Sword-Swallowing Controversy, Mother’s Day Fiasco, and Denominational Split: Trouble at Missouri’s James River Church
James River Church in Springfield, Missouri, is facing turmoil following a controversial men's conference last year, a Mother's Day incident, and a recent departure from the Assemblies of God (AG) denomination. These events have led to declining attendance and criticism of the church's leadership and governance.
The Sword-Swallower and Mark Driscoll
The controversy began at a men's conference featuring a sword-swallower who also worked as a pole dancer. The performance sparked outrage, leading Mark Driscoll to condemn the act as being filled with a "Jezebel spirit." John Lindell, James River Lead Pastor, dismissed Driscoll, but the incident is considered a turning point in the church's recent struggles.
Former church member Rahela Petian cited the sword-swallower debacle as the beginning of the incidents that ultimately led to her departure. She posted a Facebook post criticizing Lindell's handling of the situation. Lindell urged Driscoll to “repent” for his actions and shared screenshots of texts between them. Lindell also claimed the sword-swallower, Alex Magala, was a born-again Christian, though the performer later contended otherwise.
Mother's Day Incident and the Expulsion of Rahela Petian
Following her Facebook post, Petian was confronted by Pastors Josh and Laura Longanecker, who deemed her words "inflammatory" and causing "disunity." On the Saturday before Mother’s Day, Josh informed Petian she was barred from church until the matter was resolved. On Mother's Day, five security men, including sheriff’s officers, escorted her off the premises, causing distress to her and her five children. Petian remains barred from the church's property a year later.
"It was so embarrassing, so humiliating, so distraught, so disturbing for my kids to see," Petian recalled.
The Firing of Craig Biernbaum
Craig Biernbaum, the church's then-facilities coordinator, was fired after messaging concerns about Lindell's portrayal of the Driscoll encounter to Grant Olson, a former church member known for critiquing the congregation. After Olson posted screenshots of Biernbaum’s texts on social media, Biernbaum was called into a meeting with John Lindell’s son, David Lindell, and Cameron Elmore. He was accused of causing "disunity" and ultimately terminated without severance after refusing to agree with the younger Lindell's assessment of his actions.
Departure from the Assemblies of God
James River's abrupt decision to leave the Assemblies of God (AG) also stirred controversy. Lindell cited unspecified actions "detrimental to the church" as the reason, claiming that AG General Superintendent Rev. Doug Clay asked him not to state the specific reasons publicly. The AG subsequently dismissed Lindell's ministerial credentials two months after the separation.
Lindell stated that the board of trustees' vote to leave the AG was unanimous. But multiple sources confirmed to TRR that three members of the church board, one of whom was Lindell, voted for the change, while one member, Don Headlee, resigned over the matter.
Changes to Church Bylaws and Governance
In June 2019, James River Church held a meeting regarding its nonprofit status. Lindell urged church members to vote to change the church nonprofit’s status from a Chapter 352 Nonprofit to a Chapter 355. Following this, the church submitted a request to change its nonprofit status. In doing so, James River also resubmitted its articles of incorporation. Key provisions were either left out or changed. The newly filed articles said that the church “will not have members” and removed any mention of the church’s ties to the AG.
"Nobody's thinking that they are going to shred all the original articles; they are thinking that this is just simply a conversion from a 352 to a 355," Olson said.
Concerns About Accountability and Nepotism
Critics, including Barry Bowen of the Trinity Foundation, raise concerns about accountability and governance at James River Church. Bowen believes that James River’s actions with the new articles “are not in compliance” with their original articles. There are also allegations of nepotism, with Lindell's sons, David and Brandon, slated to become head pastors in 2027. Former members report plummeting attendance, with some sections of the church now blocked off.
Conclusion
James River Church is currently a part of the scandal-plagued Association of Related Churches (ARC). The megachurch operates four campuses and claims 16,000 weekly attendees. These issues have raised questions about leadership accountability, transparency, and the future direction of James River Church.
