Atlanta’s 2819 Church has become a hub of worship and fellowship and quickly became the go-to for a good Word in Georgia in recent years. The church often makes headlines, including one instance when a group of Black Hebrew Israelites interrupted their service in June, and again in October during the church’s Access Prayer event at State Farm Arena. Now, the church has returned to the spotlight, and the reason why includes felony charges.
Suggested Reading
Stockbridge Police Department responded to the Creekside Christian Academy in Henry County on Nov. 10 after they received a report of a child abuse incident. Police met with the school’s principal, according to Atlanta News First, when the student was asked about a blood stain on their pants.
The 15-year-old, who had received an in-school suspension, alleged, “My dad called himself disciplining me” with an extension cord. The Independent identified the boy’s stepfather as Kenneth McFarland, an associate pastor at 2819 Church.
McFarland, 43, was arrested on Nov. 10 and charged with cruelty to children in the second degree — a felony. The pastor had agreed to step down from his position, and the church also suspended him. “There were several steps we took to make sure that this situation was considered without haste and the wellbeing of everyone involved was considered,” the church said. “Every person on our staff must align with scripture and a standard of conduct that inspires others to draw closer to Jesus.”
The church, who has amassed 1.4 million YouTube followers and counting, added how they “determined that the standard of conduct we have as a church, especially for those involved in pastoral ministry, was violated.”
The teen was reportedly beat with the cord of a gaming system, according to a police report. An officer said they also observed bruising on the student’s upper thigh and rear.
McFarland posted bond and was released, USA Today reported.
According to a LinkedIn page with his name, McFarland had been working as a minister since 2011 before becoming a full-time pastor in October 2022. Philip Anthony Mitchell, the founder of 2819 Church, posted a picture with McFarland, calling them two men “from the street in deep darkness” until Jesus “brought them into the Kingdom of light” in a 2023 Facebook post.
Mitchell even called McFarland his “day one,” and also shouted him out for “holding down the pulpit today…Jesus was preached, souls were saved and added to the @2819church family.”
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.