[1]Kannapolis church dismisses pastor after allegations of ‘sexual nature’
By Biblical Recorder Staff
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Charity Baptist Church in Kannapolis, N.C., has dismissed longtime pastor Marty Payton after church leaders recently became aware of “serious allegations of a sexual nature” that occurred prior to his tenure at the church, according to a statement from the church.
The move came after the church was made aware of the allegations, which did not involve individuals in the congregation, according to the statement.
“Charity leaders took immediate action to address the matter, ensure the safety of the congregation, and provide care for all involved,” the statement said. “Marty Payton is no longer on staff at Charity.”
Payton had been on the pastoral staff at Charity Baptist for more than 20 years, according to a since-deleted bio on the church’s website. He joined the staff at Charity in August 2004 as youth pastor and became the church’s senior pastor in August 2010 following retirement of the church’s founding pastor.
Prior to joining the staff at Charity Baptist, Payton served in youth ministry at churches in Kansas, Texas and Louisiana. According to his bio, Payton began serving as youth pastor at Grace Baptist Temple in Salina, Kan., in 1992 after graduating from Bible College. One year later, he moved to Lubbock, Texas, where he served as youth pastor at Lubbock Baptist Temple. He moved to Louisiana in 1995, where he served as youth pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Monroe, La.
Payton’s bio said he graduated from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo., with a bachelor’s degree in religion with a concentration in missions. He went on to earn a master of divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in May 2011 and a doctor of ministry from Liberty in March 2015, according to his bio.
News of Payton’s dismissal was first reported by The Charlotte Observer.
Following is the church’s full statement:
[2]“Charity Baptist Church was recently made aware of serious allegations of a sexual nature against our pastor, Marty Payton, occurring prior to his tenure at our church. The alleged actions did not include any other individuals in our congregation. Charity leaders took immediate action to address the matter, ensure the safety of the congregation, and provide care for all involved. Marty Payton is no longer on staff at Charity. We grieve with all those impacted by sexual sin and its effects. Our faith in Jesus Christ is unwavering. He offers hope and healing to us all.”
This story first appeared here [3].
Former worship pastor facing multiple sexual assault charges
By Mark Maynard/Kentucky Today
OWENSBORO, Ky. – A worship pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church was terminated after being arrested Monday night on multiple charges related to the sexual assault of a juvenile, according to a statement from the church.
Kentucky State Police troopers with Post 16 in Henderson arrested David A. Rodgers, 40, of Utica at 7:35 p.m. Monday following an investigation that revealed he had “engaged in a sexual relationship with a juvenile through a position of special trust.”
The church issued a statement on Tuesday concerning the arrest.
“On the evening of February 16, 2026, church leadership was made aware of sexual assault allegations against David Rodgers, who was serving as Worship Pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. We are deeply saddened and troubled by these allegations. The church takes all allegations of sexual assault extremely seriously, and we ask that you join us in prayerfully awaiting information regarding this ongoing legal matter.”
The statement also said, “Effective immediately the staff member has been terminated and prohibited from participating in church-sponsored functions.”
A citation obtained Tuesday morning by The Owensboro Times says that KSP “received a complaint about a sexual relationship between (Rodgers) and a juvenile at the time of the offense” and that Rodgers “came into contact with the juvenile through a position of special trust.”
The citation says during the investigation, Rodgers “was taken into custody, was mirandized and agreed to be interviewed. In the interview, (Rodgers) confessed to the listed offenses.”
Rodgers was charged with third-degree rape, second-degree sodomy involving a position of authority, first-degree sexual abuse, procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means and possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under the age of 12, according to KSP.
He is being held on $75,000 full cash bond with an arraignment scheduled for Wednesday morning.
KSP Public Information Officer Corey King told the Owensboro digital newspaper that KSP initially received the complaint around the start of January 2026, but the incidents are alleged to have begun about 10 to 11 years ago and continued for about four to five years.
The church leadership learned of the charges Monday night.
“We understand that for sexual assault survivors, this may initiate feelings of pain and past trauma,” the church said in a statement. “Please know we are praying for you and your continued healing.
“Pleasant Grove has always taken the physical, spiritual, and emotional safety of those on our campus, especially our children, with the utmost concern and that continues to remain of primary importance.”
Rodgers, who was ordained into the gospel ministry in 2008, was removed from the staff page on Pleasant Grove’s website early Tuesday morning.
He was lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center. The investigation remains ongoing.
This story first appeared here [4].
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 sbcabuseprevention.com/helpline [5] or call 833-611-HELP.
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