Allegations of Financial Mismanagement and Leadership Criticized at Fount Church NYC
Fount Church in New York City faces scrutiny due to allegations against founding pastors Josh and Georgie Kelsey. Accusations involve their relocation to Australia without notice and nearly $1.4 million in undocumented church credit card expenses.
According to a document circulated online, the Kelseys sold their New Jersey home in October before quietly moving to Australia. The document claims this was done without informing the congregation, raising eyebrows among church members.
The church responded to these allegations, stating that the couple’s move was sanctioned by church leadership, who were aware that the Kelseys needed to support family members battling cancer. Frank Wheatley, the newly appointed Board President, expressed the church’s commitment to transparency and continued growth, noting, “It’s unfortunate that some claims circulating publicly are inaccurate or taken out of context, but we remain committed to transparency and moving the church forward together.”
Further details emerged about the church’s financial practices. A CapinCrouse review of the expenses discovered over $900,000 of charges lacked appropriate documentation. The report mentioned that only $483,861.40 could potentially be justified as business expenses if adequately documented and approved.
Specific incurred expenses included over $9,000 on surfing, $6,500 on golf, and $118,000 on food. Other charges included $49,000 for therapy, $6,000 on supplements, and $2,000 for haircuts. These revelations were initially brought to light by Isabella Aguilar, the church’s former finance manager, whose concerns led to significant changes in church governance.
Aguilar’s letter to the board in September 2025 raised significant issues, resulting in the disbandment of the previous board by the Kelseys and their attorney. The new board aims to foster improved governance and financial transparency. Wheatley stated the board’s intention to, “review the current draft of bylaws, seek consultant and member feedback, and prepare for presentation to the church bylaws with clear governance aligned with our mission and values as a church.”
The new church board is committed to conducting a comprehensive audit to ensure financial accountability. Wheatley emphasized the importance of this process, saying, “We are committed to ensuring that church resources are stewarded wisely and transparently and will present to the church our findings and recommendations.”
Founded as C3 Brooklyn in 2013 by Josh and Georgie Kelsey, Fount Church has grown to include locations in Paris and Berlin. Despite the current challenges, church leadership expresses optimism for the future, emphasizing the importance of robust local leadership and oversight.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
