Worship Leader Sean Feucht Faces Allegations of Financial Mismanagement and Abuse

Sun Oct 19 2025 23:18:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Sean Feucht, a prominent conservative Christian worship leader, is under scrutiny following accusations from former associates regarding financial mismanagement, verbal abuse, and exploitation of volunteers. As his ministry's revenue skyrocketed during the pandemic, questions about transparency and accountability have emerged.

Sean Feucht, initially rising to fame through defiance against COVID-19 restrictions, is now at the center of controversy as former ministry associates accuse him of financial mismanagement and abusive practices. His ministry's revenue jumped significantly during 2020, raising concerns about the use of funds and the acquisition of multiple properties. With increasing scrutiny from watchdog organizations, Feucht's defenses and allegations against former associates lead to a deeper discussion on accountability in religious organizations.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The star of Sean Feucht — once a little-known conservative Christian worship leader and musician — began to climb in 2020 as he challenged government restrictions brought on by the coronavirus’ tightening grip on the world.

At well-attended protest concerts that brazenly flouted social distancing rules, he became a poster child against public health regulations curtailing in-person religious practice. It put Feucht in league with high-profile conservative pundits and elected officials from President Donald Trump to conservative influencer Charlie Kirk and Pete Hegseth, now the secretary of defense.

Alongside his Christian rockstar status, revenue to Feucht’s ministry also skyrocketed, jumping from $243,000 in 2019 to $5 million in 2020 — the last year his ministry filed a Form 990 with the IRS. It’s that deluge of money and the lack of financial transparency that has former staff and volunteers accusing the worship leader of mismanaging ministry funds.

Three former associates with Feucht’s worship organizations, including Burn 24-7, Let Us Worship, and Light a Candle, shared details with The Associated Press about alleged financial mismanagement, verbal abuse, and the overworking of volunteers and staff without fair wages.

Christy Gafford, the former national director and communications lead for Sean Feucht Ministries, said she was fired after demanding accountability and questioning why volunteers had to pay for Feucht to come to their communities.

“I would get very vague answers,” Gafford said, who had served for eight years in various roles. After her termination, she began questioning why more funds weren’t directed to local ministry initiatives when millions were being spent on real estate.

Feucht has dismissed these allegations as false and claims they come from “embittered and upset former volunteers.” He maintains that every donation is used responsibly for ministry purposes.

Questions Surrounding Real Estate Acquisitions

Feucht’s ministry has reportedly purchased nearly $7 million in property since 2020 and has accumulated extensive real estate holdings, including properties in Washington, D.C., and several in California. Former associates have raised questions regarding the necessity of such acquisitions.

Independent watchdog organizations like MinistryWatch have criticized Feucht’s ministry for a lack of transparency, awarding it a low rating due to concerns over the misuse of funds and failure to file necessary financial reports.

Former bookkeeper Richie Booth noted irregularities in expense reporting and expressed concern about employees not receiving fair wages. Those involved with Feucht have reported experiencing burnout and financial distress due to the relentless demands of ministry work.

Despite the controversies, Feucht continues to perform and has built a substantial following among conservative Christians, blending worship with political activism. His approach has made him a unique figure in the religious landscape, drawing both support and scrutiny as he navigates complex issues involving faith and financial accountability.