Legal squabble ensues following the collapse of a Pentecostal leader in Sweden, impacting various churches

Dynamic Disaster: The Crumbling of a Swedish Pentecostal Titan

Once a beacon of the Swedish Pentecostal movement, Daniel Alm, former national leader of Pingst FFS and chair of the Swedish Christian Council, has found himself in the thick of a scandalous whirlwind. Since 2016, he held prominence as the helmsman of Sweden's largest Christian denomination outside the Church of Sweden.

However, the tables have turned drastically. Alm's leadership tenure was abruptly terminated in two phases, first as national leader in October 2023 following allegations of abuse of power, and later as senior pastor of the congregation in Västerås in March 2024 due to severe personal reasons.

An external inquiry commissioned by Pingst FFS found insufficient evidence to prove a criminal offense, yet the congregation deemed Alm guilty of breaching the trust and confidence expected of a pastor, leading to his dismissal as reported by SVT.

In an exclusive chat with Västmanlands Läns Tidning (VLT), Alm likened his actions to driving slightly over the speed limit, implying a lesser severity compared to the public's perception. The ensuing labor dispute saw Alm contest the dismissal, asserting that his romantic engagements with the two female employees were consensual. The District Court of Västmanland, however, found his conduct detrimental to his duties as an employee and pastor, ruling in favor of the congregation in April 2025.

Insights gleaned from Christian newspaper Hemmets Vän during the trial paint a startling picture of the women's experiences. They testified about an insecure and manipulative work environment, where Alm transgressed professional boundaries, leading to feelings of vulnerability and emotional distress. They alleged that their concerns were often dismissed, creating an overbearing atmosphere of fear and insecurity.

The women emphasized that their testimonies were not about personal conflicts but rather, they underscored an imbalance in power that negatively impacted their work environment. This stark depiction was considered a breach of trust by the court, contributing to the ruling upholding the dismissal.

The court was unable to definitively establish whether the sexual activity was consensual or non-consensual due to inconsistencies in Alm's and the women's testimonies. Nevertheless, the court deemed that Alm had abused his position, exerting control and sexual advantage to the detriment of both women.

In May 2025, the Labour Court rejected Alm's application for an appeal, finalizing the lower court's decision.

This turbulent episode within the Swedish Pentecostal movement has sparked dialogue around leadership accountability and responsibility within church communities. Pastors must acknowledge their misdeeds, apologize, and adapt when they err. A congregation that follows biblical principles and acts in the best interests of its members fosters trust. Dismissing a pastor for substantial breaches of trust demonstrates the congregation's commitment to protecting its community.

Despite numerous attempts, I have yet to receive a response from Alm's legal counsel for comment.

*Carl Lindahl**, a youth counselor and prison chaplain in northern Sweden, analyzes faith, ethics, and culture from a Christian viewpoint.

This story was originally published in: Evangelical Focus - European Perspectives - The dramatic plummet of a Pentecostal leader in Sweden incites a protracted legal battle that leaves churches questioning accountability.

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