An associate pastor at the Atlanta-area megachurch, 2819 Church, has been arrested after authorities said he physically abused his 15-year-old stepson, leaving visible bruising.
Kenneth McFarland, 42, was taken into custody by Stockbridge police on November 10 and booked into the Henry County Jail on a charge of second-degree cruelty to children. He was later released on a $2,500 bond. The case remains under active investigation.
The alleged abuse came to light when the teen arrived at Creekside Christian Academy with blood on his pants. According to police reports, the student said that his stepfather called it disciplining after he received an in-school suspension. Investigators said McFarland allegedly struck the boy with a power cord taken from his gaming system. Police documented bruising on the teen’s upper right thigh and lower buttocks.
2819 Church, which has a large online following with over one million YouTube subscribers, confirmed the incident on social media. The church said McFarland was initially suspended and then terminated on November 18 after the leadership gathered additional information. The statement described the allegations as a serious crime involving physical harm to a child and emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable.
The church’s leadership highlighted the importance of aligning staff conduct with biblical teachings and fostering an environment that inspires faith. They also pledged to continue supporting McFarland’s wife and children during the ongoing investigation, while requesting that the public avoid gossip or speculation.
This incident is not the first time 2819 Church has received public attention. Earlier this year, members of the Black Israelites interrupted services and public events, claiming the church leadership was misrepresenting historical and religious teachings.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, and the community remains closely watching developments in this serious matter.
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