Brian Tome Resigned From Crossroads Church Leadership
The longtime pastor stepped down following an independent investigation into his past conduct.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Christianity
Brian Tome has officially stepped away from his leadership role at Crossroads Church after three decades of service. His departure follows a six-month suspension and an independent investigation into an inappropriate 2015 incident.
Why it matters
The leadership change arrives after investigators confirmed allegations that Tome used a riding crop on a church member in 2015. The board suspended Tome in March amid concerns about his conduct and overall management style.
Brian Tome served for 30 years and recently completed a six-month suspension and leave. Crossroads Church currently operates across nine locations in Ohio and Kentucky.
The players
Brian Tome
He is the former senior pastor of Crossroads Church who led the organization for 30 years.
Kyle Ranson
He is the newly appointed senior pastor at Crossroads Church and a member of the church board.
Crossroads Church
It is a multi-site religious organization founded in 1996 that operates nine locations across Ohio and Kentucky.
The details
Tome confirmed his resignation in an email sent to the congregation on September 30, citing that his previous responsibilities no longer effectively serve the church mission. Kyle Ranson has since assumed the title of senior pastor and joined the board following the investigation into Tome's leadership culture.
Timeline
Crossroads Church held its first services in 1996.
The investigated incident occurred in 2015.
The board suspended Brian Tome in early March 2026.
Tome returned to the church in late August 2026.
Tome sent an email regarding his leadership departure on September 30, 2026.
Culture Shift
This move mirrors a broader trend toward increased institutional transparency and accountability within large religious organizations. It follows a pattern set by the 2018 Southern Baptist Convention abuse investigation protocols regarding institutional accountability.
Members of the Cincinnati area congregation will transition to new leadership under Kyle Ranson following the board-led structural changes. The church continues to operate its nine regional locations as this management transition unfolds.
The takeaway
Large religious institutions are increasingly facing internal reviews that prioritize member safety over long-standing leadership tenure. This transition serves as a reminder of the importance of clear ethical standards for management in community organizations.
Further reading
For more context on current trends within local faith-based organizations, visit our Christianity section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cincinnati.
