Updated April 20, 2021: Pastor Stewart-Allen Clark posted a statement apologizing to his First General Baptist Church for preaching a sermon in February to his congregation that was also streamed live on the internet. In the sermon, he suggested wives who “let themselves go” are the reason husbands stray sexually.
Pastor Clark said he was “deeply sorry” to all the ladies in the community and those online viewing the livestream. He said his remarks were “insensitive” and “unbiblical.”
He also apologized for embarrassing the church with his comments and took full responsibility for his actions. He reported that he is receiving help from a professional counselor in addition to meeting with an accountability partner.
Having been on a leave of absence since February 28, 2021, he wrote, “I sincerely ask for your forgiveness and to be restored as your pastor.”
Pastor Stewart-Allen Clark’s full statement that is posted on the church’s website is posted below:
Dear Church & Community,
On Sunday, February 21, 2021, I delivered a sermon about men’s needs in the marital relationship. In the sermon, I made insensitive remarks about women and made statements deemed unbiblical. To the ladies within the church, ladies in the community, and those viewing our Livestream; I want to say I am deeply sorry for any and all pain or distress that my words brought on you. I want to say to the church that I’m truly sorry that I embarrassed you. I have no one else to blame but myself, and I own the hurt I have caused to both people inside and outside the community. Since February 28, I have taken a leave of absence. I am meeting regularly with a professional counselor. I have secured an accountability partner, and we are and will continue to meet regularly. I recognize and understand that what I said was imprudent and discourteous. I sincerely ask for your forgiveness and to be restored as your pastor. I genuinely believe this is the best way forward.
Sincerely Yours & His,
Stewart-Allen Clark
The Deacons from First General Baptist Church also released a statement:
We, the deacons of the First General Baptist Church of Malden, Missouri, offer this unreserved apology to our congregation, our surrounding communities, our denomination, and the followers of Jesus Christ everywhere. As deacons we became complacent. We accepted God’s blessings toward our church as signs of His favor without adequately attending to our responsibility that the complete principles, truths, and love of Christ are presented from our church’s pulpit. We bear the blame for not offering our pastor counsel, correction, and restoration when errors or inappropriate content was presented. We are called to model Christ’s love through forgiveness and restoration toward our Pastor. This is our goal and we encourage the congregation toward the same love and forgiveness. We should all pray for the unity and harmony of our body that we could advance the cause of Christ in our own lives, in the life of our congregation, and in the lives we are called to witness in the surrounding communities. Let us all trust Christ that He will accomplish His purposes for the Glory of His Kingdom.