Lighthouse Christian Ministries Founder Accuses Executive Director of Embezzlement
LCM Founder Bob Rogers is accusing Director Shawn Arrington of pocketing funds, using the charity's credit card for personal expenses and chronic absences
Bob Rogers founded Lighthouse Christian Ministries with his wife Karen in 2009 as a “Christ-centered ministry” dedicated to bringing people to Jesus and helping “the poor and needy,” according to LCM’s website. The non-profit operates a soup kitchen, an emergency and transitional shelter, and engages in mentoring and education – including operating a preschool.
During his time at LCM, Bob helped get many folks off drugs and off the streets. One of those people was Pastor Shawn Arrington, LCM’s current executive director. Arington said Rogers was like a spiritual father and mentor to him. Rogers agrees.
That’s what makes this situation that much harder.
Last year, Rogers said he began to notice possible financial impropriety and said that when he tried to keep Arrington accountable, the younger man pushed him out of the organization. In December, Rogers sent a letter of resignation to the board of directors warning them of Arrington’s alleged financial misdeeds.
“The only reason I am coming forward now is because I love the ministry, I gave birth to it, it is like my child and I want to see it survive,” he wrote in a letter to LCM’s board. “The community has poured millions into the ministry and there is a responsibility to be good stewards with that money. Unfortunately, I don’t see anyone in the ministry that will truly keep Shawn accountable, because someone has to do that.”
He said he did not get a response.
So he decided to go public and reached out to me. Rogers detailed the story and provided financial records. So I reached out and spoke with Arrington as well as current and former volunteers, and got a statement from the board.
Let’s start with the allegations of embezzlement, and other financial improprieties.