Dozens of boys say they were abused in a Christian scouting program

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 -A major investigation has revealed that dozens of boys say they were sexually abused while participating in Royal Rangers — a Christian scouting program run by Assemblies of God churches that promised to raise “godly men.”

According to survivor testimonies, ex-Bible classes and camping trips became ground zero for abuse. One former member recounted being molested at a church-organized sleepover when he was just 10 years old; despite the abuse being reported to his father and church leaders at the time, no appropriate action was taken. 

The abuser was only convicted years later — by then, at least 18 other boys had already come forward with similar claims.

A comprehensive review of lawsuits, criminal records, and media reports found that over a span of decades, at least 29 Royal Rangers leaders have been accused of molesting children in their care. 

The allegations number in the dozens, but survivors and independent investigators believe the true count is likely much higher. The church’s lack of mandatory safety protocols — background checks, dual-adult supervision, enforced reporting of abuse — allowed predators to move troop to troop, often escaping accountability for years.