Prominent worship leader and activist Sean Feucht is facing serious allegations from former ministry associates, who accuse him of spiritual, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as financial impropriety.
Feucht, a former worship leader at Bethel Church, rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic for hosting in-person worship events in violation of social distancing rules. He has founded several ministry organisations including Burn 24/7, Light a Candle and Sean Feucht Ministries Inc.
Now, a coalition of former staff members have alleged that over a number of years, Feucht engaged in behavior described as manipulative, controlling, dishonest, and emotionally abusive.
"Over many years, we have personally witnessed Sean choose to engage in repeated and unrepentant behavior that includes manipulation, exaggeration, control, lying, gaslighting, and spiritual and emotional abuse," their statement reads.
The group claims their concerns were repeatedly raised through biblically-based reconciliation efforts, citing Matthew 18, but that "very little meaningful change or repentance has occurred".
Among the signatories is Christy Gafford, former USA National Director and Global Communications Director for Burn 24/7, the ministry founded by Feucht.
Gafford and others allege that Feucht routinely failed to maintain financial accountability, including not logging expenses, neglecting to keep receipts, and misusing ministry credit cards for personal expenses.
The group also claims that Feucht provided false reports regarding sales figures and staffing costs.
In addition to leadership and financial concerns, the former associates have raised questions about Feucht’s growing real estate holdings. They claim that he owns multiple high-value properties–some reportedly labeled as ministry “parsonages”–while others are listed as rental investments. One property in California is valued at more than $3.7 million (£2.7m).
The group contends that the scale of Feucht’s property ownership is inconsistent with his primary role as a leader of non-profit organisations.
"This raises questions about their purpose and management, especially considering his sole employment appears to be directing non-profit organizations," their statement notes.
The accusations are supported by a collection of personal testimonies from individuals who worked closely with Feucht.
David Hazell, a former associate with Burn 24/7, described his experience: “[Sean] would make promises and dangle carrots, but never follow through. He would make fun of my style and bark orders. He treated me like a grunt because he knew that I was desperate for purpose, and he exploited me.”
Feucht told Premier that the accusations are a "complete sham" and have been put forward by "embittered former volunteers" who "have been attacking the ministry for over a decade."
"They have not uncovered a single shred of any impropriety of any kind. Every penny is accounted for and used for kingdom purposes," he said.
"There [sic] efforts to tear down Gods work will not succeed."
