Megachurch Pastor Ousted Following Child Cruelty Arrest in Stockbridge

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. (BuzzReport)– A prominent megachurch has terminated one of its pastors after his arrest on a child cruelty charge earlier this month. Kenneth McFarland, 42, was taken into custody by Stockbridge Police on November 10th and subsequently booked into the Henry County Jail.

McFarland faces a charge of second-degree cruelty to children, according to official jail records. His dismissal from 2819 Church was announced on November 18th through a statement posted on the church’s social media platforms.

The church’s announcement indicated that McFarland’s arrest and subsequent charges stemmed from a significant offense involving physical harm to a child within his family. He was initially suspended, with the termination following a week later as the church gathered further information regarding the incident. The church statement emphasized its firm stance against any form of violence, particularly concerning children. It also pledged continued support for McFarland’s wife and children and encouraged the community to avoid speculation.

Details surrounding the alleged incident emerged from a police report. The report states that the boy informed a school assistant principal, who observed blood on his pants, that his father had struck him with a gaming system power cord. The boy reportedly described the action as his father’s form of discipline. This alleged striking occurred because the boy had received an in-school suspension. Police later discovered bruising on the boy’s upper right thigh and lower buttocks, according to the report.

2819 Church boasts a substantial online presence, with over 1.4 million followers on YouTube.

The now-former pastor was granted bond in the amount of $2,500. The investigation into McFarland’s case remains active.