NASHVILLE, Tenn. — July 1, 2025 — Wes Campbell, longtime manager and owner of the Grammy-nominated Christian rock band Newsboys, is being sued for $5.4 million by Randall Schrum, a former elder of Hilltop Fellowship House of Prayer in Primm Springs, Tennessee, according to Christian Post.
The lawsuit, filed June 3 in Hickman County, names Wes Campbell along with his parents, Colin and Nancy, and siblings Rocklyn (“Rocky”) and Evangeline Campbell. It alleges nine counts, including defamation, conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and obstruction of justice.
Dispute Over Church Discipline
Schrum joined the small house church—founded in January 2021 by Colin and Nancy Campbell—in 2022, and served as an elder. Tensions arose in early 2024 when church leadership, including Schrum, raised concerns about Evangeline Campbell’s conduct, reportedly providing $3,500 for marital counseling. However, Pastor Colin allegedly declined to implement disciplinary measures previously used for other congregants.
When a confidential report was submitted, Colin is accused of leaking its contents to extended family. On March 30, a group of 16 Campbell relatives, led by Rocky, reportedly entered a Sunday service and publicly threatened Schrum and his pregnant wife in front of 75 attendees.
Alleged Retaliation and Harassment
Following the confrontation, the leadership team resigned and formed a new congregation, Refuge Ridge Fellowship. Schrum alleges that retaliation escalated, including a false child-abuse report triggering a police raid at 3 a.m., the slashing of a vehicle tire, and threats demanding he step down.
Schrum and his family subsequently relocated amid safety concerns and stress-complicated pregnancy. In the lawsuit, they seek $1.8 million in compensatory and $3.6 million in punitive damages, with a jury trial requested for each count.
Wes Campbell's Involvement
Although not present at the March 30 confrontation, Schrum asserts that Wes Campbell contributed to defamation and conspiracy in several instances. This includes allegedly making false claims that Schrum “was stealing” the fellowship and had “a questionable history,” as well as preventing the Schrums from attending a family retreat tied to Nancy Campbell’s ministry.
