Registered Sex Offender Remains Pastor at St. Louis Church as Denomination Blocks Leadership Elevation

Timothy D. Price III, the senior pastor of First Baptist Church City of St. Louis, Missouri, has remained in his pastoral role despite a planned elevation to a leadership position within the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship. The denomination’s International Presiding Bishop, Joseph Warren Walker III, halted the elevation after learning of Price’s status as a registered sex offender.

Price was set to be installed as the Missouri State Overseer of the Charismatic Baptist denomination affiliated with the National Baptist Convention, USA, on September 16. Walker stated the denomination was unaware of Price’s 2008 conviction for the second-degree rape of a 12-year-old girl. Upon becoming aware of the details, Walker took immediate action, confronting Price and issuing a public statement three hours later.

In his statement, Walker emphasized that the denomination had no prior knowledge of Price’s conviction and that he acted swiftly to address the issue. Price tendered his resignation immediately, which the Fellowship accepted, removing him from all leadership positions. However, Walker noted that the Fellowship has no authority over Price’s role as senior pastor at First Baptist Church City of St. Louis, as each church operates autonomously.

First Baptist Church City of St. Louis, founded in 1817 by formerly enslaved John Berry Meachum and missionary John Mason Peck, is recognized as the oldest African American church west of the Mississippi River. The church did not immediately respond to calls from The Christian Post but previously defended its choice of pastor in a Facebook exchange with a page critical of its leadership.

The church representative stated that while they respect concerns about safety, an online search does not determine whether someone has accepted responsibility or expressed remorse. They noted that Price does not hide his past, served his sentence, remains compliant, and has lived without reoffending.

The situation raises questions about the balance between pastoral accountability and the autonomy of local congregations. As the Bible teaches, we are called to pursue justice and care for others (Micah 6:8), while also seeking peace and reconciliation (Romans 12:18). The case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership, especially within communities that have historically faced systemic challenges.

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