LOS ANGELES — Sean Feucht, a worship leader who gained visibility during the pandemic for holding protest concerts against COVID-19 restrictions, finds himself at the center of a growing controversy. Once a little-known figure in conservative Christian circles, Feucht’s ministry surged financially during 2020, reportedly increasing its revenue from $243,000 in 2019 to $5 million the following year.
However, former associates from his organizations, including Burn 24-7 and Let Us Worship, have come forth with allegations of financial mismanagement, verbal abuse, and the exploitation of volunteers. Christy Gafford, a former national director for Sean Feucht Ministries, reported she was dismissed after questioning the ministry’s financial practices, particularly why volunteers had to bear costs associated with Feucht’s appearances.
Gafford, who dedicated eight years to various roles within the ministry, stated, “I would get very vague answers,” expressing her concern for the lack of transparency amidst the ministry's financial growth.
Feucht, who has not publicly responded to these allegations but addressed them in a social media video, claims the accusations are from “embittered, upset, angered former volunteers.” He has emphasized that every donation is used for the ministry's mission.
Feucht's ministry has made numerous real estate acquisitions since its revenue surge, totaling nearly $7 million. These properties raise questions among former associates about their use for ministry purposes. Peter Hartzell, a former leader within Burn 24-7, expressed skepticism about the necessity of such a vast property portfolio.
Additionally, watchdog organizations like MinistryWatch have criticized Feucht's ministry for a lack of transparency, giving it an “F” grade based on accountability metrics. MinistryWatch’s president noted that the ministry’s failure to file the necessary financial forms raises significant concerns.
Former bookkeeper Richie Booth alleged that expenses were often mismanaged, complicating the distinction between personal and ministry finances. This, coupled with accounts of verbal mistreatment from Feucht, caused many former associates to feel exploited and misled.
Despite the scrutiny and controversy, Feucht continues to perform across multiple venues, utilizing social issues resonating with his audience. His involvement in religious and political discourse positions him uniquely within the realm of worship leaders, as he intertwines music with activism aimed at conservative Christian values. Yet, the toll on volunteers within his ministry raises ethical questions about labor and accountability in the religious sphere.
However, former associates from his organizations, including Burn 24-7 and Let Us Worship, have come forth with allegations of financial mismanagement, verbal abuse, and the exploitation of volunteers. Christy Gafford, a former national director for Sean Feucht Ministries, reported she was dismissed after questioning the ministry’s financial practices, particularly why volunteers had to bear costs associated with Feucht’s appearances.
Gafford, who dedicated eight years to various roles within the ministry, stated, “I would get very vague answers,” expressing her concern for the lack of transparency amidst the ministry's financial growth.
Feucht, who has not publicly responded to these allegations but addressed them in a social media video, claims the accusations are from “embittered, upset, angered former volunteers.” He has emphasized that every donation is used for the ministry's mission.
Feucht's ministry has made numerous real estate acquisitions since its revenue surge, totaling nearly $7 million. These properties raise questions among former associates about their use for ministry purposes. Peter Hartzell, a former leader within Burn 24-7, expressed skepticism about the necessity of such a vast property portfolio.
Additionally, watchdog organizations like MinistryWatch have criticized Feucht's ministry for a lack of transparency, giving it an “F” grade based on accountability metrics. MinistryWatch’s president noted that the ministry’s failure to file the necessary financial forms raises significant concerns.
Former bookkeeper Richie Booth alleged that expenses were often mismanaged, complicating the distinction between personal and ministry finances. This, coupled with accounts of verbal mistreatment from Feucht, caused many former associates to feel exploited and misled.
Despite the scrutiny and controversy, Feucht continues to perform across multiple venues, utilizing social issues resonating with his audience. His involvement in religious and political discourse positions him uniquely within the realm of worship leaders, as he intertwines music with activism aimed at conservative Christian values. Yet, the toll on volunteers within his ministry raises ethical questions about labor and accountability in the religious sphere.
