Megachurch in Kentucky closes after sex scandal

A megachurch in Kentucky has announced its closure following a sex scandal involving the church’s senior pastor.

As The Roys Report (TRR) previously reported that Zachary King, the former pastor of LexCity Church in Lexington, was arrested last week on charges of raping and sexually abusing a minor. He faces six counts, including first- and third-degree rape, first- and third-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, and unauthorized use of electronic devices for sexual conduct with a minor.

King remains in jail on $250,000 bail.

Last Wednesday, LexCity posted a statement on its website announcing the cessation of its operations.

“After heartfelt prayer and sincere tears, the leadership team at Lexington City Church has voted to permanently close our ministry,” the statement said. “Due to the ongoing impact of the financial situation our church inherited several years ago and the impact of the ongoing investigation of a former employee, we have lost the ability to remain financially viable and fulfill our God-given mission.”

According to Lex 18 News, King resigned from the church after being confronted with the sexual allegations by church staff.

The sexual abuse is said to have started in January 2023 and continued until April 2024, Lex 18 News reported. King is accused of arranging meetings with the 15-year-old girl via Snapchat and WhatsApp and sending and receiving sexually explicit images, the news channel said.

King reportedly assaulted the victim at the minor’s home, King’s residence and the LexCity church, Lex 18 News reported.

This is the second pastor of LexCity, formerly Quest Community Church, to resign over sexual misconduct. According to television station WTVQ 36, Pete Hise resigned from the church in 2014 after admitting to an emotional affair with a co-worker.

“Our sympathies are broken for those who have been hurt and are suffering, and we will continue to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation,” the church’s statement said. “However, with heavy hearts, we believe it is in the best interest of the Kingdom and our community to cease our ministry.”

King previously served as campus pastor and youth pastor at Metropolitan Baptist Church (MET) in Houston. He also served as a team leader at Lifechuch.tv, where he trained and educated youth staff.

Sheila Stogsdill is a freelance print journalist and digital reporter who primarily covers crime issues for KSN/KODE.