On This Date at MinistryWatch

Michael Brown investigation, Chi Alpha director resigns, James MacDonald sues radio personality, and more.

ONE YEAR AGO: On December 6, 2024, MinistryWatch reported that Line of Fire radio program host Michael Brown agreed to a third-party investigation after allegations of sexual impropriety surfaced. He acknowledged a “lack of judgment,” but denied any sexual misconduct. In May 2025, a group of Christian leaders comprising an “elder accountability team” recommended that Brown be released to resume his public ministry from which he has refrained since November 2024. Read more here.

TWO YEARS AGO: On December 4, 2023, MinistryWatch reported that Scott Martin, the national director of Chi Alpha—the college ministry branch of the Assemblies of God denomination—resigned his post effective Monday, November 20. Read more here. Read full coverage of Assemblies of God and Chi Alpha here.

Access to MinistryWatch content is free. However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts. To make a donation, click here.

THREE YEARS AGO: On December 7, 2022, MinistryWatch reported that a pastor who had a flash of fame in a reality tv show was arrested for using his contracting company to pocket $250,000 in elder fraud. The Arvada Police Department arrested Tilo David Lopez, 55, on an at-large warrant following a 14-month-long investigation that was launched after a complaint alleged he and his company, Remodeling Specialists LLC, committed elder fraud. Read more here.

SIX YEARS AGO: On December 18, 2019, MinistryWatch reported that former Harvest Bible Chapel Pastor James MacDonald sued Chicago radio personality Erich “Mancow” Muller for defamation after Muller used his radio show to—in the host’s words—“bring down the cult of MacDonald.” Read more here.

SEVEN YEARS AGO: On December 13, 2018, MinistryWatch issued a Donor Alert regarding Food For The Poor because of deceptive donor solicitations. Read more here.