Atlanta Megachurch Pastor Charged with Child Cruelty

Stockbridge, Georgia – Kenneth McFarland, a 42-year-old pastor from a prominent Atlanta megachurch, has been arrested and charged with cruelty to children after allegedly striking his 15-year-old stepson with a power cord.

The incident occurred on November 10, when the boy arrived at his private Christian school in Hampton, Georgia, with blood on his pants. Concerned, he asked the assistant principal if she noticed the blood and explained the situation. “(M)y dad called himself disciplining me,” the boy told her, prompting the school to contact the police.

According to police reports, McFarland reportedly used an extension cord from a video game system to hit the boy during discipline for receiving an in-school suspension that morning. The injuries sustained by the boy also included bruising on his thigh and rear end.

McFarland is facing a second-degree charge of cruelty to children. If convicted, he could face one to ten years in prison. He was booked in the Henry County Jail on November 10 and released on a $2,500 bond two days later, as confirmed by Lt. Dale Davis of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

The Roys Report reached out to McFarland for a comment but did not receive a response. They also attempted to contact Philip Anthony Mitchell, head pastor of 2819 Church where McFarland is reportedly involved, but received no reply. Past versions of the church’s website do not list him among the pastors.

Mitchell has faced controversy in the past, including recent remarks blaming police killings on disobedience during an April sermon. He noted the importance of teaching children to respect authority. Both he and McFarland have shared their backgrounds, claiming to have come from “the street in deep darkness” before turning to ministry.

As the situation develops, the community is left shocked by the allegations against the pastor.