Dale Chamberlain – ChurchLeaders

MI Pastor Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct Toward Young Boy

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 17:43:45 +0000

Harold Norman Cole Jr. of Trinity Baptist Church in Farwell, Michigan, could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Prosecutor Seeking Additional Charges Against MI Youth Pastor Accused of Child Sex Abuse

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 17:58:38 +0000

A former youth pastor who has been charged with 11 counts relating to child sex abuse could face additional charges, as more witnesses have come forward. Zachary Joseph Radcliff, 29, already faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Alabama Church Sign Refers to Black Trump Supporters as ‘Ignorant, Stupid’

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:49:36 +0000

"Attention to all Blacks who plan to vote for Trump: You are an ignorant, stupid negro," reads the marquee sign outside New Era Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. The church’s pastor, whose name is Michael Jordan, stands by the message.

Former Youth Pastor Charged With Nearly 150 Sex Crimes Related to Voyeurism

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:58:33 +0000

The number of sex crime charges against a former South Carolina youth pastor continues to rise as investigators uncover more victims. Daniel Kellan Mayfield, who served as a youth pastor at Gowensville Baptist Church until his initial arrest in 2023, faces nearly 150 charges related to voyeurism.

‘Free Healthcare for Illegals Is on the Ballot’—Church Faces Backlash for Message on Digital Billboard

Dale Chamberlain — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:58:28 +0000

A North Carolina church is facing backlash after displaying controversial political messages on its digital billboard. People’s Baptist Church in Greenville has since removed the messages, one of which stated that “free healthcare for illegals is on the ballot.”

Texas Pastor Back in the Pulpit Despite Looming Sexual Assault Trial

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 17:22:02 +0000

Texas Pastor Dr. Ronnie Goines is back in the pulpit despite having been arrested and charged with sexual assault.

Former Youth Pastor Convicted of Sexually Abusing Teen While Aboard an Airplane

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 16:57:12 +0000

A former youth pastor has been convicted of abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft. Justin Baker, 41, was arrested March 14 after sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman on a flight from Burbank, California, to Seattle.

Charlie Kirk Calls on American Pastors To Preach Against the Democratic Party, Asks Christians To ‘Put Pressure’ on Pastors Who Refuse

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 16:39:35 +0000

As election day looms, political activist Charlie Kirk made characteristically provocative remarks about the Democratic Party during a Trump rally in Deluth, Georgia, on Wednesday (Oct. 23).

Trial of Alabama Pastor Accused of Child Sex Abuse Underway Following 2-Year Delay

Dale Chamberlain — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 17:35:22 +0000

A former Alabama pastor is standing trial for sex crimes this week after a two-year delay. Danny Duane Pitts, formerly of GracePoint Church in Decatur, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sodomy.

Church Secretary Convicted of Embezzling at Least $670,000, Faces up to 280 Years in Prison

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 16:52:06 +0000

The Louisa County Sheriff's Office in Virginia announced in a statement on Monday (Oct. 21) that Brenda W. Ragland has been convicted of 14 counts of embezzlement.

Alabama Pastor Who Lost Home in Fire Preaches Joy

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 17:26:08 +0000

An Alabama pastor is emphasizing joy and community after his house went up in flames. Eric Foxx of Home Church in Mobile says that he has felt the peace of God despite the fact that his home has been deemed a total loss.

NC Pastor Charged With Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Following 2-Month Investigation

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 17:24:04 +0000

A North Carolina pastor has been arrested and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor following a two-month investigation. Timothy Charles Rupard, 44, believed that he was communicating online with a 16-year-old girl.

SBC Pastor Matt Queen Pleads Guilty To Making False Statements During Abuse Investigation at Southwestern Seminary

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 15:25:14 +0000

Dr. Matt Queen, former interim provost at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, has pleaded guilty to making false statements to federal investigators following an investigation into whether the school had mishandled allegations of sexual abuse.

Florida Pastor, Previously Convicted in Sex Abuse Case, Under Investigation as Authorities Seek To Identify Other Victims

Dale Chamberlain — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:59:37 +0000

Authorities continue to investigate a Florida pastor for sexual abuse allegations. Pheguel Pierre Louis of Evangelical Church of the New Jerusalem in Riviera Beach apparently continues to preach despite a previous battery conviction.

Unhoused Missouri Man Stabs Church Member; Pastor Urges Compassion Despite Need for Caution While Helping Those in Need

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:47:51 +0000

Jarod A. Hill faces charges of first degree assault and armed criminal action following an incident at First Church of the Nazarene in Kansas City, Missouri.

Trump’s Eventful Weekend in California Features Pastor Greg Laurie, Dennis Quaid, and a Disputed Story of 3rd Assassination Attempt

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 20:11:17 +0000

A Trump rally in Coachella, California, on Saturday featured a number of Southern California natives, including Pastor Greg Laurie and Christian actor Dennis Quaid. Before the rally, a man was arrested on gun charges, leading to speculations about yet another attempt on Trump's life.

