Pastor Speaks Out After Son Arrested for ‘Disturbing’ Discovery at Family Home

An Indiana megachurch is reeling after the son of its lead pastor was arrested on child exploitation charges — and investigators discovered hundreds of horrific files inside the family’s home.

Authorities say 24-year-old Jonathan Wesley Peternel, the son of Life Church pastor Nathan Peternel, was taken into custody after a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children triggered a raid on the family property.

Police described what they found as “some of the worst materials” they’d ever seen — including violent molestation videos, sadomasochistic abuse, intoxicated minors, and even AI-generated images depicting nude pregnant toddlers, according to The Daily Mail.

Investigators also stumbled upon as many as 50 private sex tapes featuring Pastor Peternel and his wife — which the pastor later admitted were “real” and filmed for personal use.

Jonathan, a Black Hawk helicopter mechanic with the Indiana National Guard, has pleaded not guilty to seven felony charges, including multiple counts of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material. He’s being held on a $25,000 bond as the Guard reviews his status.

Speaking to his shocked congregation last week, Pastor Peternel addressed the scandal head-on — confirming the existence of the sex tapes but insisting they were consensual and stolen.

“Within the covenant of our marriage, my wife and I created private, intimate photos and videos,” he told worshippers during Sunday service, in audio obtained by 24SightNews. “Those files were password-protected, but they were hacked — by our son, who was high at the time.”

The pastor admitted the decision to record the tapes was “unwise,” and offered a public apology.

“I want to apologize for the pain this has caused our church and our community,” he said. “This has been deeply humiliating, but I believe the truth will stand.”

Police allege Jonathan distributed illicit material through a Snapchat group called “Diddy Disciples,” a possible reference to rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is currently serving time for trafficking-related crimes. Investigators say they are still identifying other members of the group.

The scandal has sent shockwaves through Life Church, which operates four campuses across Indiana and is known for its conservative message and political influence.

Pastor Peternel co-leads the church alongside Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith. The two also co-host a podcast, Jesus, Sex & Politics, where they preach sexual purity, denounce pornography, and advocate abstinence before marriage.

Now, the contrast between their public teachings and private revelations has become the center of outrage. “It’s just ironic,” said one long-time member who asked not to be named. “Pastor Nathan talked about sex constantly — and now look. What’s done in secret always comes to light.”

Another congregant, Juli Westbrook, told local reporters she feels betrayed. “I loved this church,” she said. “But they talk about sex more than they talk about feeding the poor. Maybe this is God’s way of humbling them.”

Behind the scenes, insiders say emergency meetings have been held as leaders scramble to reassure donors and calm a divided flock. Some members are demanding a public vote on Peternel’s leadership, though church officials insist decisions will remain internal.

“There’s been transparency,” one member said, “but we’re not voting on whether to keep the pastor. That’s not how this church works.”

Beckwith, who confirmed he learned of the allegations in late October, has declined to comment publicly. During a sermon, he reportedly told members the “enemy” was “spreading lies.”

As Pastor Peternel temporarily steps back from ministry duties, Life Church faces its biggest crisis since its founding. Once a hub for evangelical influence in Indiana, the church now stands divided between forgiveness and outrage.

Authorities continue to investigate the “Diddy Disciples” group and are reviewing whether more charges could follow.

For now, the pastor’s words hang heavy over a shaken congregation: “I was unwise. I am sorry. And I will not hide from the truth.”

Sources: Christian Post, Daily Mail, 24SightNews, Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Fishers Police Department