In February 2023, Central Christian Church in Phoenix fired Caleb Baker for having an extramarital affair with a church employee. Cal Jernigan, lead pastor at Central, said Mike Baker was a “longtime friend” who asked him to give a “fresh start” to Caleb after his son faced “unfounded” accusations.
Speaking recently to WGLT, Mike Baker said he’s “largely innocent” of abuse-of-power allegations. He acknowledged his son’s infidelity at Eastview but said, “I do not think it was as much harm as was indicated by some people that might have complained about it.”
Megachurch pastors grow accustomed to “criticism” and having “targets on their back,” Baker said. “You can’t really control what people think about you and what people say about you,” he added. “I know who I am before God. I know God loves me. And I know what I did and didn’t do.”
ChurchLeaders has reached out for comment to Pastor Mike Baker and Eastview Christian Church and will update this article with any replies.
