Questions & Answers

At The Carpenter’s House, we believe trust begins with transparency. Because of my past and criminal record, we know parents and families will have serious and understandable questions. This page was created to address those questions openly and directly. Our goal is not to hide anything, but to show you the safeguards, accountability, and commitments we have in place so you can make informed decisions about your family’s safety and spiritual home.

• Are you still a registered sex offender?
  Yes. As part of my sentence on July 11, 2023, I was required to register within 24 hours. The law requires me to update my information and photo every six months, and to renew my fingerprints once a year. This registration will remain in place for 25 years.

• What exactly were you convicted of?
  I was convicted of one count of Possession of Visual Presentation Depicting Sexual Conduct of a Child, a Class B Felony. This is a serious and grievous crime, and I take full responsibility for it. I want to be clear: while I have never had physical sexual contact with a child, the material I downloaded depicted real children who were harmed, and victims I will never know. That reality is part of what brought me to deep repentance and fuels my commitment to fight pornography in every form today.

• How long ago did this happen, and what has changed since then?
  The crimes occurred in October 2021, and my home and workplace were raided by the FBI on May 10, 2022. May 9, 2022, was the last time I viewed pornography of any kind. Since that time, my life has changed direction entirely. I have devoted myself to writing and teaching on the dangers of pornography and have been privileged to walk alongside many men in their journey toward freedom.

• What accountability do you have in place today?
  Every device I use is monitored by an app called Ever Accountable, which sends regular activity reports to my accountability team. Beyond technology safeguards, I also meet consistently with trusted mentors who speak into my life, provide counsel, and hold me to the highest standards of integrity.

• What boundaries do you have with children and youth in your ministry?
  All staff and volunteers at The Carpenter’s House are fully aware of my past and criminal background, and we maintain strict guidelines to ensure every child is safe and every parent can have peace of mind. I am never alone with a minor under any circumstances. In our children’s ministry, at least two approved adults are always present, and every staff member and volunteer must pass a criminal background check before serving. These safeguards are in place not only to protect children, but also to protect the integrity of the church and its mission.

• Do you ever work with kids directly?
  No. While I provide overall oversight for all church ministries, I do not work directly with children. When our children’s ministry is established, it will be led by another pastor and a dedicated team. My role will be to communicate with and support that leader, ensuring the ministry operates safely and effectively.

• What safeguards are in place in the church for protecting children?
  All staff and volunteers at The Carpenter’s House undergo criminal background checks before serving. In our children’s ministry, at least two approved adults are always present—never one-on-one.

  For added safety, every child is checked in with a secure tag system. Only the parent or guardian who presents the matching tag can pick up their child. This ensures no one, including an estranged parent, can remove a child without permission.

  We also take every allegation of misconduct with the utmost seriousness. Any report of abuse will be investigated immediately and, when appropriate, reported to law enforcement. We will never cover up wrongdoing or protect a staff member at the expense of a child’s safety.

• How do we know our children are safe in this environment?
  Scripture teaches that a pastor must be blameless and of good reputation (1 Timothy 3:2). Because of my past, I recognize the importance of going above and beyond to protect the children entrusted to our care. For that reason, we have built multiple layers of accountability and safety into our ministry. Every staff member and volunteer is carefully screened, background checked, and trained in our safety policies. Clear rules—such as never leaving a child alone with one adult and always having two approved adults present—are non-negotiable.

  We want parents to know that nothing is hidden. Our commitment is to complete transparency and to creating an environment where children can thrive safely and parents can have peace of mind.

• How do you address temptation now?
  Guarding my mind and heart is a daily discipline. I am intentional about what I allow before my eyes and take active steps to avoid anything that could open the door to old patterns. Spiritually, I practice taking every thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) and commit time each day to prayer and the Word of God. These habits continue to renew my mind in Christ and strengthen me to walk in freedom and integrity.

• Who disciples you?
  I am blessed to be surrounded by several mature men of God who provide accountability, mentorship, and spiritual guidance in my life. My discipleship team includes Pastor Kevin Cotton, Pastor Rajesh Chadalavada, and Larry Peete. Each of these men speaks into my walk with Christ, helps keep me accountable, and ensures that I continue to grow as both a pastor and a follower of Jesus.

