[4] In 2014, he stepped down from IBLP after 34 women accused him of sexual harassment and molestation, with some incidents allegedly occurring when the victims were minors.

[9] In 1961, Gothard started Campus Teams,[10] an organization which changed its name to the Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts (IBYC) in 1974.

The organization's name changed again in 1989 to the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP),[11] of which Gothard was the president and a board member until his resignation in 2014.

[12] In 1984, Gothard founded the Advanced Training Institute (ATI), a homeschooling program with a curriculum based on the Sermon on the Mount.

[18][19] Various books and articles have challenged Gothard's teachings on legalism, law, and grace, and questioned his handling of the IBLP ministry.

[20][21][22] On February 27, 2014, the board of directors of the Institute in Basic Life Principles placed Gothard on indefinite administrative leave while it investigated claims that he sexually harassed several female employees and volunteers.

They asserted that although no criminal activity was uncovered, Gothard had acted in an "inappropriate manner" and so "is not permitted to serve in any counseling, leadership, or Board role within the IBLP ministry".