Faith Facts

• Federal agents conducted a pre-dawn raid on Pastor Greg Locke’s Tennessee home with approximately 60 agents
• Pastor Locke maintains his innocence, stating his family has ‘nothing to hide’ regarding allegations of financial misappropriation
• The investigation centers on claims of misused church funds and other potential violations

A Tennessee pastor is speaking out after federal law enforcement descended on his family home in a dramatic early-morning operation that has raised questions about religious freedom and government overreach.

Pastor Greg Locke, who leads Global Vision Bible Church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, found himself at the center of a federal investigation when approximately 60 agents raided his residence before dawn. The operation reportedly focuses on allegations that Locke misappropriated church funds, among other claims.

Despite the intimidating show of force, Pastor Locke has maintained a defiant stance, assuring his congregation and supporters that he has done nothing wrong.

“We have nothing to hide,” Locke declared in response to the raid.

The massive federal presence at a pastor’s home has sparked concern among many Christians who view such actions as potential government intimidation of faith leaders. The use of dozens of armed agents for what appears to be a financial investigation has drawn comparisons to other high-profile cases where critics have questioned the proportionality of federal responses.

Pastor Locke has been a controversial figure in recent years, known for his outspoken conservative views and willingness to address political topics from the pulpit. His boldness in speaking on cultural issues has earned him both devoted followers and fierce critics.

The timing and scope of the raid have led some supporters to question whether the pastor is being targeted for his vocal stance on issues that challenge the current administration’s policies. Religious liberty advocates have long warned about the potential for government agencies to weaponize investigations against faith leaders who refuse to conform to secular orthodoxy.

As the investigation continues, many in the Christian community are watching closely to see how this case develops. Questions remain about what specific evidence prompted such an overwhelming display of federal power and whether the charges will ultimately substantiate the dramatic action taken.

For Pastor Locke and his family, the experience of having their home searched by armed federal agents represents a serious challenge to both their ministry and their privacy. The pastor’s insistence on transparency and his claim of innocence will be tested as more details emerge about the nature of the allegations against him.

The incident serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between religious institutions and government oversight, particularly when it comes to financial matters and the operations of independent churches.

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Faith Facts

• Two experienced church ministers are taking over hosting duties for a Christian podcast, bringing fresh perspectives from active congregational leadership
• The outgoing host is transitioning to full-time economic empowerment ministry in Detroit, describing it as challenging pastoral work
• The new format will feature both news discussions and guest interviews, emphasizing unity and diverse perspectives within the faith community

After three and a half years, a Christian podcast is preparing for an exciting transformation. Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson — hosts of the “Radically Christian” podcast — are taking over as the new hosts, bringing their ministerial experience directly into the recording studio.

If I can even play a small part in encouraging and promoting unity, especially within our fellowship, I want to be a part of that, McAdams said.

Listeners have become familiar with the voice of B.T. Irwin, who has hosted the podcast since its January 2023 launch. But he’s stepping back to devote himself fully to leading economic empowerment programs with a Christian community development organization in metro Detroit.

Irwin described his work connecting and training unemployed and underemployed neighbors for new careers and jobs as some of the hardest pastoral and teaching work I’ve ever done.

Bobby Ross Jr., editor-in-chief, expressed gratitude for the transition and the podcast’s future direction. The show earned national recognition from the Religion News Association earlier this year.

After lamenting B.T.’s departure, my first email was to Wes and Marcus, Ross said. They have such a friendly nature and respectful tone. I asked, ‘Would you ever consider partnering on a podcast?’ I’m so pleased they prayed about it and said yes.

The outgoing host recently welcomed McAdams and Stenson in the recording studio during his final episode in June. McAdams and Stenson’s first episode launches on July 17.

I know that this ministry is in good hands and good heads and good hearts, Irwin said.

Besides hosting podcasts, McAdams preaches for the Church of Christ on McDermott Road in Plano, Texas, and Stenson preaches for the Leander Church of Christ in Texas. However, Stenson is moving to Virginia in August to serve as the pulpit minister for the Church of Christ in Falls Church.

Joining them is Kenzie James, a senior multimedia journalism major at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, who is interning for a second summer. She grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, where she attended the Timberlane Church of Christ.

We had already invited Kenzie to focus on audio and video journalism this summer, so the timing has been perfect, Ross said. We’re excited about her producing the podcast even as she returns to Harding.

Stenson told Irwin in the interview that he hopes their experience as ministers will help in their role as hosts.

