Lexington City Church announces closure amid financial struggles and investigation

LEXINGTON, KY (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The leadership team of Lexington City Church (LexCity) has announced the permanent cessation of its ministry, citing insurmountable financial difficulties and the impact of an ongoing investigation involving a former staff member. The decision, described as being made through “thoughtful prayer and heartfelt tears,” was conveyed in a  letter to the church family.

“Due to the continued effects of the financial situation our church inherited several years ago and the impact of the ongoing investigation of a former staff member, we have lost the ability to remain financially viable and fulfill our God-given mission,” the letter stated. The church emphasized its sorrow for those affected by the closure, expressing their broken hearts for the hurt and pain experienced by the community.

The investigation mentioned in the letter involves a former staff member whose alleged actions have caused significant distress within the church community. In a public statement released on July 3, 2024, LexCity’s leadership addressed the situation: “Pain and hurt are never the wishes of any church. So, the leadership of LexCity Church is deeply grieved at the pain and hurt caused by a former staff member’s alleged actions, which affect so many in so many ways. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victim, their families, and those wounded by this.”

The church assured its congregation that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement during the investigation but stated that it could not comment further due to the active status of the investigation.

That investigation involves former pastor Zachary King, who allegedly admitted to having a sexual relationship, for a year-and-a-half, with a 15-year old, according to an arrest citation. The relationship was said to have started in January of 2023 and continued until April of this year.

King resigned his position with LexCity, after reportedly being confronted by staff members, once they learned of the allegations.

King is facing multiple charges, including rape, sodomy and sexual abuse.

Despite the closure, LexCity’s leadership expressed gratitude for the support from other church communities in Lexington. “As a city, Lexington is blessed with a wide variety of vibrant and welcoming church communities, many of which have been praying for our church family in this time of heartache. So, while today ends our chapter, we’re incredibly encouraged by the larger community of Christ followers throughout our city and know that there’s a place within it for everyone who once called LexCity their home.”

This is a breaking news story, which we will update when we learn new information.