Josh and Georgie Kelsey, pastors at Fount New York City (Fount NYC), are under fire for allegedly charging more than $900,000 of unapproved personal expenses on a church credit card during the past nine years. In addition, former leaders say Josh Kelsey dissolved a board, hand-picked replacement members, and is trying to operate Fount NYC from Australia.
David Chan, a former board member at the megachurch, said he spoke out because he’s “troubled” by recent events and must “do what is right before the Lord.”
Josh Kelsey has denied misusing church funds, saying the expenditures all have context and cover almost a decade. “My conscience is clear,” the pastor said in a Jan. 6 videocall to congregants. “I know what I’ve spent things on.”
Fount New York City Pastors’ Purchases Under Scrutiny
Josh and Georgie Kelsey founded Fount New York City—which is affiliated with the Australia-based C3 church-planting movement—in 2013. Since then, branches have spread throughout New York City, drawing in crowds of young people.
RELATED: Lecrae Says Druski’s Viral Megachurch Parody Reflects Real Church Problems
Fount NYC has been compared to Hillsong NYC—not only for its worship style but also for various red flags and controversies. These include a lack of accountability, transparency, and documentation for purchases. Some members and former employees said they’re worried that talk of scandal will turn young converts away from the church.
After former Fount NYC board member David Chan leaked findings from a recent auditing review, Josh Kelsey accused Chan of trying to create division. Pastor Kelsey provided reasons for some of the expenditures; for example, he said $9,392 spent on surfing was part of his sabbatical for post-pandemic restoration.
Accounting firm CapinCrouse found that during the past nine years, the Kelseys also spent church funds on items such as electronics ($28,700), clothing ($25,000), therapy (almost $50,000), alcohol ($3,500), and parking tickets ($3,500). More than $220,000 of additional spending by the Kelseys lacked documentation and receipts, according to CapinCrouse.
Barry Black, an attorney for Fount NYC, said Josh and Georgie Kelsey aren’t involved in any “wrongdoing.” But former board member Chan isn’t the only person raising concerns.
Last November, Isabella Aguilar, the church’s former financial director, expressed frustration about an ongoing lack of documentation for Josh Kelsey’s expenses.
Former music director Michael Andrews cited a double standard for the Kelseys, as well as an “entitled attitude.” Although other church staff members aren’t allowed to work remotely, Andrews said, the Kelseys moved to Australia last year yet maintain their Fount NYC jobs.
Josh and Georgie Kelsey, pastors at Fount New York City (Fount NYC), are under fire for allegedly charging more than $900,000 of unapproved personal expenses on a church credit card during the past nine years.Click to Post