Franklin Graham Says Kamala Harris’ Policies Are ‘Anti-Christ’; Claims Harris Has No ‘Evidence of Faith in Her Life’

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 16:41:04 +0000

Evangelist Franklin Graham took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris in a recent statement, going as far as to say Harris’ policy positions are “anti-Christ.”

KS Pastor Accused of Sexually Assaulting UT Woman With an Intellectual Disability

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 17:27:48 +0000

Ephren Taylor Sr. of Johnson County Church of Christ in Shawnee, Kansas, has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, forcible sodomy, aggravated kidnapping, forcible sexual abuse, and intentional abuse or neglect of a vulnerable person.

Gateway Church Applying To Join ECFA Amid Class Action Lawsuit Over Allegedly Misallocated Funds

Dale Chamberlain — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 17:09:18 +0000

Gateway Church is pledging greater financial transparency in the wake of a class action lawsuit filed against four current and former pastors at the church over how Gateway has allocated donation money.

Pastor Released on Bond While Awaiting Trial for Murder of Man Pastor Believed Was in an Affair With His Wife

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 17:17:21 +0000

A former pastor has been released on a $30,000 bond as he continues to await trial for murder. Matthew Dedmon, who was pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in Rogersville, Missouri, is accused of killing Joe Newburn, a man Dedmon believed was having an affair with Dedmon’s wife.

Rick Warren Asks for Prayer After Brush Fire Near Saddleback Church; One Suspect Arrested

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:56:56 +0000

One suspect has been arrested after a brush fire broke out near Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.

Christian Ethics Professor Arrested for Alleged Possession of Child Sex Abuse Material

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 17:07:38 +0000

Dr. Charles Bellinger, a seminary professor in Texas, is facing charges of possession of child sex abuse material (CSAM) following his arrest on Wednesday (Oct. 2).

Former Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz Defends Hillsong From Accusations of Being a Cult

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 18:10:01 +0000

On a recent episode of the "Lights On" show, Carl Lentz responded to viewer questions alongside his wife, Laura, including one question Lentz said he is asked frequently: Is Hillsong Church a cult?

SBC President, ERLC Send Letters to Biden, Congress Urging Support for Israel Amid Escalating Conflict

Dale Chamberlain — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:58:56 +0000

Amid escalating military conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the presidents of the SBC and the SBC’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission sent joint letters to Congress and President Joe Biden urging continued support for Israel.

Former President Jimmy Carter, Known for His Faith and Philanthropy, Turns 100

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 17:55:27 +0000

Former President Jimmy Carter made history by celebrating his 100th birthday on Tuesday (Oct. 1). Carter is the first U.S. president to reach the milestone.

Donald Trump Posts ‘Prayer to Saint Michael’ in Observance of the Feast of the Archangels

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 17:36:46 +0000

“Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle,” former President Donald Trump posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. “Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.”

Youth Pastor Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison After Impregnating a Child

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 16:00:24 +0000

A former youth pastor has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple child sex abuse crimes. Marvin Scales, 53, of Waxahachie, Texas, is not eligible for parole and will be required to serve the entire sentence.

NY Pastor Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Possession of Child Sex Abuse Material

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:32:26 +0000

James Swanson, formerly of Rome Wesleyan Church in Rome, New York, will undergo 15 years of supervised release after he has completed his prison sentence.

MO Pastor Charged With 2 Counts of Promoting Child Sex Abuse Material

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 16:01:41 +0000

A pastor has been arrested and charged with two counts of promoting child sex abuse material (CSAM). Andrew Lovisone, an associate pastor at First Baptist Church (FBC) in Peculiar, Missouri, was arrested on Tuesday (Sept. 17).

Judge Drops Child Sex Abuse Charge Against Pastor Following Pastor’s Death by Suicide

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 15:49:38 +0000

A judge has dismissed the child sex abuse case against now-deceased Tennessee Pastor David Mark Baker Sr. following the pastor's death by suicide.

Cars Stolen From 2 Separate Kansas Churches 2 Sundays in a Row

Dale Chamberlain — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 17:10:06 +0000

Police in Leawood, Kansas, are looking for car thieves after two cars were stolen from two separate church parking lots while parishioners were worshiping inside.

Southern California Pastor Out on $500,000 Bond Following Arrest for Child Sex Abuse Charges

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 17:06:52 +0000

A Southern California pastor is out on a $500,000 bond after being arrested and charged with several child sex abuse offenses. Juan Barrios, 51, has been accused of abusing two underaged boys at his home in Riverside over the course of several years.

MI Church Promises Transparency After Worship Pastor Confesses To Placing Hidden Camera in Bathroom

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 18:24:50 +0000

Leaders of 2|42 Community Church in Michigan are emphasizing transparency after a staff member discovered a hidden camera in a bathroom at one of the church’s locations.

