A senior leader in the Assemblies of God has stepped aside from his national duties after serious allegations of sexual abuse were filed against him in a civil lawsuit.
Pastor Rod Loy, who has led First Assembly of God in North Little Rock, Arkansas, since 2001, is accused of sexually abusing a former church member beginning when she was 16 years old. The lawsuit, filed by Suzanne Lander, names both Loy and the church as defendants.
Civil Case Details and Allegations
The filing describes Loy’s alleged conduct as “extreme and outrageous,” accusing him of exploiting his position as a spiritual leader to groom and manipulate Lander. According to the complaint, Loy used passages of Scripture to justify his actions and convince her that obedience to him was spiritually required.
Court documents state that Lander first joined the church in 1996 as a teenager and that the alleged abuse began shortly afterward, during Loy’s tenure as executive pastor. She said she only recognized the abuse years later after undergoing therapy for complex trauma.
Church and Denominational Response
In a public statement, First Assembly of God said it is taking the allegations “extremely seriously” but claimed its internal investigation found “nothing to substantiate the claims.” The church also announced that it had only recently learned of the lawsuit.
“Pastor Rod and our church board vehemently deny these claims,” the statement read. “We are prepared to defend this accusation and ask for prayers and patience during this difficult time.”
The Assemblies of God confirmed that Loy voluntarily stepped aside from his duties as an executive presbyter while the district conducts an investigation. That position involves participation in national decision-making for the denomination.
Background on First Assembly of God
First Assembly of God in North Little Rock ranks among the largest congregations in the Assemblies of God denomination, with more than 16,500 members reported in 2017.
Legal Options for Families After Clergy Abuse: An Interview with Arkansas Attorney
As lawsuits against religious leaders continue to emerge nationwide, families often find themselves uncertain about how to respond or what steps they can take. In this conversation, Joshua Gillespie, an experienced Arkansas sexual abuse lawyer, discusses the legal pathways available to victims and their families when misconduct involves a megachurch pastor.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When someone comes forward alleging abuse by a church leader, what immediate steps should they or their family take?
Joshua Gillespie, Esq.: The first thing is ensuring the survivor’s safety and access to trauma-informed care. From a legal standpoint, preserving evidence—messages, letters, journals, or any documentation—is key. Those early details often help establish a timeline and pattern of misconduct.
Banville: Some families are hesitant to file claims against a powerful congregation. How can they move forward?
Gillespie: That’s a common and understandable concern. Churches, especially large ones, hold tremendous influence. Victims can seek legal representation confidentially to understand their rights and explore both civil and, in some cases, criminal avenues. An attorney can file under a pseudonym or take protective steps if privacy is a priority.
Banville: What role does the church’s leadership play once such allegations surface?
Gillespie: Church leaders have a duty to respond responsibly, not defensively. That means cooperating with investigations and prioritizing victim safety over reputation. Failure to do so can lead to claims of institutional negligence or enabling misconduct.
Support and Legal Guidance for Survivors
Victims of sexual abuse and their families don’t have to face the legal system alone. Our team connects survivors with experienced attorneys who understand the complexity of cases involving religious institutions. If you or someone you love has experienced abuse by a church leader or pastor, contact us today for a free and confidential consultation to learn your rights and explore your options for accountability.
