WASHINGTON (RNS) — House Speaker Mike Johnson has launched an effort to select a new House chaplain, working with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on a framework to select a new person to fill the post just days after the current chaplain offered a Jan. 6 prayer asking God to help lawmakers defend against “enemies within.”

Punchbowl News first reported the potential change last week, citing unnamed sources and noting the current chaplain, the Rev. Margaret Kibben, is now listed as “acting chaplain.” Johnson’s office confirmed to Religion News Service on Sunday (Jan. 12) that the speaker is moving to find a new chaplain and that he is working with the minority leader to develop a process. The office did not provide a reason for why Johnson is seeking a new House chaplain.

Nor did Johnson’s office respond to requests to confirm another piece of Punchbowl’s reporting — namely, that Johnson, a conservative Southern Baptist, is allegedly considering Becky Tirabassi, a nondenominational Christian and co-pastor of Viewpoint Church in Newport Beach, Calif., as the new chaplain. Tirabassi pastors the church with her husband, Roger Tirabassi.

Tirabassi, who served as a guest House chaplain in 2017, did not immediately respond to efforts to confirm the report, but she would be a shift for a position that has most recently been filled by clergy with a background in formal chaplaincy, which typically requires training in how to work with people of multiple faiths.

According to her Instagram page, Tirabassi visits the U.S. Capitol regularly and posts devotionals from “The Lead House,” a location in Washington she established in 2019 for members of Congress to “pray for revival in our nation.” While Tirabassi often avoids explicit political topics in her podcasts, she has repeatedly called for a “revival” in the U.S., which she described in a September podcast as a nation “in decline and in trouble.” She has also asked her followers to pray that lawmakers “turn to God” and produced a livestream on Election Day last November.

“For those who live in a place where God has been thrown out of schools and courts, we need to bring God back,” Tirabassi, the author of numerous books and a study Bible, said. “So our voting matters, on who will bend their knee and bow their heart to God — that would be my litmus test.”

In addition, during an Instagram Live broadcast on Jan. 6, 2021, Tirabassi said she participated — via FaceTime, as she was in California — in a prayer walk around the U.S. Capitol that morning. Tirabassi did not immediately respond to a request to clarify whether the prayer walk was an independent effort or one of multiple “Jericho Marches” staged around the Capitol at the time, which were led by supporters of Donald Trump who prayed that God would overturn the 2020 election results.

If Johnson, who was re-elected to the speakership earlier this month, moves forward with the effort, it would oust Kibben, a Presbyterian Church (USA) minister and retired rear admiral who previously served as the chief of chaplains in the U.S. Navy. Kibben was appointed by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, in 2020 and became the first female House chaplain in U.S. history.

Asked about her potential replacement, Kibben told RNS, “The situation is not mine to comment on, except to say, I serve at God’s pleasure.”

Kibben’s transition into the job was unusually turbulent. Mere days after assuming the post, hundreds of rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, ransacking the building and sending all of Congress fleeing to secure locations. In an interview with RNS at the time, Kibben said the situation reminded her of combat, and she offered emergency counsel to lawmakers throughout the day. Among other things, Kibben prayed before the House chamber as members frantically placed emergency gas masks over their faces, with the chaplain asking God to place a “hedge of protection” around lawmakers.

Since then, Kibben has garnered headlines for being outspoken in her prayers delivered before the House assembly, such as when she asked God to “forgive” lawmakers for failing to unite around pandemic relief legislation in 2021.

California Pastor Jack Hibbs suggested that the wildfires that have devastated California this week are the result of “wicked” political leaders. In comments that he made prior to beginning his sermon Sunday, Jan. 12, Hibbs also said that the founding fathers would have arrested and hung Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for “dereliction of duty.”

“She should be thankful that John Adams or Samuel Adams, George Washington or John Hancock, are not in power right now,” said Hibbs, “because she would be arrested for dereliction of duty, which cost people their lives, and she would be hung, according to our colonial fathers.”

“Well, listen, we can hang the Democrat Party and the RINO Republicans in the next election in 2026,” he continued.

Later, Hibbs said, “The Bible says when the righteous are in power, the people rejoice. But when the wicked rule, the people groan.” 

“And I’m convinced now the word ‘groan’ probably means ‘catch fire’—grill. When the wicked rule, the people grill, no pun intended,” said Hibbs. 

