He is behind bars.
Josh Lough, a former senior pastor at Grace Bible Church in Canal Winchester, Ohio, was arrested following an alleged domestic assault on December 8. Lough, 20 years into his ministry, was accused of assaulting his wife and daughter after an argument at their home. Police were called to the scene after hearing reports of a disturbance, and when they arrived, they found Lough running downstairs. He initially told officers that the altercation was due to his wife’s mental health struggles and that the situation was not physical, claiming they had merely “grabbed each other.”
However, Lough’s daughter, who called the police, reported that she had heard a loud noise and discovered her father physically confronting her mother. She attempted to intervene by slapping him, but Lough allegedly slapped her back, prompting her to contact the authorities. Both the wife and daughter had visible marks from the altercation. The pastor was arrested, booked, and later released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 7, 2025.
In a sermon earlier in 2023, Lough discussed the responsibility of husbands in the spiritual and emotional well-being of their wives. He suggested that when a wife is upset or critical, the fault often lies with the husband. Lough argued that husbands are responsible for their wives’ spiritual condition, just as parents are responsible for their children’s and pastors for their congregation’s well-being. These remarks have resurfaced following his arrest, as his teachings emphasized marital dynamics and responsibility.
Following the arrest, Lough’s profile was removed from the church’s website, and the church did not respond to inquiries. The incident has raised significant concern, as Lough had been a prominent figure within his church and community. His actions have now brought attention to his previous controversial sermon on marital roles and the responsibilities of husbands in Christian households.
Lough’s case highlights the complexities surrounding domestic violence allegations and the role of authority figures in faith-based communities. As the investigation continues, the pastor faces legal consequences, and the community grapples with the fallout from the charges. His court appearance next year will likely provide more details about the case and its implications.