Millionaire Pastors Abandon Their Flock: NYC Megachurch Revolts Over Remote Leadership

Michael Ringer

29 Jan 2026 — 2 min read

NYC Megachurch Pastors Leading Church Remotely From Florida

Josh and Jenn Johnson, lead pastors of Fount NYC, are facing mounting backlash after it was revealed they've been leading their 4,000-member Manhattan church remotely from Florida since November.

The controversy erupted when congregants discovered the pastoral couple had relocated to the Sunshine State while continuing to draw salaries and maintain leadership of the New York-based megachurch. Church members report feeling abandoned and deceived as their shepherds lead from 1,200 miles away.

Former elder Patrick Tutalo publicly resigned on Instagram, stating the remote arrangement "goes against biblical shepherding principles." His departure sparked a wave of criticism from both current and former members who question whether authentic pastoral care can exist through screens and occasional visits.

NYC Church Members Demand Answers as Pastors Lead From Florida

The Johnsons defended their decision in a statement, claiming they're "still fully engaged" in church operations and make regular trips to New York. They insisted their marriage and family needed the change, though they provided no timeline for returning.

Multiple sources report the pastoral couple cited personal reasons for the move, but congregants say they were blindsided by the announcement. The church's social media has been flooded with comments from members expressing betrayal and confusion.

Fount NYC, known for its trendy Manhattan services and young professional demographic, now faces questions about its future leadership structure. Several staff members have reportedly left the church since the announcement, and attendance has begun declining.

The situation highlights growing tensions in modern megachurch culture between pastoral calling and personal lifestyle choices.

THE CRUSADER'S OPINION

You cannot shepherd sheep from 1,200 miles away. Period.

The biblical model is clear: pastors are called to be present with their flocks, to know them, to suffer with them, to walk among them. These aren't CEO positions you can phone in from a beach house.

If your marriage needs Florida sunshine more than your congregation needs your presence, resign. Step down with honor. Let someone who actually wants to be there lead the church. Don't collect a paycheck while your sheep scatter.

This isn't shepherding. It's religious entrepreneurship. And 4,000 souls in Manhattan deserve better than Zoom pastors living their best life in paradise while the flock goes hungry.

Where are the elders? Where's the accountability?

TAKE ACTION

Contact Fount NYC Leadership: Email: info@fount.nyc

Support Biblical Church Accountability: 9Marks Ministry (promotes biblical church leadership): https://www.9marks.org Email: info@9marks.org

Learn About Biblical Eldership: The Gospel Coalition article on pastoral presence: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org

Suggested Action: If you attend a church with remote leadership, schedule a meeting with your elders to discuss biblical standards for pastoral presence and accountability. Churches need shepherds who smell like sheep, not screens.

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