Jack Hibbs: ‘I’m Angry, and It’s the Right Kind of Anger’

Jack Hibbs is the founding pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in Chino, California, which is west of Los Angeles and the fires raging there. Wildfires erupted on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and have caused unprecedented devastation in the region. At least 24 people have been confirmed dead as of this writing, with the death toll expected to rise. 

RELATED: ‘I’ve Been Crying My Eyes Out’—Candace Cameron Bure Shares Her Family’s Old House in LA Is ‘Decimated’

According to a report from the Los Angeles Times the morning of Monday, Jan. 13, the Eaton and Palisade fires “saw increased containment and no significant growth” over the past day. However, the National Weather Service has warned of extreme winds and potential fire growth over the next couple of days. Officials are warning Los Angeles County residents who have not yet evacuated to prepare to do so. 

Hibbs began a sermon published Jan. 12 by saying, “I have a bomb to drop right now.” 

“We have watched the absolute exposure of the most incompetent…Nobody can hide from this,” he said. “Nobody can hide from—there’s no excuses.” 

Hibbs went on to expound on what he sees as the failures of the Democratic leadership of California as it relates to the wildfires. He blamed the government of California, which he called the “wealthiest state,” for causing California to be the most expensive of all 50 states. 

Bill McCartney, a football coach who founded Promise Keepers to inspire Christian men, died peacefully on Friday (Jan. 10) at age 84. Coach Mac, as he was known, is being remembered not only for his athletic successes but also for how he mentored people and championed Christian husbands and fathers.

In 2016, McCartney’s family shared that he had been diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In a statement announcing his death, his family wrote, “Coach Mac touched countless lives with his unwavering faith, boundless compassion, and enduring legacy as a leader, mentor and advocate for family, community and faith.”

McCartney, a father of four, coached the University of Colorado (CU) football team from 1982 to 1994. He built up a struggling program, leading the Buffaloes to their first and only national championship title in 1990. A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, McCartney remains the winningest coach in CU football history.

RELATED: ‘Nothing That God Can’t Do’: Deion Sanders Thanks God for Opportunity To Coach at University of Colorado

Bill McCartney Left Coaching To Launch Promise Keepers

At age 54, Bill McCartney retired from coaching to begin the men’s ministry organization Promise Keepers. McCartney, who became a “born again” as an adult after growing up Catholic, served as the group’s president until 2003, when he stepped down to care for his ailing wife, Lynne.

During its heyday in the late ’90s, Promise Keepers held men’s conferences that filled stadiums across America. Speakers encouraged men of all ages to follow the “Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper,” also the title of one book to which McCartney contributed.

Promise Keepers generated some protests and controversy, especially regarding its views about homosexuality and manhood. In 1997, an estimated 700,000 men attended a Promise Keepers rally at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Soon afterward, the organization began struggling financially.

Promise Keepers relaunched during the pandemic in 2020, and after the death of George Floyd that summer, the organization joined the movement for racial justice.

Following McCartney’s death, Promise Keepers posted a video tribute to its founder. CEO Shane Winnings expressed gratitude for what Coach Mac accomplished “on and off the football field, the millions of men that have been impacted through his life, specifically at Promise Keepers.”

RELATED: Promise Keepers Announces First Arena Event Since 2021 Featuring Dr. Phil, Charlie Kirk, John Bevere, and John Amanchukwu

To honor that legacy, Winnings said, Promise Keepers is collecting testimonies for a documentary that will honor McCartney. “While Coach McCartney has gone on to glory,” Winnings said, “there are still many men who need to know about the love of Jesus Christ, and that is what we aim to do here at Promise Keepers.”

Coach Mac’s Legacy Lives On

Tributes for Coach Mac poured in from his players, including many who went on to success in the NFL. Chad Brown wrote, “A hall of fame coach but somehow a better man and human being.” Alfred Williams wrote, “His legacy is firmly built on love, character, integrity, hope, and faith.”

After an astonishing 13-2 season, Ohio State University (OSU) is headed to the NCAA National Championship game. Throughout the season and playoffs, the team has displayed a genuine belief and trust in God—more than a shout-out after a victory.

“This is just so POWERFUL,” said Army Veteran and podcast host Graham Allen in a recent social media post.

