Former Getwell Church youth pastor charged with having sex with minor

Lindsey Whiteside is facing 30 years in prison for sexual battery of a girl under her guardianship

A former youth pastor to Getwell Church in Hernando, Mississippi is currently facing up to 30 years in prison over charges that she had sex with a minor girl under her guardianship.

Lindsey Whiteside, a former college basketball player, has reportedly been fired after being charged with felony sexual battery of a minor.

Getwell Church did not respond to a request for comment from either Action5 News or The Christian Post, the latter reported.

“We can confirm that the December Grand Jury of DeSoto County has indicted Lindsey Whiteside on the charge of sexual battery of a minor child by a person of trust or authority,” a statement from DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton reads. “Prior to this indictment, Lindsey Whiteside served as a youth ministry leader and basketball coach—positions that carry a profound responsibility to protect and guide others."

“Sexual abuse and exploitation inflict lasting harm on victims, that often last for a lifetime,” Barton also said. “We understand that coming forward as a victim can be incredibly difficult, especially in cases involving trusted figures. However, we urge anyone who may have been affected by this individual’s actions or who may have information related to this case to come forward. Every victim deserves to be heard, and our office is committed to ensuring their voices are not silenced.”

In an interview on Getwell’s YouTube channel, Whiteside can be seen explaining that her “deepest passion” is to support others “encounter Jesus.”

“My deepest passion is for everyone to experience Jesus in the same way I have. Through student ministry, missions, or any other ministry, I am so thankful that the Lord has called me to Getwell Hernando where I can pursue that passion both inside and outside the walls of the church,” she said. “It is an honor that the Lord calls us all to participate in His Kingdom, and I am grateful to be able to do it within and alongside the community of Hernando.”

Prior to her position at Getwell, Whiteside also worked as an assistant girls’ basketball coach at DeSoto Central High School.

It is truly chilling to realize that anyone can turn out to be a predator, even an upbeat youth pastor and basketball coach with a purported passion for helping others to “experience Jesus.”

Scripture tells us what will happen to those who corrupt little ones under the guise of leading them to Christ…and it well-deserved.