This stuff turns my stomach. People called by God and paid by a local church to be trustworthy and honorable… well, here you go.
Pastors behind bars:
Youth Pastor Charged with Indecent Liberties
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Portsmouth detectives arrested a youth minister for indecent liberties by a custodian.
Police arrested Brian M. Norris, 29, at his Chesapeake home Tuesday. Police say the victims were two girls in the youth group Norris oversaw at the church.
Norris has held the role of youth minister at Western Branch Baptist Church for more than six years.
Court documents obtained by WAVY.com say Norris fondled the girls both above and below their clothing. One victim said Norris asked her to engage in sexual intercourse. The girls said all of the inappropriate behavior happened at the church over the course of the last two years.
Now, the court documents linked in the article make it clear that this is an accusation without any proof or corroboration of witnesses offered. But seriously, why would you ever put yourself in a situation where you’d be accused of that?
No training + No accountability = Bad Ending Every Time
Colorado Church Leaders Accused of Covering up Youth Pastor Sex Abuse Scandal
Five Colorado church leaders covered up information about a youth pastor who allegedly sexually assaulted a female church attendee starting when she was 15, claim Boulder police officials.
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However, in police reports recently disclosed to 7NEWS, “VineLife Church initially refused” to give authorities reports from a therapist whom the church had requested work with Roberson. It also ignored a court order on July 11 to turn over records of the church’s internal investigation.
Oh, there’s a special place for those who try to cover up the truth to protect “the Lord’s work.”
It’s called prison.
As a church staff member you always need to remember who you work for and why you are in ministry.
Pastor Arrested Twice In 6 Months, Accused Of Harassment
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Central Ohio pastor was arrested for the second time in six months, accused of phone harassment.
The alleged victim of Pastor Bennett Smith’s latest charges is a congregation member who filed a stalking protection order against the pastor.
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It alleges, “In early August 2013, members of the ministry leadership team were informed about an incident where defendant was intoxicated while leading a youth camp. After meeting with TCAP staff and congregation members the ministry leadership team learned about several incidences of public intoxication involving defendant. The defendant was becoming physically aggressive and further the staff members no longer felt comfortable working with defendant.”
OK, so this one is a lead pastor, not a youth pastor. But did I read that right? Homeboy still had his job after he was arrested in August, when the church leadership learned that there were several other reports of him being drunk in public… including at a youth camp?
Seriously church. We need to get a grip on reality. “Above reproach” doesn’t mean “above the law.” It means… beyond reproach, meaning they are the kind of person who won’t even be accused of anything.
I know. I know. I know.
Pushback #1. You will be quick to point out that tens of thousands of church leaders don’t commit crimes every year. You are absolutely correct. But these few do erode the trust of the public. And the three above are entirely preventable.
Pushback #2. We can all agree that it’s annoying that the media sticks a persons job title in the headline. They don’t do that to plumbers. But also remember that society expects that a pastor is protecting his flock.
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