An Astonishing Number of Ohio State Football Players Kneel and Pray Before Game

Ohio State will face Notre Dame (14-1) in the National Championship on Jan. 20 in Atlanta. The last time the two were paired in a game was September 2023, when OSU won 17-14. OSU has defeated Notre Dame each of the six times the two teams went head-to-head since 1995.

There’s something special about the football team at Ohio State. Over the summer, tight end Gee Scott Jr. had preached at a local church, invited fellow teammates, and was invited to baptize seven men on the team. And as the team headed to fall camp, many wore “Jesus shirts” and received affirmations from others—including some from Michigan fans.

Players knelt and prayed before the team’s overwhelming playoff victory (28-14) Friday over the University of Texas at Austin. While this act is somewhat common before games, this was a remarkable display of faith.

Spanning more than 35 yards on the field, players lined up on five-yard lines, and almost every player on the roster participated.

“This is just so POWERFUL,” said podcast host Graham Allen. “Nearly EVERY SINGLE OHIO STATE PLAYER ran out of the tunnel, GOT ON A KNEE, and said a prayer before their victory against Texas…”

More than 200,000 people have watched the footage, and many—fans and rivals alike—affirmed how the players stand for Christ.

“I’m not an OSU fan, but the public display of Christianity from young men in such a public way is amazing,” offered one person. “Jesus is King!”

Another said, “Wow! I missed that…really wanted Tx to win, but this has won me over!”

Someone else commented, “Love seeing these young men emerge as God’s leaders. What a blessing they are.”

This is just so POWERFUL🔥🔥🔥

Nearly EVERY SINGLE OHIO STATE PLAYER ran out of the tunnel, GOT ON A KNEE, and said a prayer before their victory against Texas…

pic.twitter.com/ePv9N6MePu

— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) January 12, 2025

A youth pastor has been dismissed from a North Texas megachurch following allegations that he had “inappropriate contact with a minor” roughly a decade ago. Jerry Nickerson was the youth pastor at the Frisco West campus of Hope Fellowship Church, a non-denominational multisite church.

In a letter to the church, John McKinzie, Hope Fellowship’s lead pastor, said that Nickerson “voluntarily disclosed inappropriate contact with a minor” after he was “unexpectedly confronted about these past incidents.”

McKinzie clarified that the alleged incidents occurred when Nickerson “was an adult volunteer youth leader at a previous church 10 years ago. This incident occurred before his time at Hope Fellowship, and we had no prior knowledge of this situation or any allegations against him.”

“We are not aware of any other incidents. Following his confession, Jerry’s employment with Hope Fellowship was terminated,” McKinzie wrote.

RELATED: Worship Leader Associated With Creation Museum Faces 80 Charges Related to Alleged Sexual Abuse of Teen Boy

“We are devastated by this news,” McKinzie added. “We believe that this behavior is disqualifying to those in pastoral and leadership positions, and Hope Fellowship is committed to supporting and advocating for victims of abuse.”

McKinzie said that church leadership had no knowledge of these past incidents until Nickerson disclosed them on Jan. 6.

Nickerson’s employment at the church was terminated the same day, according a statement Hope Fellowship emailed to ChurchLeaders. 

In his letter, McKinzie said that Nickerson had been background checked at the time he was hired by Hope Fellowship and that church leadership did not know about any allegations against Nickerson when he was brought onto the team.

RELATED: Alabama Pastor Receives Maximum Prison Sentence of 20 Years in Child Sex Abuse Case

McKinzie said that Hope Fellowship had no relationship with the victim, who McKinzie said lived in a “different city.” He added, “We applaud their courage and support them coming forward 10 years later.”

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — A provisional document published by the Italian Bishops’ Conference on Friday (Jan. 10) and approved by the Vatican cautiously opens the door for the ordination of openly gay men to the priesthood, while maintaining the normal requirement of chastity.

“In the formative process, when referring to homosexual tendencies, it’s also appropriate not to reduce discernment only to this aspect, but, as for every candidate, to grasp its meaning in the global framework of the young person’s personality,” the document reads, adding that the goal is for the candidate to know himself and find harmony between his human and priestly vocation.

The Vatican department for clergy approved the document, which will be valid for three years. The document was signed by the head of the Italian bishops, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, who is considered a close collaborator to Pope Francis.

