Pastors, clergymen, and religious leaders are expected to live a life that mirrors that of Jesus; humble, spiritual, fair, and honest. Being the leader of a religious organization is not and should not be made for profit. Throughout history, however, this is exactly what men and women have done. Used their position of power to behave and act without consequence. The very idea that the person who stands in front of a congregation and preaches how one should be, while leading a double life of crime, is an insult to its parishioners and the rest of the community.The 47-year-old pastor of True Love Church of Refuge on Nations Ford Road was charged with nine counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, nine counts of conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Police said Lindsey fired a shot inside a Family Dollar store. Unfortunately for the pastor, his face was captured in surveillance cameras. Reporter for Channel 9 WSOC – TV, Joe Bruno, found through court records that Lindsey had two drug convictions in the 1990s.
True Love Church of Refuge released a statement which reads, “We, the leadership and membership of True Love Church of Refuge, are deeply saddened and disappointed that our leader and brother, John Thomas Lindsey, is facing charges associated with criminal activity. Though we denounce any involvement he may have had, we love him and will continue to pray for him. The ministry will continue to stand strong despite the latest allegations and will continue to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom.”
He was arrested on Tuesday and charged with three counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon and three counts of conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. According to the cops, Hernandez does not appear to be connected to True Love Church of Refuge and is allegedly responsible for robberies at the Circle K locations.
