Kenneth Hagin Jr FIRES His Son CRAIG HAGIN as Crisis Deepens at Rhema Bible Church

A major development has unfolded within Rhema Bible Church as Kenneth Hagin Jr. officially terminated his son, Craig Hagin, from all positions associated with the ministry. The decision marks a dramatic escalation in an ongoing crisis that has attracted significant attention across charismatic and evangelical circles.

According to an official statement released by Rhema Bible Church on June 3, 2026, Craig Hagin’s employment, leadership responsibilities, and association with the ministry were formally ended. The statement emphasized that Craig is no longer authorized to represent, speak for, or act on behalf of Rhema in any capacity.

Craig Hagin had served as Chief Operating Officer of Rhema for more than three decades and was widely viewed as a prominent figure within the organization founded by his grandfather, Kenneth E. Hagin. His removal therefore represents not only a personnel decision but also a significant moment in the history of one of the most influential ministries in the Word of Faith movement.

The church’s statement outlined a timeline that provides important context for the decision. Earlier in 2026, Craig was placed on sabbatical following criminal charges related to a pending animal cruelty case. However, Rhema leadership clarified that the recent termination was not based solely on that legal matter.

Instead, the statement revealed that church leaders became aware of what it described as “separate and credible information regarding conduct inconsistent with the standards expected of those serving in ministry leadership.” After returning from overseas ministry travel and reviewing the information, Kenneth Hagin Jr. and church leadership acted immediately to end Craig’s employment.

While the statement did not disclose specific details regarding the additional allegations, its wording strongly suggested that concerns extended beyond the criminal case already known to the public. This omission has fueled speculation and raised questions among observers about the nature of the information that prompted such decisive action.

The language used throughout the announcement was particularly noteworthy. Rhema made it clear that Craig’s removal was comprehensive. Beyond losing his job, he was stripped of every ministerial, administrative, and leadership function. The church stated that he has no role in governance, operations, decision-making, or organizational direction. Furthermore, his access to ministry systems, accounts, and platforms has been revoked.

Such extensive measures are unusual and indicate a deliberate effort by church leadership to ensure there is no confusion regarding Craig’s status within the organization. The statement effectively draws a clear boundary between Craig and the ministry he helped oversee for many years.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the announcement was its personal dimension. Kenneth Hagin Jr. signed the statement himself, publicly confirming the removal of his own son. While describing the situation as “deeply painful” for the family, the church, and the broader Rhema community, he also stated that the family continues to pray for Craig’s “repentance, healing, and restoration.”

The inclusion of the word “repentance” attracted particular attention. In Christian ministry contexts, repentance implies acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a desire for spiritual change. By emphasizing repentance, church leadership appeared to frame the crisis not merely as a legal or organizational issue but also as a moral and spiritual matter.

Following the announcement, Craig Hagin released a brief public response. In his statement, he expressed gratitude for the support, prayers, and encouragement he had received. He described the situation as a difficult season for his family and stated that he would be focusing on seeking God’s wisdom and direction for the future.

Craig encouraged supporters to keep their eyes on Jesus and remain faithful despite changing circumstances. He emphasized his continued trust in God and requested ongoing prayer for wisdom, peace, strength, and discernment.

Notably, however, the statement did not directly address the allegations that have circulated publicly. It contained no admission of wrongdoing, no discussion of the criminal case, and no reference to the concerns cited by Rhema leadership. Instead, it focused primarily on faith, perseverance, and personal encouragement.

Another development that generated discussion was Craig Hagin’s appearance on LinkedIn shortly after his termination. Reports indicate that he created or updated a public profile highlighting his 35 years of executive leadership experience at Rhema and signaling openness to new professional opportunities across the United States.

While seeking employment after losing a position is a normal and understandable step, the timing drew attention because it came so soon after a highly public dismissal. Critics have argued that unresolved questions regarding accountability and restoration remain, while supporters may view the move as a practical necessity as he navigates an uncertain future.

For Rhema Bible Church, the challenges are far from over. The criminal proceedings remain active, family-related matters continue to unfold, and public interest in the case remains high. At the same time, church leaders must address concerns from members, students, alumni, ministers, missionaries, and ministry partners around the world.

The situation also raises broader questions for the charismatic movement regarding leadership accountability, transparency, and restoration. Religious organizations have often struggled to balance compassion for individuals with the responsibility to maintain trust and integrity within their institutions.

By removing Craig Hagin from all ministry functions, Rhema has taken a decisive step that signals its commitment to organizational accountability. However, many observers believe the coming months will be critical in determining how effectively the ministry handles the ongoing challenges and communicates with its community.

As the legal process continues and additional details potentially emerge, the story remains one of the most closely watched developments in contemporary charismatic Christianity. For now, Rhema Bible Church faces the difficult task of moving forward while navigating the consequences of a crisis that has impacted both a prominent ministry and a well-known family legacy.