RELATED: Sex Should Be ‘Within a Committed Relationship,’ Whether Straight or Gay, Says Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

The document, titled “The Formation of Presbyters in Italian Churches. Guidelines and Rules for Seminaries,” was approved by the Italian bishops who met for their general assembly Nov. 13-16 in Assisi. The episcopacy in Italy, where vocations are at an all-time low, has been pushing the envelope in terms of making the Catholic Church more palatable to modern concerns by suggesting a greater role for women in the formation of priests, a commitment to combating sexual abuse and the acceptance of gay men to the priesthood.

According to the 2005 Vatican instruction by the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education, “while the church deeply respects the people in question, it cannot admit to the seminary or to Holy Orders those who practice homosexuality, have deeply rooted homosexual tendencies or support the so-called gay culture.”

The Italian bishops’ document quotes directly from the Vatican instruction but also suggests that other aspects be taken into account when considering the acceptance of gay candidates to the priesthood. While being openly gay no longer automatically bars a candidate from becoming a priest, such candidates are still held to the same standard of chastity as heterosexual priests are.

RELATED: High-Ranking Vatican Official Says Priests Should Be Allowed to Marry

In a statement published on Friday, New Ways Ministry, an advocacy group for LGBTQIA Catholics in the U.S., welcomed the document as “a big step forward” in combating discrimination in the church. “This new clarification treats gay candidates in the same way that heterosexual candidates are treated. That type of equal treatment is what the Church should be aiming for in regards to all LGBTQ+ issues,” the statement read.

The possibility of admitting gay men to the priesthood caused a stir in May of last year, when Pope Francis used an anti-gay slur to express his skepticism on the matter in a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops. The Vatican issued an apology, stating that the pope “never meant to offend or express himself with homophobic terms,” but Francis has been ambivalent in the past about gay priests and seminarians.

This article originally appeared here. 

Daystar Television Network published an official statement to its X account on the afternoon of Friday, Jan. 10, responding to the news that ministry leader Joyce Meyer had paused her program at Daystar due to the ongoing controversy surrounding the network.

“We love and appreciate @JoyceMeyer and appreciate her desire to see closure in this situation,” said Daystar. “Her time slots will be filled by programmers from our waiting list, ensuring our mission remains uninterrupted.”

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: We love and appreciate @JoyceMeyer and appreciate her desire to see closure in this situation. Her time slots will be filled by programmers from our waiting list, ensuring our mission remains uninterrupted.

We have it on good report that law enforcement is…

— Daystar Television (@Daystar) January 10, 2025

“We have it on good report that law enforcement is concluding their evaluation of the facts with no charges, and we are confident these false allegations will soon be put to rest,” the statement continued. “Daystar remains steadfast in our commitment to preaching the Gospel. We refuse to operate in fear, trusting God fully and standing on the assurance that truth is prevailing.”

RELATED: Rash of Charismatic Christian Leaders Departs Daystar Amid Ongoing Scandal

Joyce Meyer Pauses Daystar Program

Daystar’s statement was posted after the publication of an article from Religion News Service (RNS) earlier Friday. The article stated that Meyer is pausing her program at Daystar, per an email sent Friday to staff at Joyce Meyer Ministries. The email was shared with RNS by an unnamed spokesperson with Joyce Meyer Ministries.

“In recent weeks, we have become troubled by allegations surrounding the Daystar Television Network,” Meyer’s son, Dan Meyer, wrote in the email. “Due to the nature of these allegations and my mom’s own story, we feel a profound responsibility to stand for truth and create space for its discovery.” 

“In addition, we must always be sensitive to the hearts of those walking on this journey with us,” he said. “As many of you are aware, we have received a significant and growing amount of concern from our partners and viewers regarding the Daystar situation.”

According to RNS, Meyer will pause her program, “Enjoying Everyday Life,” starting Jan. 13, although the email leaves open the possibility that Meyer will return to Daystar once the controversy is “satisfactorily resolved.”

ChurchLeaders has contacted Joyce Meyer Ministries for comment and will update this article in the event of a reply. 

