NATIONWIDE – An NBC News investigation has identified nearly 200 Assemblies of God pastors, church employees, and volunteer leaders accused of sexually abusing more than 475 people, predominantly children, over the past 50 years.
The investigation uncovered a disturbing pattern of church leaders reinstating accused abusers in positions involving children in approximately 30 documented cases, raising serious questions about institutional accountability within one of America’s largest Pentecostal denominations.
One of the most troubling cases involved Tony Waller, a church leader in Jonesboro, Arkansas, whose alleged abuse spanned years despite repeated reports to senior clergy. Stephanie Davis, who was in sixth grade at the time, reported that Waller instructed children to undress during physical education activities at an Assemblies of God church.
Davis discovered a hidden camera in a storage room and weeks later said Waller gave her a drink she believes was drugged, causing severe disorientation. She immediately reported the incident to head pastor Mike Glover, resulting in Waller’s suspension. However, Waller was later reinstated to his position.
Nearly two years after Davis’s report, 11-year-old Courtney Blackburn discovered a camera on her dresser while changing clothes. Blackburn’s mother also reported the incident to Glover, who allegedly claimed “God told us it was a misunderstanding.”
Waller was finally arrested in 2015 after his wife discovered thousands of child sexual abuse images on his computer. Two young sisters, ages 10 and 11, told police that Waller had raped them. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison.
The General Council of the Assemblies of God declined interview requests for the investigation but issued a statement saying it “grieves with anyone hurt.” However, the denomination’s actions have raised concerns among child safety advocates.
In 2019, the council examined but ultimately rejected mandatory policies including universal background checks and mandatory police reporting of abuse allegations. The council cited “associated risks” as the reason for rejecting these protective measures, according to documents reviewed by NBC News.
The investigation documented cases across multiple states, revealing a systemic failure to protect vulnerable children within church communities. Victims and advocates are calling for mandatory reporting requirements and standardized background checks for all individuals working with minors in religious settings.
Child protection experts say religious organizations often prioritize institutional reputation over victim safety, creating environments where predators can operate with minimal oversight. The Assemblies of God has approximately 3 million members in the United States and 13,000 churches nationwide.
Federal law does not mandate background checks or abuse reporting protocols for religious organizations, leaving such decisions to individual denominations and state laws. Many states provide clergy with exemptions from mandatory reporting requirements that apply to teachers, doctors, and other professionals who work with children.
The investigation continues as more victims come forward with allegations spanning multiple decades. Advocates are urging legislative action to close loopholes that allow religious institutions to avoid the same scrutiny applied to schools, daycares, and other organizations serving children.
