Published on July 5, 2024, 1:03 am

Image source: Fox News

In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through influential Christian circles, Zachary King, a pastor who has served in several leading megachurches, including Kentucky’s LexCity Church, has resigned from his position among allegations of sexual misconduct. King stands accused of engaging in illicit activities with a minor, involving both rape and sexual abuse.

The 47-year-old pastor was charged by the Attorney General of Kentucky, Russell Coleman’s office. The charges also include the unlawful use of electronic means to facilitate sexual offences against minors. Just three months ago, King held an active role with LexCity Church. According to reports from Lex18 News, King is currently detained at the Fayette County Detention Center on accusations of both first-and second-degree rape and sodomy.

During his arraignment earlier this week, King’s attorney requested bail set at $50,000; however, Judge John Tackett disagreed with the motion and set the bond at a much steeper $250,000 instead.

As per further information obtained from arresting documents shared by Lex18 news, it appears that King admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with a minor spanning over one and half years during his conversation with Attorney General Coleman’s staff. He confessed to beginning sexual involvements with the minor when she was just 15 years old – starting January 2023 and lasting until April 2024. Instances took place at various locations including within the church where he held pastoral duties.

According to Fox56 News reports, evidence pointing towards King’s misconduct consists of lengthy conversations over Snapchat and WhatsApp platforms with the minor girl involved in this case – arranging clandestine meet-ups and receiving explicit photographs. The disgraced pastor also purportedly admitted to collecting her from her home and driving her elsewhere for encounter sessions inside his vehicle.

It came as no surprise that following confrontations by LexCity Church’s congregation regarding these allegations led him to resign his position as executive pastor. Currently, Attorney General Coleman’s office appeals to the public for any additional relevant information on potential criminal activities conducted by King.

Zachary King’s LinkedIn profile showcases a vast array of experience in serving youth ministries from across multiple large Christian establishments. Previously within Life.Church and Metropolitan Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, where he committed over eight years.

Moreover, his successful pairing with Metropolitan Baptist Church was acclaimed by Vanderbloemen, a revered talent search organization. Their testimonials highlighted how under King’s guidance, the church expanded with an inflow of young believers and witnessed significant overall growth.

To date, neither Life.Church nor Metropolitan Baptist Church has made an official comment concerning their former pastor’s apprehension.

Despite facing these severe allegations, it is important to note that Zachary King has been married for around 24 years. Furthermore, during a February 2022 podcast episode called “Off the Record,” he elaborated on dealing with personal frustration and unmet needs within marriage – showing a darker side to his life behind closed doors.

Investigations are ongoing with further details expected as the case progresses. It serves as a grim reminder of our shared responsibility to demand integrity in positions of trust – particularly within religious institutions that should prioritize safeguarding over all else from a Christian worldview perspective – offering both real news and trusted news across global platforms.