“Upon information and belief, the mission funds which have been diverted from the Southern Baptist Convention to the Conservative Baptist Network are being used to fund the Conservative Baptist Network’s operating expenses and to increase Dr. Jurkovich’s standing Therein,” according to the complaint.
Founded in 2020, the CBN claims that liberals, critical race theory and female preachers have invaded the Southern Baptist Convention and vows to change the direction of the country’s largest Protestant denomination. Last year, a CBN-backed candidate narrowly lost the election for SBC president. The group currently backs Florida pastor Tom Ascol for president in the election scheduled for the SBC’s June annual meeting.
Jurkovich did not respond to repeated emails and a voice message requesting comment. He did address the lawsuit during a First Baptist worship service on Sunday (June 5), saying the church had already agreed to turn over most of the documents before the court ruling.
He called the plaintiffs in the lawsuit “nonmembers” who had been causing trouble at the church for months. Jurkovich also told his church that the judge ruled the nondisclosure agreement between the church and the plaintiffs was still binding.
“This means that absolutely none of the information already produced or to be produced over this ruling is to be shared or leaked,” he said. “And if any of it is then this group will be held accountable legally.”
Jurkovich also said the church had fought to keep giving information confidential, saying that tithing was between church members and God. He told church members that if they hear any information about the church being discussed in public, they should report that to church leaders.
“Ultimately, we know that we’re in a spiritual battle,” he said. “And Satan wants to absolutely destroy this ministry. And I’m going tell you right now in the name of Jesus you cannot destroy his church. You can’t do it. You can’t do it.”
This article originally appeared here.
