For years, Pastor Nathan Peternel stood in the spotlight as a vocal advocate for purity, morality, and sexual restraint.
But now, the Indiana megachurch leader has been forced to step away from his ministry as shocking allegations rock his family - and his congregation, per the Daily Mail.
The 24-year-old son of the Life Church pastor, Jonathan Wesley Peternel, has been arrested on multiple child sex abuse material charges.
The fallout has shaken the church, stunned law enforcement, and left a once-unified congregation in crisis.
Investigators uncover deeply disturbing materials
Authorities say the case began with a CyberTip Report sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, per the Indiana Citizen.
The tip pointed to a Snapchat account registered under Jonathan Peternel’s name.
What followed was a raid that revealed material so horrifying that police say it ranks among the worst they’ve ever encountered.
Credit: Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
According to court records, officers with the Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force seized a trove of electronic devices from Jonathan’s home.
On them, they allegedly found hundreds of files containing child sexual abuse, including violent molestation, sadomasochistic content, intoxicated minors, and even AI-generated images of nude pregnant toddlers.
In one of the most disturbing turns, investigators claim to have discovered sex tapes involving Jonathan’s own parents.
While the origin of the recordings remains unclear, Pastor Nathan Peternel addressed the videos during a church service, admitting he and his wife had been “unwise but not sinful” in making them.
He insisted they never expected the recordings would be found among their son's files.
Jonathan now faces seven felony charges, including child exploitation and multiple counts of possessing child sex abuse material.
He has pleaded not guilty and is currently out on bond.
His attorney has not issued a public statement.
Church scrambles to contain fallout as congregation reels
The arrest of the pastor’s son sent shockwaves through Life Church, an Assemblies of God affiliate led by Peternel.
Emergency meetings were reportedly held as leadership worked behind closed doors to keep church members engaged and donors committed.
While officials released a statement pledging cooperation with law enforcement and offering prayers for the victims, internal sources suggest turmoil and confusion.
Staff members were reportedly instructed to be available for questions, but were also told not to express an opinion about whether Pastor Peternel should retain his leadership position.
Jonathan Peternal. Credit: Fishers Police Department
On the Sunday following the arrest, Peternel addressed the congregation with visible emotion, calling his son’s alleged behavior “a wicked sin” and announcing he would temporarily step down.
Church insiders claim the congregation remains divided, with many still unsure of what the future holds.
Scandal spills into Indiana politics
Nathan Peternel is a major voice in the state’s Christian conservative movement.
He co-hosts the podcast Jesus, Sex & Politics alongside Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith.
On the show, the two routinely advocate for sexual purity, abstinence before marriage, and push back against pornography, adultery, and homosexuality.
Peternel’s political ties run deep - he’s donated to Beckwith’s campaigns, served as a GOP convention delegate, and counted several of Beckwith’s staffers among his congregation.
Beckwith himself pastors the Noblesville campus of Life Church.
Micah Beckwith (left) and Nathan Peternal (right). Credit: Instagram/Micah Beckwith
When news broke of Jonathan’s arrest, Beckwith issued a brief statement acknowledging he was informed on October 23. He has made no further public comment.
Behind the scenes, insiders say leaders moved quickly to manage the optics and contain the damage.
Despite the growing controversy, church leadership has made it clear that decision-making won’t be up for a public vote.
“There has been transparency,” one longtime member told the Daily Mail, “but we're not voting on whether to keep the pastor. That's not how this church works. They're telling us to trust the process, trust the leaders and not get distracted from God.”