Pastor Apologizes For Insensitive Letter in Abuse Allegations Against Former Employee

ABILENE, TX – Pioneer Baptist Church Pastor Stan Allcorn has issued an apology after many criticized the letter he sent out to his congregation regarding the Jeff Berry accusations. Berry is accused of sexually abusing a minor while employed at the church in the late '90s. For many social media users, Allcorn seemed to downplay the charges and be insensitive to the allegations of abuse.

Allcorn called Berry his friend in the letter and stated he loved him as a Christian brother and claimed he would be praying for him. Jeff Berry’s family attends Pioneer Baptist and Allcorn asked his congregation to offer “prayer and strength” to the family in these “difficult times.” He asked the members of his church to wait until all the facts were in before making speculations and to have compassion for all of those involved. 

According to KTXS, one of the online critics was Jennifer Newton. Newton was married to Jeffery Forest, a different suspect that was accused of sexually assaulting a child while employed at Pioneer Baptist Church in the ‘90s. Forrest has been on the run from police for the last three years.

"Your handling of this situation is abhorrent. It is a disgrace—only rivaled by the abuse that so many have endured," Newton said. "As you stand beside the abuser, I will choose to stand beside the abused."

Allcorn apologized Wednesday for his response and posted a new statement on the church’s website.

Pastor Stan Allcorn's Full Statement

Tuesday morning, I (not Pioneer Drive Baptist Church) sent an email to the church family after news broke that an individual who last worked in our ministry 23 years ago had been arrested in Tennessee on charges linked to a child sex crime allegation.

I never intended to downplay the severity of the charges detailed in the arrest warrant or to diminish any victim of childhood sexual abuse or their families. I now realize that my words did both of those things. I also understand that my words caused many people both inside and outside of the Pioneer Drive family to be hurt and angry.

I am sorry.

I ask for your forgiveness.

My email has now been shared widely through social media by victims’ advocates and others. I understand my words were insensitive, and they did not convey what is truly in my heart.

Therefore, I want to be clear today when I tell you that Pioneer Drive will not protect those who harm children. We pledge to everyone who entrusts a child to us at Pioneer Drive through our many church activities, Mother’s Day Out or Child Development Center that the safety and well-being of your child is our top priority.

Pioneer Drive is committed to protecting children and to ministering to anyone who has been traumatized by sexual abuse. If you or someone in your family is a victim, Pioneer Drive will pray for you, serve and protect you, and help you in the healing process.

STAN ALLCORN

Senior Pastor

Pioneer Drive Baptist Church