New Life Chapel suspends executive over failure to report pastor's affair

New Life Chapel in West Chester, Ohio, has suspended an unnamed member of its six-person executive team for failing to report a sexual relationship between the church's founder, Lonnie Snell, and a subordinate staff member. The church’s three-member external board announced the suspension, which will last through the end of the year, stating that the leader’s decision-making fell below the expected standard of conduct.

Interim executive director Randy Thome explained that the suspended leader had been deeply affected by the discovery of the affair, describing the impact as being like a concussion. While the board chose not to disclose the identity of the suspended individual, citing appropriateness, Thome advocated for grace, emphasizing the need to balance accountability with compassion for the leader's emotional state.

Lonnie Snell, 54, was terminated from his position on October 23, 2026, following allegations of sexual misconduct with a staff member in her 30s. The board reported that when the unnamed leader initially confronted Snell about the allegations, the pastor minimized the situation. The church continues to navigate the aftermath of the scandal, which also resulted in the removal of Snell’s wife, Ruth, from the church's website.