Skillet’s John And Korey Cooper Break Their Silence On Church Abuse That Tore Their Family Apart

Skillet stars John and Korey Cooper have opened up about an intensely personal church ordeal that they say devastated their family, fractured lifelong relationships and left them questioning how spiritual authority could be used against those who dared to speak up.

In a raw interview with Christian author and podcaster Alisa Childers, the husband-and-wife rockers described their painful departure from the church in which Korey had spent much of her life. According to the Coopers, they gradually became concerned about teachings and practices they associated with the New Apostolic Reformation, commonly known as the NAR.

But when the couple began asking questions, they claim the situation turned ugly.

John and Korey alleged that they faced prophetic pronouncements, disturbing accusations and intense pressure to submit to church authority. They also said people within their community were encouraged to turn against them, transforming what began as a theological disagreement into a deeply personal family crisis.

Walking away was especially costly because the dispute reportedly reached straight into Korey's family. Her brother-in-law served as the church's "apostle," while her father remained an elder. Leaving therefore meant far more than finding another place to worship-it allegedly placed some of the Coopers' closest relationships on the line.

Korey's pain was unmistakable as she revisited wounds that viewers said still appeared painfully fresh. The couple spoke about the emotional toll of being treated as rebellious for questioning leaders whose words were allegedly presented as carrying divine authority.

The explosive interview quickly struck a nerve. It attracted nearly 250,000 views within approximately a day of its release, while thousands flooded the comments with messages of support, alarm and prayer. One viewer who identified as a former member of the same church claimed to have experienced similar treatment after raising concerns and eventually leaving.

Another commenter summed up the warning at the centre of the Coopers' story: "It is ALWAYS a red flag when you cannot push back or ask questions without punishment."

Despite everything they endured, John and Korey stressed that the experience did not drive them away from Jesus. Instead, they said their Christian faith became the anchor that carried them through betrayal, isolation and the collapse of relationships they once believed were secure.

For fans accustomed to seeing Skillet's fearless frontman commanding arenas, the interview revealed a strikingly vulnerable side of the couple. This was not a polished celebrity confession or a promotional appearance. It was an emotional warning about what can happen when church leaders are placed beyond accountability and questioning human authority is treated as rebellion against God.

The Coopers' decision to speak publicly could now encourage others carrying similar wounds to tell their stories-and force difficult conversations within Christian communities about prophecy, submission, transparency and spiritual abuse.

Watch John and Korey Cooper's full interview with Alisa Childers on YouTube.