For further information on the controversy surrounding Daystar Television Network, see the following articles: 

Daystar Christian TV Empire Rocked by Allegations of Abuse, Cover-Ups, and Smear Campaign

Embattled Daystar Demands Retraction; Journalist Defends Reporting

‘I Never Covered Up Anything’—Daystar’s Joni Lamb Claims ‘Narrative Was Written by Some Low-Level Blogger’

“So where is God in the L.A. fires right now?” Dallas Jenkins began a Thursday, Jan. 9, video posted to X. “I know that so many are wrestling with that, and what is happening in L.A. is apocalyptic. It is unprecedented.”

Jenkins is creator, director, and co-writer of “The Chosen,” the hit series based on the life of Jesus. The director noted the show’s ties to Los Angeles, which has been ravaged by wildfires since Tuesday. 

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“We have cast and crew out there, [my wife] Amanda and I lived out there for 10 years and have good friends and folks who are in areas that are typically considered safe,” said Jenkins. “Like, it’s not unusual for there to be fires in Los Angeles and Malibu and all that. It’s unusual where it’s happening and how huge it is.”

“Where is God in all this?” That’s a fair question when we see such unprecedented devastation in LA right now. We’ve got an update for you on our cast and crew impacted by the fires, and we also want to wrestle through what God has to say about this kind of suffering. pic.twitter.com/xWSysg5fCT

— The Chosen (@thechosentv) January 9, 2025

As of this writing, at least 10 people have been confirmed dead from the wildfires, which have covered over 35,000 acres. The death toll is expected to rise.

“Where is God in all this?” Jenkins wrote in his post. “That’s a fair question when we see such unprecedented devastation in LA right now. We’ve got an update for you on our cast and crew impacted by the fires, and we also want to wrestle through what God has to say about this kind of suffering.”

Editor’s note: This article contains spoilers for “The Chosen.”

Dallas Jenkins: God Is Near to the Brokenhearted

Dallas Jenkins said “The Chosen” paused its social media activity for the day so that he could give his updates and reflections.

“Is God allowing these fires for a purpose?” Jenkins asked. “Is he causing them for a purpose? Y’know, so much comes out during this time, some of which is unhelpful and some of which raises important questions.”

RELATED: While Trump Blames Newsom for LA Fires, Some Christian Influencers Cite God’s Judgment

Podcaster Joe Rogan released two episodes of “The Joe Rogan Experience” this week featuring guests discussing why they believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

On Jan. 7, Rogan released an episode with Christian apologist Wesley Huff, who is the Central Canada director for Apologetics Canada. And on Jan. 9, Rogan released an episode with Academy Award-winning actor and director Mel Gibson, who is known for the films “Braveheart,” “Hacksaw Ridge,” “Apocalypto,” and “The Passion of the Christ.”

During the episode with Gibson, Gibson and Rogan discussed several topics, including Christianity, the Catholic church, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Shroud of Turin, Gibson’s battle with addiction, and the sequel to “The Passion of the Christ.”

“There are big realms, spiritual realms. There’s good, there’s evil, and they are slugging it out for the souls of mankind,” Gibson told Rogan. Gibson said that his next film will tackle the question: “Why are we even important—little old, flawed humanity? Why are we important in that process where the big realms are slugging it out over us?”

“I think there’s bigger things at play here, and institutions that purport to touch on the divine are necessarily going to be affected by that slugfest that’s going on between good and evil,” Gibson added.

Rogan asked if Gibson had completed a script for the movie to which he was referring.

“Yeah,” Gibson replied, “it’s the resurrection story. But it’s not linear, because it’s hard to understand.”

“So it’s got to be put in a framework where you answer a few other questions as well, and you have to juxtapose the event itself against everything else, so that it makes some kind of sense in a bigger picture,” Gibson continued, “which is a hard thing to do, and it took my brother and I and a guy called Randall Wallace six years to write it.”

Rogan inquired if Gibson was using historians to help him accurately tell the story. While Gibson acknowledged that he was, he told Rogan that he regards the “gospels as history.”

“It’s a verifiable history. Some people say, ‘Well, it’s a fairy tale. He never existed.’ But he did,” Gibson stated. “And there are other accounts, verifiable historical accounts, outside the biblical ones, that also bear this up—that, yes, [Jesus] did exist.”

RELATED: Comedian Chris Distefano Recommends ‘The Case for Christ’ to Joe Rogan, Argues Jesus Rose From the Dead

Editor’s note: This video contains language that some might find offensive.

