Church Responds to Allegations Against Former Baptist Pastor

ABILENE, TX – After news broke that a former pastor was arrested for a child sex crime that occurred while he was employed by the Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in the ‘90s; the church released a statement to the media and their congregation. In a statement to the media, the church stated Jeff Berry was employed as a music intern during the time of the alleged assault.

According to KTXS, the indictment has been unsealed and details the alleged abuse that Berry had on the victim. The complaint is that he touched the genitals of an underage boy on or about March 1, 1996. 

Pastor Stan Allcorn called Berry a friend and asked people to not speculate until all the facts are known. Berry's family is a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist and Pastor Allcorn has asked for compassion for everyone involved in this legal matter.

Pioneer Drive Baptist Church Full Statement to the Media:

A former employee of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, Jeff Berry, was arrested and jailed in Nashville, Tennessee, on a child sex crime. The alleged offense dates back to the mid-1990s in Abilene. Our employment records reflect that Jeff Berry was employed as a music intern at Pioneer Drive for nine months in 1985-86 and was re-hired for a similar position on September 1, 1995. He continued in this position until May 1996.

Pioneer Drive is committed to the safety of our children and does not take these matters lightly. Our hearts go out to any and all who have ever been abused in this way and to their families as well. We pray for God to bring healing and peace to their minds and souls.

We fully intend to cooperate with any local authority and encourage others who have information regarding this circumstance to do so as well.

Pioneer Drive Baptist Church Full Statement to the Congregation

Dear Church Family,

On KTXS news last night it was reported that a former employee of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, Jeff Berry, was arrested and jailed in Nashville, Tennessee, on a child sex crime. The alleged offense dates back to the mid-1990s in Abilene. Our employment records reflect that Jeff Berry was employed as a music intern at Pioneer Drive for nine months in 1985-86 and was re-hired for a similar position on September 1, 1995. He continued in this position until May 1996.

Jeff Berry is the 55-year-old son of Pioneer Drive members, Russell and Paula Berry. We love this family deeply. Just as our church rejoices with fellow members in good times, we also stand beside them offering prayer and strength in difficult times. This is exactly what we will do for the Berrys. They represent the best of our church and we will remain by their side.

We also pray for the alleged victims. Our hearts go out to any and all who have ever been abused in this way and to their families as well. May God bring healing and peace to their minds and souls.

Jeff Berry is my friend. I love him as a Christian brother. We have served in revivals together on two occasions. I am praying earnestly for Jeff today and will continue to do so.

We do not have all the facts surrounding this situation. We do not know the full story. I would urge against speculation and for compassion toward all involved. I would also remind us that God can bring good and even victory out of the most troubling and tragic circumstances. Please join me in praying for Him to do so now.

Grace to you,

Pastor Stan

After Jeff Berry was arrested in Tennessee on Monday for a charge of indecency with a child by contact in Taylor County, he was placed on administrative leave by his current employer, World Vision Artists. Berry has been employed at World Vision recruiting artist partnerships for the past 10 months.

World Vision exists to care for children; their safety is our top concern. Our strict child protection protocols prohibit staff from being alone with children at any time.
As is standard for every staff member, we ran a thorough criminal background check on Mr. Berry. He had no criminal convictions, either felonies or misdemeanors.
World Vision just learned of the charges late Monday and will fully cooperate with law enforcement.