Alabama church leaders back pastor accused of theft, blame ‘disgruntled’ former members for indictment

The leadership at a Northport church is standing firm behind their senior pastor following his recent indictment on a felony theft charge. Despite the legal action, the church's elder board maintains that their own internal inquiry uncovered no evidence of financial misconduct.

Pastor Indicted Following Investigation

On June 3, a Tuscaloosa County grand jury indicted The Word Community Church Senior Pastor Scott Willmore on one count of first-degree theft of property. Willmore, 50, was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail on Monday morning and was released shortly after posting a $30,000 bond.

According to Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Sgt. Josh Hastings, the investigation began several months ago after church representatives raised concerns regarding the handling of ministry funds. Detectives reviewed financial records and conducted multiple interviews before presenting their findings to the grand jury. While authorities did not disclose the specific amount taken, first-degree theft is a Class B felony in Alabama, involving amounts of at least $2,500.

Church Leadership Stands by Pastor

Elder Dale Lester issued a strong defense of the pastor, clarifying that the institution itself is not the party driving the prosecution. Lester stated that the church’s elder board and finance committee have completed their own review of the situation and found no wrongdoing.

"I would like it to be known that the church is not the one that is pursuing this matter," Lester said. He attributed the allegations to a group of "disgruntled former members" of the congregation, adding, "The current Elder Board with the current Finance Committee have not found any wrongdoing of our pastor and we stand behind him. These charges are being brought by disgruntled former members of the church, and he is being falsely accused."

Willmore is scheduled to appear for an arraignment this August.