Pastor Nathan Peternel, a long-time advocate for sexual purity and moral conduct, has been thrust into a personal and professional crisis after authorities discovered alleged explicit recordings of him alongside horrifying child abuse material linked to his son.
The revelations have sent shockwaves through his Indiana megachurch, Life Church, and the broader conservative Christian community.
Pastor’s Son Arrested on Multiple Child Abuse Charges
Jonathan Wesley Peternel, 24, the pastor’s son, was arrested after a CyberTip Report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children flagged a Snapchat account registered under his name.
Law enforcement executed a raid at Jonathan’s residence, seizing electronic devices allegedly containing hundreds of files of child sexual abuse. Court documents allege the content included violent molestation, intoxicated minors, sadomasochistic material, and AI-generated depictions of nude pregnant toddlers.
Jonathan Peternel. Credit: Fishers Police Department.
In an especially disturbing development, investigators reportedly discovered sex tapes featuring Pastor Nathan Peternel and his wife among the files, the Daily Mail writes.
While the origin of the recordings remains unclear, Nathan addressed the matter publicly, describing the videos as instances of being “unwise but not sinful,” and emphasizing that he and his wife never expected the tapes would appear among their son’s files.
Jonathan now faces seven felony counts, including child exploitation and possession of child sexual abuse material. He has pleaded not guilty and remains out on bond. His legal team has yet to issue a public statement.
Life Church Scrambles to Contain Fallout
The arrest and ensuing revelations have thrown Life Church into turmoil. Emergency meetings were reportedly held as church leadership worked to maintain engagement among members and reassure donors.
Officials issued a statement pledging cooperation with law enforcement and offering prayers for victims, yet internal sources indicate widespread confusion and concern over the pastor’s future.
On the Sunday following the arrest, Nathan Peternel addressed the congregation, calling his son’s alleged actions “a wicked sin” and announcing a temporary step back from his leadership duties. Church insiders report that the congregation remains divided, with many unsure of how the scandal will affect the church’s direction.
Staff were allegedly instructed to answer questions without expressing personal opinions on whether Pastor Peternel should retain his role, highlighting the tension between transparency and institutional control.
Credit: Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Political and Cultural Implications
Peternel is a prominent figure in Indiana’s Christian conservative movement. He co-hosts the podcast Jesus, Sex & Politics with Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith, frequently discussing sexual purity, abstinence, and opposition to pornography and adultery.
The pastor’s political connections run deep, including past donations to Beckwith’s campaigns and involvement as a GOP convention delegate. Beckwith himself serves as pastor of Life Church’s Noblesville campus.
When the arrest was announced, Beckwith confirmed he had been notified on October 23 but has issued no further public comments. Church leaders have emphasized that decisions about Peternel’s leadership will not be subject to a congregational vote, asking members instead to trust church governance and maintain focus on spiritual priorities.
Congregation and Community React
The combination of the pastor’s alleged sex tape discovery and his son’s arrest has created a crisis of trust for Life Church members. While Nathan Peternel maintains a message of repentance and accountability, the scandal has exposed the church to national scrutiny, sparking broader conversations about accountability, morality, and transparency in religious institutions.
