FBCW Suspends Hunt’s Role as Pastor Emeritus
In the letter released by FBCW, leadership provided action steps for the church in light of the Guidepost report and the revelation that it included the church’s pastor emeritus.
They assured the church that leadership is “proactively seeking to do everything we reasonably can in the fight against all forms of abuse. Nothing matters more than the safety of all participants in our ministry.”
These activities include expanded training for staff, which the church began implementing in 2021 and focuses on social awareness when relating to someone of the opposite sex. New training also includes a focus on abuse prevention and reporting.
FBCW leaders “have engaged an outside legal firm to professionally review our current policies.” This has been done to give assurance to church members that the church’s policies leave no room for sexual abuse to take place or be covered up.
Leadership also recommended a “clear process of counseling, accountability, and restoration” for Hunt. Additionally, they believe it is best for the church to “suspend” Hunt’s pastor emeritus role, stating that they are “forever grateful for the supernatural work of God over the last 30+ years at FBCW.”
“We believe this decision aligns with our biblical theology as a church regarding spiritual leaders being above reproach (1 Tim. 3:2),” the letter said.
Although the news of the Guidepost report has been challenging, the leadership of the church expressed their belief that, with God’s grace and their commitment to seek what is right, better days are in their future.
