To: Church Leadership at The Church Without Walls

We, the parents, youth, and supporters of the Ignite Youth Choir, are standing together in love, faith, and unity to call for transparency, accountability, and compassion following the sudden dismissal of Miss De’Ja Davis, our 25-year-old Youth Choir Director, who has faithfully served this ministry.

For nearly two years, Miss De’Ja poured her heart, faith, and energy into this ministry. Through dedication, structure, and faith-driven leadership, she transformed the Ignite Youth Choir from five members to over thirty, inspiring our children to worship God with confidence, discipline, and purpose. Her leadership reignited joy and spiritual growth among our youth in ways this ministry has not experienced in over three decades. 

Miss De’Ja was not just a director — she was a mentor, a role model, and a spiritual guide. She taught music lessons after hours, supported students at their games and graduations, counseled those struggling with depression and self-doubt, and often used her own money to ensure every child felt included and celebrated. Despite personal challenges, she served faithfully with love, excellence, and humility.

On Monday, October 27, 2025, she was abruptly removed from her position without a clear explanation, and on Tuesday, October 28, parents of Ignite Youth Choir received email communication that the church was moving in a "new direction" for Ignite. This decision has deeply affected not only her but also the youth and families she faithfully served, leaving many children heartbroken, confused, and questioning the very faith they’ve been taught to trust. This is even more concerning since the Ignite choir parents on the Eldridge campus did not receive such communication. 

This issue extends far beyond employment — it is about integrity, accountability, and the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of our youth.

Our faith teaches that “all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Unfortunately, this situation has been neither decent nor in order. The Church Without Walls has long declared that children are the future, yet this action has caused pain and confusion among the very youth we are called to nurture.

Therefore, we, the undersigned, respectfully and prayerfully request the following:

1. A formal public apology to Miss De’Ja Davis for the emotional, spiritual, and professional harm caused
2. Offer her the option of reinstatement, should she choose to continue serving in this ministry.
3. Conduct an independent and transparent review of the termination process.
4. Hold a leadership meeting with parents and youth representatives to address the impact of this decision and to develop transparent, compassionate processes moving forward.
5. A churchwide recommitment to biblical principles of accountability, love, and restoration in all future leadership decisions 

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed" — Proverbs 31:8

Miss De’Ja’s ministry changed lives, renewed families, and helped our children find purpose in God’s house. To remove her without reason or compassion contradicts the heart of the Gospel we are called to live by.

Together, we seek resolution, repentance, and restoration — for Miss De’Ja, for our youth, and for the ministry we love.

Sign and share this petition to ensure truth, compassion, and accountability prevail in our church community.

— The Parents, Youth, and Supporters of the Ignite Youth Choir