Resignation From G3 Ministries
Early this week, I learned of events involving my friend and fellow pastor, Tom Buck, who has faithfully shepherded a church in Lindale, Texas, since 2006. I have gotten to know Tom over the years and have admired him for his conviction, courage, and biblical fidelity. This week, a story broke out on Protestia (you can read the article here) involving him and a parachurch ministry I have enjoyed serving as a pastor-theologian, G3 Ministries.
When I first heard about what transpired, I wanted to exercise biblical wisdom and investigate the matter myself, in accordance with Proverbs 18:17.
“The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.”
The accusations leveled against Tom were egregious, and I cannot see it any other way than as an attempt to tarnish this faithful pastor's ministry and the saints who gather every week at First Baptist Lindale. As I began my own research, I spoke with over five individuals directly involved and had several phone calls with Tom Buck himself to hear his side of the story. He was forthright and honest, owned the accusations against him, and explained the process his elders at his church used to investigate the matter. Seeing as how this is a local church issue and not one for the public, I had a difficult time reconciling the motivation behind the “why” of someone or a group of someone’s and their motivation behind it.
After two days of examination, phone calls, and reviewing the evidence myself, it became clear to me that G3's leadership either directly involved and sanctioned this action or delegated a trusted representative to carry out this mission of slander on their behalf. Yesterday, I submitted my resignation from my position as a pastor-theologian and withdrew from speaking at their 2027 conference. This was not a rash decision, nor was it emotional, but it was one of prudence and wisdom to not associate with someone who is a factious person(s) in accordance with Titus 3:10. Additionally, I asked for our church 5 Bridges Church in Panama City Beach, Florida to be removed from the church finder.
My heart truly breaks over the pettiness of this, and the blemish that has brought on Christ’s Church. Additionally, I am grieved for the men and women, not excluding Tom and his wife Jennifer, but the faithful men and women who comprise the churches of First Baptist Lindale, and Prays Mill Baptist Church. Additionally, how this is perceived from those outside the church looking in, as situations like this damage the testimony of the church and our ability to engage the world for the lost. One thing I do know that the Bible speaks very clearly is that nothing can hinder the work of the Lord; even the gates of Hades will not prevail (Matt. 16:18).
I am not writing this in an attempt to “throw my hat in the ring” and involve myself needlessly; however, seeing as how our church supported this ministry, and we were happy to do so prior to all of this transpiring, but even more importantly the involvement I had with this ministry, that I truly believed had the best of intentions as their mission statement is, “to glorify God.” These actions do not honor nor glorify God, yet, in spite of sinful man, God still can and will receive the glory from all of this.
I will continue to pray for both churches, for Tom and his wife, and for the guilty parties involved. I pray that those involved will publicly confess to both their churches, remove themselves from the ministry, and, as hard as it may be, close the doors to G3. I know many of you have benefited from this ministry, as I and my church have; however, I do not count those years or months of growth and illumination as a waste. God can still use men and women despite our continual rebellion toward Him. May we all strive to maintain unity and the bond of peace for the glory of God, and for His church.
Coram Deo