Soul Survivor’s Mike Pilavachi Accused of Manipulating Young Men Under Spiritual Care

The once-revered founder of Soul Survivor, Mike Pilavachi, has been thrust into the spotlight amid allegations of manipulative behavior and inappropriate conduct towards young men under his spiritual guidance. An independent report, commissioned by Soul Survivor Watford, has revealed disturbing patterns of psychological control, inappropriate physical contact, and exploitative mentorship, which spanned years under Pilavachi’s leadership. According to the findings, Pilavachi’s actions caused profound emotional and psychological harm, with the report detailing incidents such as private massages and coerced wrestling sessions with young male interns and followers.

The Church of England launched an investigation into Pilavachi’s behavior in 2023 after allegations surfaced, leading to his resignation as associate pastor. The inquiry, conducted by Fiona Scolding KC, has unveiled a troubling culture of unchecked power, where Pilavachi’s relationships with young men often began with close mentorship before deteriorating into control and eventual withdrawal. Pilavachi has acknowledged the inappropriate nature of his actions but has denied specific allegations, claiming that while his behavior was problematic, it was not sexually motivated. Nevertheless, the report underscores systemic failures within the church’s leadership, with allegations dating back to the early 2000s that were never adequately addressed, despite senior leaders being aware.