Before his father died, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith couldn’t reconcile their complicated relationship. But the “First Take” commentator said reconciliation occurred the day of his father’s funeral—thanks to biblical advice from his pastor.

Smith, 56, sat down with longtime friend Sean Hannity for a two-part interview on the Fox Nation special “Sean.” During their discussion, Smith recapped his childhood struggle with dyslexia, which led his father to describe him as broken and unfixable.

“I know what hell looks like, from a mental and emotional standpoint,” Smith said of his childhood. If it weren’t for “the grace of God” and his mother and siblings, he added, “I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

RELATED: ‘Recovery Has Been Slower Than Expected’—Grace Community Church Provides Update on John MacArthur’s Health

Smith, one of America’s top—and top-paid—sports broadcasters, described how he overcame his learning disability and became mission-minded. Overhearing his father’s disparaging remarks about his intellect served as powerful motivation to succeed, he recalled.

Pastor Advised Steven A. Smith About Father’s Eulogy

On the morning of his father’s funeral in 2018, Steven A. Smith decided he’d give an unplanned eulogy. His family members and friends opposed that, he said, because of the pair’s troubled relationship.

En route to the service, Smith called his pastor, A.R. Bernard, founder of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, New York. “I’ve gotta let it out,” Smith told Bernard. “I can’t let [the funeral] be about [my father] when it should be about my mother,” who had died 14 months earlier.

That’s when Pastor Bernard shared a passage from the book of Matthew. “It was about making sure that you understand that the power of forgiveness is the ultimate power,” Smith told Hannity. Bernard advised Smith not to address his grievances in the eulogy or to hold on to animosity afterward.

In his remarks at the funeral, Smith said his father “was not the greatest man in the world,” but “there had to be something special about him” for Smith’s mother—the “greatest woman that I’ve ever known”—to have loved him the way she did. Smith then proceeded to focus on his father’s positive qualities.

At the end of his remarks, Smith told funeral attendees, “I know there is a lot to complain about. But he was my dad. And I loved him.”

To Hannity, Smith said, “I thank my pastor every day for talking to me that morning,” because that eulogy would have been very different otherwise.

Stephen A. Smith: I’m Pro-Choice, But ‘I Do Not Support Abortion’

During their conversation, Hannity and Smith discussed topics including wellness, politics, cancel culture, race, and immigration. Describing himself as a “centrist,” Smith said he’s pro-choice, because he’s a man and has “no right to tell women what to do with their bodies.” But he added, “I do not support abortion—at all.”

RELATED: John Legend Debates Abortion With Christian YouTuber Ruslan

A worship leader associated with Answers in Genesis faces 80 counts related to the alleged sexual abuse of a teen boy. 

Editor’s note: This article refers to reports of child sex crimes that some readers might find triggering and/or disturbing.

Michael Howard, 36, had been part of TrueSong, a worship music group that serves as the “resident artist band” at Answers in Genesis’ Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky, and its Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky.

Answer in Genesis, founded by apologist Ken Ham, provides Christians with resources to defend a literal reading of the creation account found in Genesis and the belief that the earth is roughly 6,000 years old. 

RELATED: New Jersey Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting a 6-Year-Old Girl at Prayer Meeting

In a statement to ChurchLeaders, Answers in Genesis said, “While the ministry does not generally comment on personnel matters, we can confirm that Michael Howard is no longer affiliated with Answers in Genesis. In fact, his departure occurred before we became aware of the investigation against him.”

“To respect the privacy of those involved and because this is a matter currently under investigation, we are not in a position to comment further, other than to ask for prayers for all the individuals involved, especially the possible victims,” the statement added.

According to a now-scrubbed biographical profile on the Ark Encounter’s website, Howard is a husband with two daughters and had also been a worship leader at Florence Baptist Temple in Burlington, Kentucky. 

Howard’s profile has also been removed from Florence Baptist Temple’s website, but Howard was previously listed as the church’s worship leader. The profile stated that Howard had been a member of the church since 2009 and the worship leader there since 2022. 

The church has deactivated its Facebook account. 

RELATED: Alabama Pastor Receives Maximum Prison Sentence of 20 Years in Child Sex Abuse Case

In a statement released on Jan. 3, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office said that it first received a report of sexual abuse in December 2024. The victim alleged to authorities that he had been abused by Howard for multiple years, starting when he was 15 years old.