Texas Megachurch Pastor Arrested on Child Abuse Image Charges

Analysis & Context

Landon Schott, the lead pastor of Mercy Culture Church in Fort Worth, Texas, has been arrested and charged with two counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. The arrest sent shockwaves through the Fort Worth faith community, where Mercy Culture had grown rapidly since its founding in 2021 to a congregation of approximately 3,000 members.

According to law enforcement officials, the investigation into Schott began after a tip was received by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Digital forensic analysis allegedly revealed child sexual abuse material on devices associated with Schott.

The Mercy Culture Church board moved quickly to place Schott on indefinite leave following his arrest. In a statement to the congregation, the board expressed shock and pledged to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. The church has also engaged a third-party organization to provide support services for congregation members.

Schott had built a significant following as a young, charismatic pastor who attracted a predominantly millennial and Gen Z congregation. His social media presence and dynamic preaching style had made him one of the most visible church leaders in the Fort Worth area.

The arrest has raised difficult questions about the vetting and accountability of church leaders, particularly in independent churches that lack denominational oversight. Mercy Culture Church operates independently, meaning there is no external denominational authority to provide oversight or accountability for its senior leadership.

Legal experts note that the charges carry significant potential penalties. If convicted, Schott faces years in prison and mandatory registration as a sex offender. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated that additional charges are possible as forensic analysis of seized devices continues.

The case has prompted renewed calls for churches to implement comprehensive background checks for all leaders, establish independent accountability boards, and create clear protocols for responding to allegations of misconduct. Survivors and advocates argue that the rapid growth of independent megachurches without adequate oversight structures creates dangerous conditions for abuse.