• Kenneth McFarland dismissed from 2819 Church following November 10 arrest on child cruelty charges
• School officials reported 15-year-old stepson arrived with blood on pants from alleged gaming cord beating
• Church with 1.4 million YouTube followers implements zero-tolerance policy for violence against children

ATLANTA, Ga. (TDR) — The 2819 Church, an Atlanta-area megachurch with a massive online following, dismissed pastor Kenneth McFarland after learning he was arrested and charged with a serious crime involving physical harm to a child in his family.

The church learned last week that McFarland faced allegations stemming from an incident in which he allegedly struck his 15-year-old stepson with an electrical cord. Executive pastor Lonnell Williams confirmed the dismissal in a statement, emphasizing the organization’s zero-tolerance stance on violence.

I want to be very clear that 2819 Church will not tolerate violence of any kind, from any member of our team, especially involving children, as this does not reflect our culture and values

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Williams added the church will continue supporting and caring for McFarland’s wife and son during this difficult period.

School officials trigger investigation

McFarland, 43, was arrested November 10 by the Stockbridge Police Department after teachers at Creekside Christian Academy noticed the teenager had blood on his pants, according to a police report obtained by religious news outlets.

The teen told teachers the wounds resulted from his father “disciplining” him with the cord of a gaming system after receiving an in-school suspension. An assistant principal asked if the student noticed blood on his pants, prompting the disclosure that led to police involvement.

Officers observed bruising on the teen’s upper thigh and bottom, according to the report. McFarland was taken to Henry County Jail that day on allegations of second-degree cruelty to children, public records show.

Pastor posted bond and released

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The former religious leader posted bond and was released from custody, the sheriff’s office confirmed. If convicted, McFarland could face one to 10 years in prison under Georgia law.

McFarland has worked as a minister or pastor since 2011, according to a LinkedIn page matching his name. He also owns a gun training business called GFG Trains, which stands for God Family Guns.

Church records show McFarland preached regularly at 2819 Church, though he does not appear on the current church website. In a 2023 Facebook post, lead pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell described himself and McFarland as two men who were “from the street in deep darkness” until religion brought them into the Kingdom of light.

Church maintains large online presence

The 2819 Church has built a significant following among Black evangelicals in the Atlanta area, according to Christianity Today, with approximately 1.4 million YouTube followers. Services feature a concert-style stage with neon lighting and live music.

Mitchell, the church founder, previously attracted controversy for a sermon suggesting some police killings of Black people occurred because parents had not taught their children to be “obedient to authority.” The founder later apologized for the comments, calling his rhetoric harmful.

The church, formerly known as Victory Church, renamed itself after Matthew 28:19 following challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthew 28:19 is commonly referred to as the Great Commission verse in which Jesus commands his disciples to spread the Gospel and baptize others.

Neighbor expresses surprise

Derrick Lawrence, a neighbor of McFarland, told local media he was surprised by the allegations, stating such behavior was not consistent with McFarland’s character as he knew it.

McFarland refused to comment when approached at his home following his release from custody, leaving questions about the incident unanswered. The Stockbridge Police Department and Henry County Sheriff’s Office have been contacted for additional comment.

Church officials immediately suspended McFarland upon learning of his arrest. He was formally dismissed from his position by November 18, severing all ties with the organization. The church emphasized its commitment to protecting children and maintaining a culture that does not tolerate any form of violence against minors.

The case represents another instance of religious leaders facing accountability for alleged abuse, highlighting ongoing concerns about child safety within faith communities across the nation.

Should megachurches implement more rigorous background checks and monitoring systems for staff members who work with families and children?

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