[1]Editor’s Note: In support of the sixth strategic action of Vision 2025 adopted by messengers [2] to the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting, Baptist Press will continue to report every instance of sexual abuse related to Southern Baptist churches, entities, institutions or leaders of which we are made aware.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (BP) — A Jefferson County church has terminated its youth director after he was arrested on child pornography charges.
Adam Lewis, a middle school teacher and wrestling coach at Pelham Park Middle School, was arrested Jan. 25. Lewis had been serving as youth director at Rock Mountain Lakes Baptist Church in McCalla. A Jan. 25 post on the church’s Facebook page said that as of Jan. 23, Lewis is “no longer employed at RMLBC as youth director or in any other capacity.”
“This is not the place for me to give the details about the situation,” the post stated. “… This is a devastating moment for our church family, but I know God is working. He is ‘our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble’ (Ps. 46:1). Let’s cling to him in trust, now more than ever.”
Rock Mountain Lakes Baptist Church is part of the Birmingham Metro Baptist Association. BMBA Executive Director Chris Crain told The Alabama Baptist, “Our prayers are with the Rock Mountain Lakes Baptist family. Pastor Jason Dollar has exhibited good leadership in light of this terrible situation and is doing everything possible to ensure the safety and support of the church and community.”
Pelham City Schools Superintendent Chuck Ledbetter released a statement to parents announcing the arrests. Ledbetter said Lewis is on administrative leave, and the system is cooperating with law enforcement during the investigation.
[3]Lewis was released from jail after posting a $15,000 bond, according to jail records.
If you are/have been a victim of sexual abuse or suspect sexual abuse by a pastor, staff member or member of a Southern Baptist church or entity, please reach out for help at 202-864-5578 or [email protected] [4]. All calls are confidential.