Church Leader Goes From Preaching To Robbing
Kevin Robert McDonald, a former pastor of Landmark Church in Phenix City, Alabama, was arrested on December 27, 2024, in connection with an armed bank robbery at Phenix City Girard Bank. McDonald, 40, allegedly entered the bank with a handgun, demanded money, and fled with an undisclosed amount. No one was injured during the incident. McDonald faces charges of first-degree robbery and is being held in the Russell County Jail on a $100,000 bond, which he has not yet posted. Authorities later arrested an accomplice, Lindsay Dara Jenkins, who was also charged with first-degree robbery.
McDonald served as the lead pastor at Landmark Church until at least April 2024. His church’s website profile mentioned his 15 years of ministry experience, including planting over 15 churches across various states. McDonald, who was ordained through Nazarene Bible College, was passionate about preaching and community living, having led thousands to Christ and baptized over 600 people during his tenure. He also mentioned in his profile that he and his wife, Jennifer, became Christians in 2009 and were dedicated to spreading God’s love.
Before his conversion, McDonald had struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol. He revealed in a 2021 interview that he had been “broken” by his past habits. However, he claimed that finding faith in Christ transformed his life, marriage, and future. He was particularly enthusiastic about sharing the “Good News” of Jesus, and this desire led him to start pastoring, where he found fulfillment in helping others.
McDonald’s arrest has shocked the community, with Landmark Church remaining silent on the matter. His profile highlighted his previous struggles and eventual redemption, suggesting that his role as a pastor was rooted in his own personal transformation. However, his current legal troubles have cast a shadow over his legacy in the church community.
The investigation into McDonald’s actions and his connection to the robbery continues. While Jenkins has posted bail, McDonald remains in jail awaiting further legal proceedings.