Crossroads Church pastor Brian Tome faces suspension as leaders review allegations of misconduct. Pastor Brian Tome of The Crossroads Church has sparked intense scrutiny across the megachurch’s network. An email sent Feb. 27 said Tome, 60, is relieved of all duties. Leaders offered few details at first, but concern spread quickly. The church promised transparency, and it urged members to pray.
Allegation Centers on “Inappropriate Physical Humor”
Board chair Brian Wells described the allegation during the March 1 services. He said Tome allegedly rubbed a man’s crotch with a riding crop. Wells said Tome also made a crude remark at the moment. The board previously reviewed the same incident in 2024. Leaders reprimanded Tome and told staff to take words and actions seriously. The board then considered the matter resolved.
Second Review Follows Wider Staff Misconduct Case
The complainant raised the issue again after Crossroads fired a youth minister. The youth minister allegedly filmed women at a gym without consent, but leaders called it unrelated. Tome later posted a statement about church standards and safety. The complainant felt the earlier process lacked fairness and objectivity, so he contacted leadership again. Church leaders reopened the case, and they requested an independent investigation.
Tome Backs Investigation as Church Grows
Crossroads said it will share updates as it learns more. The statement asked for truth, reconciliation, and unity because the process may strain trust. Tome addressed the church by video and said he supports the investigation. He said it feels uncomfortable, but he wants truth and honor for Jesus and the church. Crossroads began in Cincinnati in the mid-1990s with 11 people. Now it draws about 34,000 attendees weekly, and attendance has climbed by roughly 12,000 over a decade.
Online Reaction, Discipline Debate, and Competing Concerns
Crossroads’ bold style draws attention, including a viral Super Bowl-themed preaching contest. Tome has defended public discipline on the church blog and argued that it deters sin. Supporters flooded social media to defend him, but many admitted they lacked details. Detractors worry that the 2024 handling minimized harm, and they question accountability when leaders close ranks. Supporters fear rumors will outpace facts, and they want leaders to protect a pastor they trust.
Crossroads Church investigating pastor Brian Tome over 2015 ‘humor’
Photo by Andres Siimon on Unsplash
About Post Author
