By Fox23.com News Staff
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Rhema Bible Church has removed Craig Hagin from their employ following a pending criminal case and a separate incident the church said was “inconsistent with the standards expected of those serving in ministry leadership.”
Craig Hagin previously served as Chief Operating officer for Rhema Bible Church. Prior to his dismissal, he was placed on sabbatical following an animal abuse case in March.
“The ministry of Rhema Bible Church has ended Craig Hagin’s employment, leadership roles, and association with Rhema Bible Church and its ministries, effective June 3, 2026,” wrote the church in a public statement shared to Facebook on June 7. “Craig, who served as Chief operating Officer, is no longer authorized to serve, speak, or act on behalf of Rhema Bible Church.”
In March 2026, Craig and his wife, Mia, were formally charged with two counts of cruelty to animals. The Hagins gave police and animal control permission to inspect their home to check the living conditions inside.
Per the arrest and booking report, the Hagins said “they knew the dogs living conditions were not ideal,” but said they were taking care of them and feeding them regularly.
Authorities said Mia Hagin told them she was the owner of a rescue called Oklahoma Ruff Refuge. She surrendered the animals voluntarily to police.
Following this, Mia pleaded no contest in April and her charges were reduced to misdemeanor disturbing the peace. Mia was ordered to pay $100 for each count she was charged, plus costs, and was ordered to attend Benchmark Animal Rehabilitative Curriculum (BARC) classes.
The church placed Craig on sabbatical pending this matter, which is still active. Current ministry leaders said they were made aware of a secondary incident unrelated to the animal cruelty case.
“Within the past week, our leadership team became aware of separate and credible information regarding conduct inconsistent with the standards expected of those serving in ministry leadership,” the statement continued. “After Lynette and I [Kenneth] returned from overseas ministry travel and were fully briefed on these matters, we exercised our responsibility as overseers of this ministry and took immediate action to end Craig’s employment.”
The church said Craig no longer serves in any “ministerial, leadership,or administrative capacity” and has no say in any decision making.
“This is a deeply painful matter for our family, our church, and our Rhema worldwide family. Craig remains a member of our family, and we continue to pray for repentance, healing, and restoration in his personal life. At the same time, we have a responsibility to act clearly and decisively to protect the integrity of this ministry, the trust placed in us, and the people we serve,” said the church. “As part of our responsibility to exercise faithful stewardship and maintain appropriate internal safeguards, Rhema has removed Craig’s access to all organizational systems, accounts, and ministry platforms.
The nature of the incident that led to Craig’s removal has not been publicly disclosed. The church said they will not be sharing additional details at this time, due to the ongoing nature of the situation.
Read the full statement from Rhema Bible Church regarding the dismissal of Craig Hagin below:
