the BCO.

BCO References
BCO 46-3 — Member's right to certificate of transfer BCO 46-4 — Grounds for withholding: pending discipline only BCO Ch. 32 — Limited, delegated Session authority
What Exhibit F shows
  • Spencer explicitly states (10/30): "Only after [understanding marriage relationship] can we decide how to clarify your relationship with the church next" — directly conditioning procedure on pastoral conversation
  • Juan challenged the confessional basis (09/25) — Spencer never provided a BCO or WCF basis for the wife-related condition
  • Spencer's pastoral rationale is internally coherent, but Sessions operate by delegated authority — BCO 46-4 limits withholding to pending discipline cases
Evidence strength
Moderate-Strong — Spencer's conditional framing is documented; the constitutional question is whether he formally denied the transfer or merely delayed while seeking pastoral engagement. Key distinction: delay vs. denial.
Open questions
  • Did Spencer ever formally deny the letter of transfer, or only delay? Session minutes would show this
  • Were Sanchong's ruling elders formally involved in any Session vote on the withdrawal?
  • Was there any pending disciplinary case that would justify delay under BCO 46-4?
Charge 3

Violation of Due Process — Character Verdict via Administrative Letter

What is alleged

The removal letter makes specific character verdicts ("pattern of utilizing God's Word rather than submitting to it," "refusal to submit to spiritual authority") while disclaiming these are "not formal church discipline" — bypassing the formal judicial process that would afford Juan notice, a defense, and a fair hearing.

BCO References
BCO Ch. 31 — Discipline requires formal process BCO Ch. 32 — Church courts and jurisdiction BCO 38 — Indictments and fair notice
What we know
  • Spencer's letter explicitly disclaims judicial character (¶3: "not formal church discipline") — but then makes specific character accusations
  • The letter was shared with Hong En Church per ¶3 — a third party received unadjudicated characterizations
  • No formal disciplinary proceeding was initiated; Juan had no opportunity to respond to the accusations through a judicial process
Evidence strength
Moderate — The "not formal discipline" disclaimer may provide cover. Strength depends on the exact language in Exhibit B (not yet directly reviewed) and whether the accusations rise to the level of formal judicial charges.
Open questions
  • Obtain and read Exhibit B directly — especially ¶3 and ¶6
  • Were the character accusations shared with Hong En in the formal letter, or separately?
Charge 4

Dereliction of Duty to Instruct

What is alleged

On 09/25, Juan explicitly requested the Biblical / WCF basis demonstrating the link between "wife not wanting to change churches" and inability to withdraw membership. Spencer never provided confessional instruction — labeling Juan's insistence on procedural grounds as a "theological preference" or "misunderstanding of authority."

BCO References
BCO Ch. 8 — Duties of Teaching Elders (instruction) WCF Large Catechism — duties of those in authority
What Exhibit F shows
  • Juan's 09/25 challenge is explicit and in writing — he asked for Scripture or WCF basis
  • Spencer's 10/07, 10/28, 10/30 responses continue to press for the meeting without engaging the confessional question
  • Spencer does not provide a Scriptural or confessional basis at any point in the available record
Evidence strength
Weakest charge — pastoral discretion is wide and it is difficult to mandate the form of theological instruction. A Teaching Elder may legitimately decline to engage a demand-for-citation challenge and instead invite conversation. Spencer would argue the meeting itself was the intended vehicle for instruction.
Open questions
  • Is there any written response from Spencer directly engaging the confessional question?
  • Did Spencer provide any Scriptural reasoning verbally that is not captured in the LINE logs?
Charge 5

