Crossroads Church Founder Steps Down After Suspension Over Discipline Incident

Faith Facts

• Scripture teaches that church leaders are to be above reproach and exercise self-control in all matters of authority and discipline.
• Christian tradition holds that repentance and humility are essential when a leader has caused harm or offense to another believer.
• The Bible instructs believers to seek restoration and peace within the body of Christ, recognizing that unresolved conflicts can hinder the witness of the church.

Brian Tome, founding and senior pastor of Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, has announced he is stepping down from his role as senior pastor. The decision comes just one month after he resumed teaching following a suspension tied to an incident more than a decade ago.

The incident involved Tome using a horse whip on a man who visited his church office. After serving the suspension and returning to ministry, Tome has now chosen to transition out of his leadership position at the multi-campus church he founded.

“I have decided to step away from my role as senior pastor at Crossroads Church,”

Tome stated in his announcement. The church has not yet named a successor or detailed the timeline for the leadership change.

Crossroads Church has grown to become one of the largest congregations in the Cincinnati area under Tome’s leadership. The transition raises questions about the future direction of the church and its continued commitment to biblical standards for leadership and accountability.

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