Bellevue Baptist Church has fired a 19-year-old staff member after leaders say they received allegations that the employee sexually abused a 15-year-old, according to a letter sent to the congregation. Church leadership told members the information has been reported to law enforcement, the employee has been removed from ministry, and an internal review is underway. Executive Pastor Jason Pyron also said the church is offering support to anyone affected while authorities investigate.
Church notified authorities and removed employee
According to WREG, Pyron wrote that Bellevue "reported the information to appropriate authorities" and that the staffer, identified in the letter only by age, was terminated pending the outcome of the investigation. WREG also reports the church did not release the worker's name and urged anyone with additional information to contact law enforcement.
Allegations reportedly include church property
WREG reports that the letter to members stated some of the alleged abuse occurred on Bellevue's property. The station also notes that the reported victim is 15 years old and that the church is making counseling resources available to its congregation while cooperating with investigators.
How to report and get support
In Tennessee, anyone who believes a child may be in danger is urged to contact the Tennessee Department of Children's Services child abuse hotline at 1-877-237-0004, as outlined by the Tennessee Department of Children's Services. Survivors seeking confidential help can call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit RAINN for online chat and other resources.
Background: earlier abuse case at Bellevue
This is not the first time Bellevue has faced abuse allegations involving church personnel. In a case that led to a 2019 arrest and a 2020 guilty plea, former paid volunteer coordinator James Hook admitted to sexual battery by an authority figure. Coverage at the time detailed both the criminal case and the family's civil lawsuit against the church, according to Action News 5.
Legal note
Firing an employee or taking internal administrative action is separate from any criminal case. Law enforcement and prosecutors will determine whether charges are filed after reviewing the evidence. The Tennessee Department of Children's Services states that anyone with reasonable cause to suspect child abuse is legally required to report it to DCS or to the police.
What to watch
Church leaders told members they are cooperating with law enforcement and plan to share updates as appropriate. Bellevue has previously said it provides yearly child-safety training for childcare staff and offers counseling services, policies that were noted in coverage of the 2020 civil case by Baptist Press. We will update this report as prosecutors, DCS or the church release additional information.
