New Life Chapel Terminates Founder Lonnie Snell Over Sexual Misconduct

New Life Chapel in West Chester, Ohio, has officially terminated its founder and senior pastor, Lonnie Snell, following reports of sexual misconduct. In a statement released on October 30, 2026, church leadership confirmed that Snell engaged in a consensual relationship with a subordinate staff member. The termination was effective as of October 23, 2026.

Church officials stated they are working to maintain integrity within their leadership and requested that the congregation avoid speculation while the church navigates this transition. During Sunday services, ministry director Eric Dolby acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, noting that such events often lead to significant declines in church attendance. He expressed gratitude to the congregants who chose to attend despite the recent news.

In response to the incident, Daryl Blank, district superintendent of the Southwestern Ohio District of the Church of the Nazarene, issued a public message to fellow ministers. He cautioned that even gifted leaders can fall when they become isolated or unaccountable, urging clergy to remain vigilant in their personal conduct and professional boundaries.