My hope, B.T., is really that Wes and I will both be able to bring some of that insight from really, hopefully, having our fingers on the pulse from inside of congregations, Stenson said.

Starting the Conversation

In addition to hearing McAdams and Stenson’s voices, audience members are now able to see their faces through a new video format available via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and RSS feed. For listeners who prefer audio only, the podcast will function as normal on all the same platforms.

The structure of the podcast going forward will be a little different. Each episode will now have two segments.

The first segment will be a conversation among McAdams, Stenson and a staff member about the latest news.

We are going to continue to let staff play the role of journalists, and we will continue to play the role of evangelists, ministers, preachers, McAdams said. (We’ll) lean on people like Kenzie, who’s with us, and her expertise in what is happening in the Churches of Christ, and then Marcus and I will kind of lean into that and share our thoughts on those things, and talk about what we can do with this news … and how we can go from here.

In the second half of each episode, the hosts will interview guests, similar to Irwin’s longtime interview format.

McAdams said that he and Stenson want to interview people with different perspectives within the church. Churches of Christ are diverse, and the new hosts want to have conversations that encourage unity, kindness and peace — even when Christians may disagree on specific topics.

Stenson said he’s also excited for the chance to dive deeper into some of the stories from print editions. Stories in print are limited by the amount of space on a page, and the podcast creates the opportunity for McAdams and Stenson to share aspects of the stories that didn’t make the cut.

There will certainly be some unique offerings that we bring together that aren’t going to be in print, Stenson said. I think it’s really important to respect the diversity of the audience that is growing on digital platforms, and to give as many different outlets as possible for people to connect with the content in a meaningful way.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Faith Facts

• Andy Peck dedicated over 30 years to encouraging and equipping Christian leaders through broadcasting, coaching, and widely-read Christian journalism
• He served as a trusted voice in Christian media while mentoring countless believers in their faith journeys
• Peck remained faithful to Christ throughout his life, continuing his spiritual witness until his final days

The Christian community is mourning the loss of a faithful servant who spent more than three decades quietly shaping the faith of countless believers. Through his work in broadcasting, personal coaching, and Christian journalism, one man’s dedication to encouraging fellow Christians has left an indelible mark on the faith community.

Andy Peck’s ministry touched lives across multiple platforms. His articles reached thousands of readers seeking spiritual encouragement and practical guidance in their Christian walk. Beyond the written word, he invested personally in leaders through one-on-one coaching, helping them grow in their faith and calling.

What distinguished Peck’s ministry was not flashy programs or self-promotion, but rather a consistent, authentic witness to Christ. He understood that true spiritual leadership often happens in the quiet moments—the personal conversations, the thoughtful articles, the patient mentoring that builds up the body of Christ one person at a time.

His colleague John Buckeridge remembers him as more than just a professional associate. Peck was a trusted colleague and faithful friend who exemplified what it means to be an authentic follower of Christ. In an age where Christian leadership is sometimes marked by scandal or compromise, Peck’s steadfast faithfulness stands as a testament to the power of consistent, humble service.

The impact of his broadcasting work extended the reach of his ministry. Through the airwaves, Peck brought encouragement and biblical teaching into homes across the nation. His ability to communicate complex spiritual truths in accessible ways made him a beloved voice among listeners seeking to deepen their relationship with God.

For those who knew him personally, Peck’s greatest legacy may be his unwavering commitment to keep the faith until the very end. In a culture that increasingly pressures Christians to compromise their values, he remained true to biblical principles and conservative Christian beliefs throughout his ministry.

His work in Christian journalism provided a platform for exploring issues that matter most to believers—strengthening families, defending religious freedom, and equipping the church to stand firm in challenging times. Through his articles, countless readers found wisdom and encouragement for their daily walk with Christ.

The coaching ministry he maintained allowed Peck to invest deeply in emerging Christian leaders. This personal investment represents the kind of discipleship that Jesus modeled—taking time with individuals, helping them discover their gifts, and encouraging them to faithfully serve God’s purposes.

As the Christian community reflects on his life and ministry, Peck’s example challenges believers to consider their own legacy. Will we invest in others? Will we remain faithful in both public and private? Will we use whatever platform God gives us to encourage fellow believers and point others to Christ?

Andy Peck’s life answers these questions with a resounding yes. His decades of faithful service remind us that kingdom impact isn’t always measured in large crowds or viral moments, but often in the steady, consistent work of encouraging one person at a time.

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