The Elusive Pastor: A Decades-Long Investigation into Abuse Allegations

The Elusive Pastor: A Decades-Long Investigation into Allegations of Abuse June 1st, 2025, marks the release of a compelling NBC News investigation into Pastor Joseph Campbell, a Pentecostal preacher with a significant national following. For decades, Campbell has faced accusations of child sexual abuse, a claim he has yet to publicly address. The investigation details multiple attempts by senior investigative reporter Mike Hixenbaugh and correspondent Antonia Hylton to contact Campbell, all of which proved unsuccessful. Their efforts included emails, phone calls, and even a visit to his home in Missouri. "We wanted to ask him about allegations that he sexually abused kids in the ‘70s and ‘80s," Hixenbaugh explains in the video. The women accusing Campbell have been seeking justice for forty years. Their renewed hope stems from a similar case in March 2025, where another pastor faced charges for child sex abuse. The investigation reveals Campbell's past association with Assemblies of God, where he worked for years before being banished in 1989. The video also highlights his recent appearances on Jim Bakker's television network, further emphasizing the complexities of this ongoing story. The women's determination to see justice served provides a powerful counterpoint to Campbell's continued silence and evasion.