An influential church in the Atlanta region has taken decisive action after one of its senior pastors was arrested and charged with child cruelty following allegations that he physically disciplined his teenage stepson. The church has fired the clergyman and vowed firm action, while the arrested pastor has posted bond and been released.
Church Responds as Allegations Surface
The 43-year-old pastor was taken into custody on November 10 by the Stockbridge Police Department after teachers at his stepson’s school noticed injuries and blood on the teenager’s trousers, according to law enforcement records. The teen reportedly told educators that the wounds were caused by a gaming-system cord used by his stepfather as punishment after an in-school suspension. Police say they observed bruising on the youth’s upper thigh and bottom.
In response, the church publicly stated it “will not tolerate violence of any kind, especially involving children,” and confirmed the minister had been dismissed with immediate effect.
Pastor’s Background and Church Influence
The minister in question had been involved in pastoral work since about 2011, and also listed activities in firearms training and mobile home real-estate ventures. The church he served operates on a concert-style platform with neon lighting and live worship music, and boasts a following of around 1.4 million subscribers on YouTube. It has a strong presence among Black evangelical communities in the Atlanta area and has drawn both praise and criticism in recent years.
Moving Forward: Questions and Expectations
The church has pledged to support the pastor’s wife and the teenager during this process, and said the matter is under investigation. Meanwhile, the former pastor posted bond and was released. The coming weeks could see further legal developments as law-enforcement investigators review the case and the church faces renewed scrutiny over its internal culture and practices.
