Stockbridge, GA – Kenneth McFarland, 42, pastor at 2819 Church in Atlanta, was arrested november 10th and charged with second-degree cruelty to children, according to Henry County jail records. He was released on a $2500 bond, and the case remains under investigation.
The alleged abuse surfaced when an assistant principal at Creekside Christian Academy noticed blood on McFarland’s teenage son’s pants and inquired about the source. A police report obtained by USA Today details the child’s account, stating McFarland “called himself disciplining me” following an in-school suspension, and that he was struck with a power cord from a gaming system. Officers observed bruising on the teen’s upper right thigh and lower buttocks.
2819 Church, which maintains a meaningful online presence with over 1 million YouTube subscribers, announced McFarland’s initial suspension and subsequent termination on November 18th via a social media statement. the church stated it took “several steps to make sure that this situation was considered without haste and the well-being of everyone involved was considered,” emphasizing that all staff must “align with scripture and a standard of conduct that inspires others to draw closer to Jesus.”
The church’s statement characterized the allegation as a “serious crime” involving “the physical harm of a child in his family” and affirmed a zero-tolerance policy for violence, notably against children. Church leaders indicated continued support for McFarland’s wife and children and requested the public refrain from speculation.
This incident follows a series of disruptions at 2819 Church over the summer and in October, when members of the Black Israelites group interrupted services and an event at State Farm Arena, alleging Pastor Mitchell was “lying to the people” about the true identity of Israelites.
Authorities are continuing their investigation.