Fabrication of Third-Party Statements / Unauthorized Ecclesiastical Interference

What is alleged
  • Hong En fabrication: 07/19 claim that Hong En's Session "states its position" that Juan has no valid reason to leave — Juan disputes any formal resolution
  • Unauthorized contact with Rev. Chee: Spencer openly announced (11/01) he would continue updating Rev. Chee; Juan says he never authorized this
  • Broadcasting unadjudicated charges: Removal letter explicitly states intent to share pastoral concerns / character accusations with Hong En
BCO References
BCO Ch. 26 — Jurisdictional limits (one congregation's authority over another's members) BCO 31-1 — Offenses include false witness against another BCO 36 — False statements in official proceedings
What Exhibit F shows
  • 06/07: McCafferty's view attributed to him personally ("Rev. Dr. Andrew McCafferty... stated")
  • 07/19: Same view now attributed to Hong En's Session institutionally — "the Session... also states its position"
  • 09/25: Juan specifically refutes the institutional claim: "That Session has made no such resolution"
  • 11/01: Spencer announces Chee updates openly in writing to Juan — transparent, but Juan disputes authorization
Evidence strength
Strong (Hong En fabrication) if verified — the 06/07→07/19 language shift is documented and requires explanation. A one-call verification with Hong En's stated clerk is the critical investigative step. Moderate for unauthorized contact — "sister church coordination" is not inherently impermissible under BCO, but the content matters.
Open questions
  • Critical: Did Hong En's Session formally vote on or discuss Juan's membership transfer? Verify with Hong En stated clerk or Rev. McCafferty directly
  • What exactly did Spencer communicate to Rev. Chee after 11/01? Any written record?
  • Did McCafferty tell Spencer his view informally — and Spencer reported it as a Session position?
  • Does the removal letter (Exhibit B, ¶3) actually include character accusations shared with Hong En, or is this from a separate communication?
Charge 6

Documented Systemic Pattern of Misconduct

What is alleged

Two prior couples experienced the same pattern: months after leaving Sanchong, Spencer publicly addressed their exit to the congregation, applied the "refusal to respond" narrative, labeled them "unhealthy" and "harmful to the church," and proactively contacted one couple's new church to "update" that pastor.

BCO References
BCO Ch. 40 — Evidence in judicial process; pattern evidence BCO Ch. 36 — Habitual or systemic misconduct as aggravated offense
What we know
  • Juan's grievance describes the pattern in detail but provides no exhibits for the prior couples
  • Juan states he can provide contact information for the couple whose new church was contacted
  • If verified, this would significantly strengthen Charges 1 and 5 by demonstrating pattern, not isolated incident
Evidence strength
Unverified — pattern claim is Juan's testimony only. No documentary evidence provided. Entirely dependent on witness testimony from the prior couples and, potentially, Session minutes or public statements from the congregation meeting Spencer allegedly convened.
Open questions
  • Obtain contact information for the prior couple from Juan
  • Interview prior couple — do they have written records of Spencer's contact with their new church?
  • Request Sanchong Session minutes from the relevant period — did Spencer formally announce removals in congregation meeting?
  • Are there other former members willing to testify?
Priority Investigative Actions
Priority 1 — Critical

Obtain Exhibits A, B, G (Removal Letter)

Charges 1, 3, and 5 are all grounded in specific paragraphs of the March 24, 2026 removal letter. Currently working only from Juan's quotations. Must read the actual document to verify quoted language and context.

Priority 1 — Critical

Contact Hong En's Stated Clerk

The central factual dispute of Charge 5: did Hong En's Session formally vote or resolve that Juan had "no valid reason to change churches"? One conversation with the stated clerk or Rev. McCafferty resolves this binary question. Spencer's June 7→July 19 language shift requires explanation either way.

Priority 2

Obtain Sanchong Session Minutes

Formal record of the Session's deliberations on Juan's membership withdrawal. Would show: (1) whether a formal Session vote denied transfer, (2) whether the removal was formally adjudicated, (3) whether ruling elders were substantively involved or if Spencer acted largely unilaterally.

Priority 2

Investigate Spencer's Post-11/01 Communications to Chee

The content of Spencer's updates to Rev. Chee (announced 11/01, gap until 03/24) is the evidentiary gap for the inter-church communication portion of Charge 5. Request any written communications Spencer sent to Hong En between November 2025 and March 2026.

Priority 2

Interview Prior Couples (Charge 6)

Juan offers to provide contact info for the couple whose new church Spencer contacted. Their testimony and any written records would establish whether the pattern claim in Charge 6 is supported. Pattern evidence is significant if Charge 1 or 5 is sustained.

Priority 3

Address Spencer's Jurisdictional Defense (FCNI / Matthew 18)

Spencer's April 12 shift toward an FCNI / Matthew 18 defense asserts the presbytery lacks jurisdiction. This requires a determination: is Spencer an "Out of Bounds" minister subject to Wisconsin Presbytery discipline, and does FCNI represent a parallel ecclesiastical structure that displaces PCA polity? If so, BCO 34-5 (jurisdiction over OOB ministers) is directly relevant.

Priority 3

Clarify Exhibit I (Taiwan Data Protection Demand)

The Taiwan Personal Data Protection Act demand in Exhibit I suggests a separate legal proceeding may be underway or threatened. Determine who filed it, against whom, and what data is at issue — this may bear on Charge 5 (unauthorized sharing of Juan's personal communications).