• How do you handle transparency about your past with new people in the church?
  We believe transparency builds trust, so I make my story openly available. On our website and YouTube channel, anyone can easily access my full testimony. I also share my journey through radio and podcast interviews, as well as in the books I’ve written. This way, new people don’t have to wonder or dig for answers—everything is out in the open. My goal is to live in such a way that nothing is hidden and every person can see how God has transformed my life.

• What would happen if you slipped or crossed a line again?
  If I were to reoffend, the legal consequences would be severe and immediate. I would fully submit to the civil process and accept whatever penalties the courts impose. In addition to legal consequences, I recognize that any failure on my part would cause deep spiritual and emotional harm to members of this church and to the wider community; I do not underestimate that responsibility.

  Because of this, we have clear procedures in place: any credible allegation would be reported immediately to law enforcement, church leadership, and the appropriate oversight bodies. I would also step aside from all ministry responsibilities while an investigation takes place and accept the direction of the elders or accountability board.

  My highest aim is to finish well before the Lord. I labor to live so that, by God’s grace, I might hear Christ say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21). Until then, I remain committed to transparency, strict accountability, and the protections we have put in place to safeguard others and uphold the integrity of this ministry.

• Why should I trust you with spiritual authority when you’ve abused trust before?
  You have every right to ask that. I will not minimize what I did or the damage it caused. My sin betrayed people’s trust, broke relationships, and put others at risk — and for that I am deeply, deeply sorry.

  Two things I want to say clearly:

  1. Repentance and changed life are not just words for me — they are the reality of my daily walk.
     I came to the throne of God and confessed my sin, and I have been living under the discipline and accountability of mature Christian leaders ever since. I have not viewed pornography since May 9, 2022. I have written, taught, and walked with many men toward lasting freedom. Scripture teaches that Christ saves sinners to become living proof of His mercy (1 Timothy 1:15, NKJV). My life today bears the ongoing fruit of that work.

  2. Trust must be earned and protected by structure — not just promises.
     Because of my past, I welcome extra oversight and safeguards. That’s why:

     • I live with ongoing relational accountability (mentors and pastors who disciple and evaluate me daily).

     • My devices are monitored by accountability software that reports to my accountability team.

     • I do not work one-on-one with minors, and I am never alone with a child. Our children’s ministry requires two approved adults in every room and background checks for staff and volunteers.

     • We have a clear, written policy that any credible allegation is reported immediately to law enforcement and church leadership, and I will step aside from ministry while any investigation takes place.

  I do not ask you to trust me blindly. I ask you to evaluate the fruit you can see: transparency about my past, the men who disciple me, the safety systems we’ve instituted, the public testimony I’ve given, and the willingness I have to be removed from ministry if I fail or if leaders determine it’s necessary.

  Finally, I know some wounds cannot be healed by words. If you want, I will connect you with the leaders who hold me accountable so you can speak with them directly. I will also meet with any parent, pastor, or community leader who needs additional assurance. Your children’s safety and the church’s integrity are not secondary to me — they are primary.

  If you want to talk with my accountability team or review our written safety policies, please let us know and we’ll make that available.

• How does your wife feel about all this?
  Parents will want to know if your spouse supports your calling and testifies to your change.

• Why should I bring my family to your church instead of somewhere else?

  Every family deserves a church where the Gospel is preached clearly, God’s presence is experienced, and people are loved without judgment. At The Carpenter’s House, we are committed to creating a safe and transparent environment where children are protected, parents are respected, and every person can encounter the transforming grace of Jesus Christ.

  My own story of failure and redemption has shaped this church’s culture: we are passionate about honesty, accountability, and building trust. We do not hide from the hard questions. Instead, we put safeguards in place, invite oversight, and strive to be an example of how God’s mercy can turn brokenness into hope.

  You may choose many good churches in Las Vegas—but if you’re looking for a community that takes both holiness and honesty seriously, where grace is more than a word, and where people from all walks of life are welcomed into God’s family, we would be honored to walk with you.

Sex Offender Registry

Discharge From Probation

Accountability Team

Pastor Kevin Cotton

Larry Peete