We, the undersigned, respectfully call for biblical accountability in pastoral leadership at Fellowship Minneapolis Baptist Church.

 

The Bible clearly teaches that pastors (also called elders or overseers) must meet strict spiritual and moral qualifications. Scripture states that a pastor must be above reproach, faithful to his wife, morally upright, self-controlled, not sexually immoral, and an example to the flock (see 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9).

 

When a pastor engages in cheating, fornication, and conduct that contradicts biblical marriage and holiness, he no longer meets the qualifications required by Scripture to serve as a spiritual leader. The Bible does not permit continued pastoral authority when a leader is biblically disqualified.

 

Scripture further teaches that unrepentant or public sin in leadership must be addressed openly for the protection of the congregation:

 

“Those who are sinning are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.”

— 1 Timothy 5:20

 

For the sake of church integrity, biblical obedience, and the protection of families and congregants, we respectfully call for the following actions:

 

• 
  Immediate stepping down of the pastor from all pastoral and leadership roles
• 
  Removal from preaching, teaching, and spiritual authority
• 
  Transparent acknowledgment to the congregation
• 
  Appropriate biblical discipline and accountability
• 
  Care and support for those harmed by the misconduct
• 
  Clear safeguards to prevent restoration to leadership without meeting biblical qualifications

 

 

This petition is not motivated by hatred, division, or revenge. It is motivated by obedience to God’s Word, love for the church, and concern for the spiritual well-being of God’s people.

 

The Bible warns against allowing disqualified leaders to continue shepherding the flock:

 

“Be shepherds of God’s flock… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples.”

— 1 Peter 5:2–3

 

We sign this petition peacefully and voluntarily in support of biblical truth, accountability, repentance, and the holiness of church leadership.