Key Highlights
- A Atlanta megachurch associate pastor has been arrested for allegedly hitting his stepson with a power cord.
- The pastor, Kenneth McFarland, faces charges of cruelty to children and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
- McFarland’s church, 2819 Church, has a history of controversial statements by its head pastor, Philip Anthony Mitchell.
- The incident occurred on November 10, 2025, at McFarland’s home in Stockbridge, Georgia.
Incident and Charges
Atlanta megachurch associate pastor Kenneth McFarland, 42, was arrested for allegedly striking his 15-year-old stepson with a power cord until the boy bled. The arrest took place on November 10, 2025, in Stockbridge, a suburb south of Atlanta, according to official records.
The incident came to light when the victim, McFarland’s stepson, attended his private Christian school in Hampton, Georgia, with bloodied pants. When questioned by an assistant principal, the boy revealed that his father had used an extension cord from a video game system to discipline him. The injuries also included bruising on the thigh and rear end.
Church Context
The 2819 Church, where McFarland was an associate pastor, has been in the spotlight for its controversial statements. Head Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell recently drew criticism for blaming police killings on people’s disobedience during a sermon. Mitchell later apologized for this statement.
Despite being a megachurch with a large black population, 2819 Church faced financial challenges and renamed itself after Matthew 28:19 following the COVID-19 pandemic, aligning with the Great Commission verse that commands disciples to spread the Gospel and baptize others.
Background of Kenneth McFarland
McFarland owns a gun training business called GFG Trains or God Family Guns. In one of his Instagram posts, he stated: “We have been in a fight since the day we were born, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. A never-ending loop of battles with adversaries and ourselves.
But enough is enough. We have to fight back, fight back against the things that have held us back.” This post reflects his perspective on discipline and conflict.
McFarland was last seen preaching at 2819 Church in November 2022, according to a church photo. However, as of now, he is not listed among the current pastors or staff on the church’s website or social media pages.
Community Reaction and Legal Implications
The incident has sparked discussions within the local community about the boundaries between parental discipline and child abuse. McFarland faces a second-degree charge for cruelty to children, which could result in one to 10 years in prison if convicted.
McFarland was booked at Henry County Jail on November 10, 2025, and released two days later on a $2,500 bond. The Roys Report (TRR) attempted to contact McFarland but received no response.
Similarly, TRR reached out to Mitchell for comments regarding the arrest but did not receive any response either.
The case is currently under investigation, and updates will be provided as they become available. This incident highlights the complex dynamics within religious communities and raises questions about accountability and safety in such settings.
