Couple Behind David Platt Documentary Detail Church Dispute

Jeremiah and Laura Burke, a couple from McLean Bible Church, played a central role in producing a documentary about Pastor David Platt. The film, released in fall 2023, has attracted over 100,000 views on Conversations that Matter alone, with additional viewership on other platforms. The documentary, which outlines grievances against Platt, has sparked significant public attention and discussion.

The Burke couple, who are lay members of the church, have led a public challenge against Platt, a move that is rare for laypeople to take against their own church and pastor. McLean Bible Church, a five-campus nondenominational megachurch in suburban Washington, D.C., has seen a unique series of events unfold since Platt became pastor in 2017. The dispute has involved legal action and the creation of a two-part documentary series, marking an unprecedented level of public engagement.

Platt’s background as former president of the Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board has also contributed to the controversy. Some longtime members of McLean, who are proud of the church’s nondenominational identity, have expressed discomfort with Platt’s association with the SBC. This tension has played a role in shaping the dynamics of the dispute.

Throughout the process, Platt and other church leaders have maintained that they have done nothing wrong and have portrayed themselves as victims of a campaign by disaffected members. Jeremiah Burke, a self-described “typical layman” with a background in wealth management, has been one of the key figures leading the charge against Platt. He described himself as a regular member of the church since 2005, with no prior knowledge of Platt until he began speaking at McLean.

Burke’s awareness of church politics at McLean increased after Platt’s arrival. He recalled first encountering Platt in 2015 when Platt spoke at a church event, and again in 2016 or 2017 as the church transitioned from its previous senior pastor. This marked the beginning of his involvement in the growing tensions within the church.

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