(RNS) — Sam Allberry, a pastor and apologist who advocates for celibacy as the faithful path for LGBTQ+ Christians, has been “disqualified from gospel ministry” following an “inappropriate relationship with an adult man in 2022,” according to a statement from elders at Immanuel Nashville, a nondenominational church where he has served as an associate pastor since 2023.
The Nashville, Tennessee, church’s statement, first reported by Protestia, said church elders were first made aware of the relationship between Allberry and another man in spring 2024, and based on “information available at the time and the posture of Sam and the other party,” the church determined it wasn’t disqualifying behavior. But after receiving new information this January, per the statement, the elders reopened an investigation into Allberry’s actions.
“(W)hile the relationship did not go as far as it could have, Sam’s conduct constituted a serious breach of trust and a failure to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel,” the statement said. “The Elders are unanimous in their decision that Sam is currently disqualified from gospel ministry. Sam agrees with this decision and has resigned from Immanuel Church.”
Neither the church nor Allberry responded to requests for comment in time for publication, and RNS could not independently verify the elders’ statement, but Allberry’s name has been removed from the church website.
Immanuel Nashville is led by evangelical Gospel Coalition council mem …