Fount New York City Pastor Accused of Hand-Picking New Board
According to former Fount NYC board member David Chan, when questions arose about misspending, Pastor Josh Kelsey and Attorney Barry Black dissolved the church’s board and installed their supporters. Chan said Black also sought a separate financial review.
Responding to an inquiry from The Roys Report (TRR), Black said Chan and the other former board members were improperly elected.
TRR obtained an email that new board President Frank Wheatley sent to church members on Tuesday (Jan. 13). In it, he described a “conclusive election” and addressed issues such as oversight and financial reporting. “We recognize that good governance only truly bears fruit when it is joined with godly spiritual leadership,” wrote Wheatley. “For that reason, the Board intends to remain in close, prayerful relationships with staff and members.”
The email to congregants also addressed the Kelseys’ move back to Australia. Josh and Georgie returned there, it said, to spend time with two family members who are battling cancer.
“We believe that the Kelseys will lead strongly in an apostolic global role for all church locations, with Josh present in NYC two weeks per month, and strong local location leadership in place and fully accessible,” Wheatley explained. “Part of our upcoming responsibility will be to formalize this structure and ensure that all pastoral needs continue to be met for every location.”
The new board president encouraged unity and promised “frequent, transparent communication.”
In a livestreamed Fount NYC worship service last Sunday (Jan. 11), South Carolina Pastor Dan Lian expressed support for Josh and Georgie Kelsey. Lian, an adviser and coach for Fount NYC, said he’s proud to partner with the couple in ministry.
ChurchLeaders has reached out to Fount NYC for comment and will update this article in the event of a reply.
