Amid Accusations of Kratom Addiction, Pastor Chris Reed Claims Recovery
In the wake of a winter storm that brought much of the country to a standstill, Pastor Chris Reed of the Friends of the Bridegroom Church in Lancaster, South Carolina, faces allegations from former congregation members regarding his past struggle with kratom addiction. Reed, who previously led MorningStar Ministries, has openly admitted to his prior dependence on kratom but insists he is now free of the substance, even participating in regular drug screenings to prove his claim.
Last week, Eric and Loretta Rote, former church members, publicly addressed Reed’s addiction issues via a video on Facebook. They allege Reed’s reluctance to adhere to an agreed-upon accountability plan devised in June 2024 following concerns raised by church leaders, including Pastor Joe Sweet of Shekinah Worship Center in Lancaster, California.
Reed responded in a video statement, expressing his surprise at the public disclosure of his past addiction: “I was shocked that Eric put out that video.” He explained that his introduction to kratom—a substance deemed a “concern” by the Drug Enforcement Administration—was due to its pain-relieving properties, which he sought for a degenerative disease that affected his stature.
Kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian tropical tree, can produce both stimulant and sedative effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not sanctioned it for medical use, and the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities describes it as “a highly addictive and potentially dangerous opioid-like substance.” New regulations under the South Carolina Kratom Consumer Protection Act, passed in May 2025, impose age restrictions and labeling requirements on kratom sales.
Reed conveyed his efforts to maintain transparency with the church elders, noting regular reports to church elder Jack along with documentation from his doctor confirming clean drug tests. “Not just of this herbal capsule called kratom, which is dangerous, people. I didn’t know when I was introduced to it, the dangers of it,” Reed explained, elaborating on his experience with pain management and his decision to avoid prescription painkillers.
In a separate YouTube video from January 23, Reed shared his diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, exacerbated by recent challenges, and recounted feeling overwhelmed by his circumstances. He referenced a statement by Joe Sweet, which cited issues of character and leadership as reasons for Reed’s absence from Shekinah Worship Center’s platform.
Reed, who resigned from MorningStar Ministries amid allegations of misconduct, has also faced accusations from the Rotes concerning financial pressures within his new church. Reed has denied these claims, attributing financial difficulties to the abrupt end of pledged support from Joe Sweet. Reed’s transition from MorningStar Ministries has been financially challenging, with a large family and costly living expenses.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
