An Atlanta megachurch pastor has been arrested on charges of child cruelty after an incident involving his stepson that allegedly left the teenager with visible injuries, including bleeding. Kenneth McFarland, 42, who serves as an associate pastor at the multiethnic 2819 Church, was taken into custody on November 10 in Stockbridge, a suburb located south of Atlanta.
According to police reports, the incident came to light when McFarland’s 15-year-old stepson arrived at his private Christian school in Hampton, Georgia, with blood on his pants. He confided in the assistant principal about the source of his injury, stating, “(M)y dad called himself disciplining me.” The boy claimed that McFarland had struck him with an extension cord from a video game system as punishment for having faced an in-school suspension earlier that morning. The investigation revealed that the boy had sustained bruises on his thigh and rear end as a result of this incident.
McFarland faces a second-degree child cruelty charge, which carries penalties of one to ten years in prison if he is convicted. Following his arrest, he was booked at the Henry County Jail and released two days later after posting a $2,500 bond.
In addition to his role at 2819 Church, McFarland operates a gun training business called GFG Trains, which emphasizes the need to “fight back against the things that have held us back,” according to social media posts linked to the business.
Attempts by The Roys Report to elicit comments from McFarland regarding the charges were unsuccessful, and inquiries directed to Philip Anthony Mitchell, the head pastor of 2819 Church, about McFarland’s employment status also went unanswered. Notably, both past and present versions of the church’s website do not include McFarland as a listed pastor.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns within the church community, particularly after Mitchell faced criticism earlier this year for controversial remarks linking police killings to disobedience, which prompted public backlash. Despite these challenges, the church, formerly known as Victory Church, has sought to redefine itself following a name change after navigating difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As this story develops, it underscores the importance of accountability and transparency within religious communities, especially when it comes to the welfare of children. The fallout from these events may have lasting impacts both on the church and its congregants, as they work through the implications of the situation and strive to restore faith in their leadership.