9. Mississippi Youth Pastor Lindsey Whiteside Indicted for Sexual Battery of a Minor
Lindsey Whiteside, 26, was indicted for sexual battery by a person of trust or authority. She served as a youth minister and former basketball coach at Getwell Church Hernando. The victim was reportedly 17 at the time of the crime.
10. South Carolina Youth Pastor Daniel Kellan Mayfield Faces Additional Charges for Child Sex Abuse Material
In addition to earlier charges, Daniel Kellan Mayfield has now pleaded guilty to possessing child sex abuse material (CSAM). His case has expanded, and authorities continue investigating potential further offenses.
11. West Virginia Youth Pastor John Radcliff Charged With 191 Counts of Child Sex Abuse
John Radcliff, a former youth pastor, faces an overwhelming 191 child sex abuse charges across four counties for alleged crimes dating from 1987 to 2003. His case is one of the most extensive and disturbing in recent church history.
12. Michigan Youth Pastor Zachary Joseph Radcliff Faces Multiple Charges for Sexual Misconduct
Zachary Joseph Radcliff, 29, has been charged with nearly a dozen counts of sexual misconduct. He previously served as worship director and interim youth pastor at Oakwood Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He has since been fired from his position.
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13. Youth Pastor Justin Baker Convicted of Sexual Assault Aboard Aircraft
Justin Baker, 41, has been convicted of abusive sexual contact after assaulting an 18-year-old woman on a flight from Burbank to Seattle. The incident shocked the public and raised serious concerns about the behavior of clergy even outside church settings.
These cases are sobering. While they may represent a fraction of those in ministry, they have profound consequences for victims and the witness of the Church. As painful as it is to confront these headlines, we must not ignore them. Instead, may the body of Christ rise to protect the vulnerable, hold leaders accountable, and ensure that ministry reflects the heart of Jesus—full of holiness, humility, and integrity.
