TN Pastor Files $600,000 Defamation Lawsuit Against Wes Campbell and Family

Wes Campbell, owner and manager of the Christian band the Newsboys, faces ongoing scrutiny amid sexual assault allegations against former lead singer Michael Tait. The scandal, first reported by The Roys Report on June 4, led to the band being dropped by its label and its music being removed from Christian radio stations. Campbell’s brother, Steve Campbell, has denied accusations of covering up sexual abuse, and the band’s management has distanced itself from him, as noted in correspondence with reporter Jessica Morris.

A separate legal dispute has emerged involving Tennessee Pastor Randall Schrum, who filed a $600,000 civil lawsuit on June 3 against Wes Campbell, his parents Colin and Nancy Campbell, and two of Campbell’s siblings, Rocky Campbell and Evangeline Johnson. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Hickman County, alleges defamation, conspiracy, infliction of emotional distress, and obstruction of justice. Schrum, a former elder at Hilltop Fellowship House of Prayer, a church founded by Colin and Nancy Campbell in Primm Springs, Tennessee, claims the Campbells and other defendants falsely accused him of attempting to steal Hilltop Fellowship and Above Rubies, a ministry operated by Nancy Campbell.

Schrum, who now leads Refuge Ridge Fellowship in Primm Springs, asserts he made substantial contributions to Hilltop Fellowship, including donating up to half of his income to support the church and its members. These contributions reportedly included $35,000 toward Colin and Nancy Campbell’s property and $3,500 toward marital counseling for Evangeline Johnson, their daughter.

In the legal filing, Schrum claims that in early 2024, Hilltop Fellowship leaders investigated “improper conduct” by Johnson. Because she had reportedly stopped attending worship, elders initiated a restoration process. According to Schrum, Colin Campbell refused to practice his usual church discipline against Johnson, his daughter. Colin opposed the actions and conclusions of the Hilltop Leadership, not because they were false.

The case highlights the complex interplay of personal and institutional accountability, as well as the challenges of maintaining integrity within Christian communities. The pursuit of justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals remain central to the Christian calling, as Micah 6:8 reminds us to act with justice, mercy, and humility.

Source: Read the original report