The Lagoinha church in Belo Horizonte, recently linked to luxury, politics and the Banco Master scandal, began in the 1970s as a neighborhood Baptist church that revolutionized Brazilian Protestantism with lively worship.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Lagoinha was described by longtime members as an extension of family life in Belo Horizonte, with close ties and Baptist liturgy influenced by Pentecostalism. In the 1990s, it built a new temple after a long campaign, modernized with a TV network and connected to dynamic U.S. evangelicalism. Late that decade, Ana Paula Valadão took over the music ministry, founded Diante do Trono and transformed services with long, emotional, repetitive songs emphasizing public participation. This introduced Brazil to experiences like those of Australia's Hillsong, drawing crowds and making Belo Horizonte a national reference for young Christians. Spirituality focused on revival, contemporary language and personal encounters with God, prioritizing spontaneity over scripted forms. From the 2000s, the church grew through music, media, theological training, social action and missions. In the 2010s, it became more institutional, tied to businessmen and politicians, with succession to André Valadão as his sisters Ana Paula and Mariana stepped away, causing unease. Lagoinha adopted a standardized franchise model. The recent scandal involved a R$ 41 million transfer from Banco Master to the church. The church's press office stated each pastor manages their unit's finances. André Valadão said the allegations have political motivations. The case reignites criticism of faith mixed with power and money, causing disappointment among Christians.
