MIDLAND (MI)
WJRT-TV, ABC-12 [Flint MI]
August 7, 2025
By Terry Camp
The couple had been members since 1990, but left during the pandemic
MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) – A Saginaw County couple is speaking out about a sex abuse scandal involving the Living Word Church in Midland.
The scandal continued in court as a pastor from the church faced a pre-trial hearing. Two other individuals associated with the church’s leadership have also been charged.
Dan and Dana Stahl, former members of the Living Word Church, started attending in 1990. They initially helped in the church nursery, believing they were serving God. However, recent events have led them to feel they were misled.
“We loved it, we absolutely loved it,” Dana Stahl said.
The Stahls reduced their involvement after Dan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. They were disappointed with the church’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which they felt was mishandled.
“The members of the church’s response was that it was tyranny,” Dana Stahl said.
Mark Barclay, known as the preacher of righteousness, reportedly criticized the governor during the pandemic.
“Mark called our Governor whacked, or a whack job,” Dana Stahl said.
The allegations of sexual abuse began with Church Elder Brandon Saylor, who was charged in 2023 with sexually abusing four children. Saylor was sentenced to five to 15 years in prison.
“And then it snowballed,” Dana Stahl said.
Brandon Saylor’s father, associate pastor Randy Saylor, is also facing charges related to sex offenses involving children. Pastor James Randolph, the son-in-law of Mark Barclay, is accused of sexually assaulting a girl years ago. Both Randolph and Saylor are currently on leave from the church.
“One of our jobs was to protect and keep those children safe, while church was going on,” Dan Stahl said.
None of the incidents happened on church grounds.
“It was the culture of the church that groomed these girls, there is a militant level,” Dana Stahl said.
She believes there is a cult-like atmosphere in the church.
Dana Stahl expressed her concerns about the church’s handling of the accusations.
“Mark Barclay has been extremely intimidating from the pulpit, calling victims liars, those that support victims liars, possessed by demons, Satan’s puppet,” Dana Stahl said.
Randolph had a previous conviction for sexual assault of a minor in Jackson, Michigan, in 1985. The church, through Mark Barclay’s son Josh, issued a statement affirming their commitment to safety and well-being.
“We remain committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of every member—especially our children,” Josh Barclay wrote.
Dana Stahl remains skeptical.
“I get caught in this cult brain, where I will feel so fearful that I am somehow out of the will of God for standing up for these kids,” Dana Stahl said.
The Stahls attend court hearings of the accused and hope others will leave the church.
“I would like to see the doors closed, I really would,” Dana Stahl said.
“I would agree 100 percent that church should be closed,” Dan Stahl said.
James Randolph’s trial is expected to begin on the 21st of this month, while Randy Saylor’s trial is set for September.
Josh Barcley released this statement pertaining to the claims made by the Stahl’s.
“Many people have come through our doors, and many have moved on. Some leave encouraged, strengthened, and better equipped for life. Others simply don’t share our beliefs and choose a different path. Some depart grateful, others disgruntled because things didn’t go the way they hoped.
“We understand that not everyone will agree with our Bible-based convictions. However, to label the many who worship here as part of a “cult” is both saddening and disrespectful—especially to the hundreds who regularly attend, find joy in our fellowship, and receive genuine help and hope through our pastors’ teaching.
“We haven’t been in this community for over 45 years to fight—we’re here to help as many people as we possibly can, and we believe we’re still doing exactly that despite a few recent incidents that are not related to the church or our beliefs.”