LEXINGTON (KY)
The Roys Report [Chicago IL]
July 14, 2024
By Sheila Stogsdill
A Kentucky megachurch has announced it’s closing in the wake of a sex scandal involving the church’s executive pastor.
As The Roys Report (TRR) previously reported, Zachary King, the former executive pastor at LexCity Church in Lexington, was arrested last week on allegations he raped and sexually abused a minor. He is facing six charges, including first and third-degree rape, first and third-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, and the unlawful use of electronics to engage in sexual acts with a minor.
King remains jailed on $250,000 bail.
This past Wednesday, LexCity posted a statement on its website announcing it will cease operations.
“Through thoughtful prayer and heartfelt tears, the leadership team of Lexington City Church has voted to permanently cease our ministry,” the statement says. “Due to the continued effects of the financial situation our church inherited several years ago and the impact of the ongoing investigation of a former staff member, we have lost the ability to remain financially viable and fulfill our God-given mission.”
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King resigned from the church after being confronted by church staff about the sexual allegations, according to Lex 18 News.
The sexual abuse allegedly started in January 2023 and continued until April 2024, Lex 18 News reported. King is accused of using Snapchat and WhatsApp to arrange meetups with the 15-year-old girl and to send and receive sexually explicit images, the news station said.
King reportedly assaulted the victim at the minor’s home, at King’s residence, and at LexCity Church, Lex 18 News reported.
This is the second pastor at LexCity, formerly Quest Community Church, to resign for sexual misconduct. In 2014, Pete Hise resigned from the church, after admitting to an emotional affair with a woman on staff, according to WTVQ 36 television station.
“Our hearts are broken for those who have been hurt and are hurting, and we will continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation,” the church’s statement said. “However, with heavy hearts, we feel it is in the best interest of the Kingdom and our community that we discontinue our ministry.”
King previously served as a campus pastor and youth pastor at the Houston-based Metropolitan Baptist Church (The MET). He also was employed as a team leader at Lifechuch.tv, developing and training youth staff.
Sheila Stogsdill is a freelance print journalist and digital reporter, primarily covering crime issues for KSN/KODE.