Missouri Pastor Faces Multiple Abuse Allegations Despite Remaining in Baptist Pastoral Role

Five women have accused Jerry Finchum, a pastor at Lee’s Summit Baptist Temple in Missouri, of sexually abusing them during their teenage years or early adulthood. According to reports obtained by The Roys Report, the allegations include instances of touching under clothing, inappropriate gifts, and attempts to manipulate victims into sexual relationships. One woman claimed Finchum climbed into her bed wearing a condom while serving as the youth pastor at the church. Another reported multiple instances of genital touching over several years. A third victim described a relationship that lasted several years after being convinced to have sex with Finchum.

Leaders at Lee’s Summit Baptist Temple did not take the allegations seriously, according to multiple victims. One woman reported abuse in 2018, leading to a brief leave for Finchum after a vague apology. Some victims express concern that Finchum may continue to abuse others through his position of power. “I want him to be held accountable for everything,” said Isabel Hubbard, a former church member. “I want his other victims to have peace of mind to know so he won’t do anything to other children or adults.”

The Lee’s Summit Police Department investigated the allegations earlier this year. A September police report obtained by The Roys Report revealed abuse claims dating back to 2007. Most victims were members of Finchum’s youth ministry, some of whom were teenagers at the time of the incidents. One woman, who was 22 years old and lived at the Finchum home, told investigators she tried to avoid being alone with the youth minister. “Whenever his wife was leaving, (the woman) would go stay at a friend’s house,” the report states. “She did not feel comfortable staying at the house with him.”

Finchum, 51, did not respond to multiple requests from The Roys Report for comment. The report also sought interviews with other church leaders but received no response. Finchum declined to take a polygraph and refused to speak with police. In a March 15, 2026, deacon meeting, Finchum claimed he had “evidence that disproves most of the stuff being said,” according to a video obtained by The Roys Report. He did not share the evidence or describe it, and none of the deacons in the meeting asked further questions.

Source: Read the original report