Southern California Pastor Charged With 8 Counts Relating to Child Sex Abuse

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 17:25:30 +0000

Jose Alcides Vasquez, a Southern California pastor, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts related to alleged child sexual abuse of at least two female victims.

Adam Greenway Drops Defamation Lawsuit Against Southwestern Seminary Without Compensation; Seminary Says Suit Was ‘Without Merit’

Dale Chamberlain — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:40:17 +0000

Dr. Adam Greenway has dropped his lawsuit against Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS), according to a joint statement from Greenway and SWBTS on Sept. 9.

Texas Church Offers Free Urgent Care to Those Without Insurance, IDs

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 21:12:11 +0000

The urgent care clinic, which is open weekly, is one of several community outreach programs of Highland Baptist Church in Waco, Texas.

Evangelical Group Releases Statement of Conviction To Address ‘Social Conflict and Political Division’; Signers Include Russell Moore, Lecrae, Rich Villodas, Phil Vischer

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 16:50:29 +0000

As the 2024 presidential election quickly approaches, a group of Christians has released a statement of convictions. Titled “Our Confession of Evangelical Conviction,” the document’s list of initial signers includes a number of well-known evangelical leaders.

Pastor Jack Hibbs Calls Democratic Party ‘A Death Cult,’ Urges Christians To Vote for ‘Not Totally’ Pro-Life Republican Ticket

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 16:17:09 +0000

California megachurch Pastor Jack Hibbs took to social media to offer his apparent endorsement of former President Donald Trump, though without ever mentioning Trump by name.

Pastor Ed Young Says Criticizing Megachurches Is ‘Hypocritical’

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:51:32 +0000

Texas Pastor Ed Young took aim at critics of megachurches in a recent social media post, characterizing criticism of the church model as “hypocritical.”

‘A Miracle’—Pastor Survives Heart Attack After Off-Duty Firefighter Performs CPR

Dale Chamberlain — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 17:19:52 +0000

Members of a South Carolina church are hailing an off-duty firefighter as a hero after he performed CPR on their pastor. On Sunday (Sept. 1), Socastee Family Worship Center in Myrtle Beach honored Chad Hughes for his part in saving the life of Pastor Chuck McElroy.

Pastor Sentenced to 18 Months After Pleading Guilty to $3.5 Million Fraud Scheme

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 17:18:38 +0000

Rudolph Brooks, pastor of Kingdom Tabernacle of Restoration Ministries in Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to charges of wire fraud and money laundering.

Police Officer Charged With Death of Pastor Fired From Department

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 15:49:13 +0000

The police officer charged with the death of a beloved pastor has been fired by the Stamford Police Department in Connecticut. Zachary Lockwood, 24, struck and killed Rev. Tommie Jackson while responding to a call in July 2023.

Trump Posts Video of Worship Concert as Pro-Life Evangelicals Continue To Express Concerns

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 16:44:31 +0000

Amid recent fissures in Donald Trump's evangelical support base over the issue of abortion, the former president took to Truth Social this week with a post that could be seen as an olive branch.

Donald Trump Claims That If Jesus Were the ‘Vote Counter,’ Trump Would Win California in November

Dale Chamberlain — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 18:28:29 +0000

In a recent interview with Dr. Phil McGraw, former President Donald Trump peppered his responses with references to God and faith, urging Christians to vote for him and falsely claiming that operatives for the Democratic Party tamper with American elections.

Man Allegedly Kills Woman in Church Before Burning Building Down, Talks About Getting ‘God’s Water’

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 17:20:01 +0000

A man has been arrested and charged with second degree murder in connection with the arson perpetrated at St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Athens, Tennessee.

Christian Leaders React After Vance Says Trump Would Veto Federal Ban on Abortion If Elected

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 16:41:22 +0000

Christian leaders are continuing to react to former President Donald Trump’s softened stance on abortion after vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance indicated in an appearance on "Meet the Press" Sunday (Aug. 25) that Trump would veto a bill imposing federal restrictions on abortion.

4 New Charges Brought Against Former Michigan Pastor in Child Sex Abuse Case

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 16:51:26 +0000

Michael Ronald Goble, formerly the pastor of the now-defunct Church of the Good Shepherd in Adrian, Michigan, was originally arrested in July and charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree.

Chick-fil-A Set To Launch a Streaming Service

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:38:28 +0000

Chick-fil-A is reportedly planning to enter the entertainment industry with a new streaming service to launch later this year.

Former Christian School Teacher Charged With Multiple Counts of Sexual Battery With a Student

Dale Chamberlain — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 18:34:13 +0000

A former Christian school teacher in South Carolina has been charged with six counts of sexual battery with a student. Norman Jermaine Roberson, 36, is accused of engaging in inappropriate relationships while he was a teacher at Fountain Inn Christian School in 2015.

Gateway Houston Changes Name to Newlands Church Following Robert Morris Sex Abuse Scandal

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 16:57:58 +0000

Gateway Church Houston is changing its name amid the ongoing scandal surrounding Robert Morris, the founder of its parent church.