Michigan Pastor Gets 10 Years for Assaulting Children as Living Word Church Faces Third Conviction

Former Living Word Church Pastor Randy Saylor Sentenced to 10 Years for Sexually Assaulting Children in Michigan

Randy Saylor, a 73 year old former associate pastor at Living Word Church in Midland County, Michigan, was sentenced on February 25, 2026, to a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 25 years in prison for sexually assaulting minors.

Midland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Beale handed down the sentence after Saylor pleaded no contest in January 2026 to four counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct with a relation and seven counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct.

The victims were children under the age of 13. The incidents allegedly occurred beginning in 2018. Saylor was initially charged with second degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13 and was arrested in May 2024.

Saylor will be 83 years old before he is eligible for parole. He will also be subject to lifetime registration on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry and lifetime monitoring.

Church administrator William Bailey stated the congregation was "deeply saddened and concerned" by the allegations. Bailey noted that there were no allegations that the abuse took place at the church itself. The church suspended Saylor pending investigation.

We are deeply saddened and concerned by these allegations. There are no allegations that abuse took place at the church.

William Bailey, Church Administrator, Living Word Church

Third Living Word Church Leader Convicted of Child Sex Crimes in Disturbing Pattern

Saylor is the third leader connected to Living Word Church to be convicted of sex crimes against children in recent years. His son, Brandon Saylor, a former elder at the church, was sentenced in April 2024 to five to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing four children.

James Randolph, a former preacher at Living Word and the son in law of televangelist Mark Barclay, was convicted in August 2025 of six counts of criminal sexual conduct involving a child. Living Word Church operates under the umbrella of Mark Barclay Ministries.

The Crusader's Opinion

Three leaders. One church. All convicted of destroying the innocence of children. This is not a failure of one man. This is a systemic rot that was allowed to fester under the roof of a house that was supposed to be a sanctuary. The church has a sacred obligation to protect the most vulnerable among us, and Living Word Church failed catastrophically. Every denomination, every congregation must ask itself: are we protecting our children, or are we protecting our reputation? Because the moment you choose the latter, you become complicit in evil. These men will face earthly justice, but they will also answer to a Judge whose sentence has no parole.

Take Action

• Report: If you suspect child abuse in any church or organization, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1 800 422 4453.
• Advocate: Demand your church implement mandatory background checks and child protection policies for all staff and volunteers.
• Support Survivors: Donate to The Shepherd's Shield to support victims of abuse within the church.
• Speak Up: Contact the Midland County Prosecutor's Office at (989) 832 6739 if you have any information related to abuse at Living Word Church.
• Pray: Pray for the survivors and their families as they seek healing and justice.