Accused youth pastor in custody for sexually abusing at least half a dozen teens
In the world of the Assemblies of God (AG), a denomination known for being the largest Pentecostal denomination globally, a series of sexual abuse scandals have come to light, involving some of their youth leaders and ministry volunteers.
Thomas Pinkerton Jr., a former youth minister commonly known as Pastor Tommy, is the latest figure embroiled in these allegations. Pinkerton, who has worked as a traveling evangelist in recent years, is currently being held without bond following accusations of sexually abusing six teenagers from 2006 to 2010 while working at Central Christian Church in Baltimore County, Maryland. The alleged abuse included inappropriate touching and kissing of the six victims, who ranged in age from 13 to 19.
Pinkerton's arrest comes at a time when the AG is grappling with a string of child sex abuse allegations. In response, AG leaders have acknowledged the problem publicly and committed to making changes in their policies and procedures to better protect victims and prevent future abuse.
Central Christian Church's lead pastor, Larry Kirk, issued a statement, emphasising that there is absolutely no place for abuse - ever - in the church. Pinkerton served on the church's staff more than 15 years ago but has not been affiliated with the church since he left to start his own ministry.
Authorities in Maryland and Georgia announced that Baltimore County police obtained an arrest warrant for Pinkerton in late June, and he was arrested by the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office in Georgia in July before being extradited to Maryland last week. Pinkerton is facing 24 felony and misdemeanor counts in Baltimore County.
Since the alleged abuse was reported to law enforcement, additional individuals have come forward, including some in other states, according to Central Christian's statement. Detectives believe there may be more victims and have asked anyone with information to come forward.
The AG has faced multiple high-profile cases where former youth pastors or volunteers were charged or sued for sexually abusing minors and teens during church activities or events. The abuse allegations span multiple states, including Texas, Florida, and New York, involving both criminal charges and civil lawsuits against individuals and AG entities.
Assemblies of God leadership held a conference in August 2025 addressing these scandals openly, referring to the abuse as "a stain on the church and a scar on people's lives." They pledged to improve their policies to address these issues more effectively. However, ongoing lawsuits and investigations highlight challenges in accountability and child protection that the AG is still working to resolve.
In a separate incident, the AG is currently under investigation for its handling of sex abuse allegations, including guiding hundreds of students to the home of Daniel Savala, a convicted sex offender. One church where he preached, the New Chapel in Grand Rapids, Michigan, cut ties with Pinkerton before his arrest.
Assemblies of God leaders addressed the issue of sex abuse in the denomination during a biennial gathering in Orlando, defending their handling of the Savala case while also pledging to make changes to prevent similar abuses in the future.
Pinkerton's attorney confirmed that his client is not facing charges in any state other than Maryland. A seventh man reported abuse by Pinkerton in Georgia, and that report was referred to authorities there.
The alleged abuse happened at the church and at Pinkerton's former home in Maryland. Pinkerton's ministry website states he has evangelized in South America, Europe, and Asia. Despite the public statements and investigations, the challenges in accountability and child protection within the AG continue to be a significant concern.
Pinkerton's preliminary court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 5.
- Despite their efforts to address sexual abuse scandals in their denomination, the Assemblies of God continues to face challenges in ensuring mental health and general news regarding accountability and child protection.
- In addition to sexual health concerns, the Assemblies of God is also under scrutiny for their involvement in health-and-wellness issues, as they have been accused of guiding minors to the home of a convicted sex offender.
- The criminal justice system has been actively involved in the investigation and prosecution of sexual abuse cases within the Assemblies of God, with Thomas Pinkerton, a former youth minister, currently facing 24 felony and misdemeanor counts in Baltimore County, Maryland.
