It is sometimes said there are 57 varieties of Baptists. Now, there just might be 58 and it seems to have some pastoral problems. For example recently, ‘Donnie Romero, an adherent of the New Independent Fundamentalist Baptist Movement and controversial founder of
Stedfast Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, resigned due to sex with prostitutes, gambling and marijuana use.
“I just want to let you guys know that I’m stepping down as the pastor of Stedfast Baptist Church,” Romero revealed to his church as his voice quivered in a video posted by the church on YouTube on Jan. 2.
“I haven’t been ruling my house well. I’ve been a terrible husband and father. I’m the one at fault in this situation. My wife and my kids they are not to blame. I love Stedfast Baptist Church, love my family. This is the best decision for my family and this church to make,” he said as a baby cooed in the background and his congregation listened in silence.
“I’m very sorry for the hurt this may cause people, the discouragement. I’m so sorry. I love you guys. I wish I didn’t have to get to this point,” Romero added before walking off the stage.’ https://www.christianpost.com/news/controversial-baptist-pastor-donnie-romero-resigns-due-to-adultery-says-ive-been-a-terrible-husband-and-father.html
Even former Baptist preacher and now self-confessed humanist atheist says he ‘…recently wrote a post detailing the resignation of Donnie Romero from Stedfast Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Romero’s wife had called Steven Anderson, pastor of Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe, Arizona to come to Fort Worth and help deal with her husband and his sinful behavior. According to Anderson, his wife accused him of cavorting with prostitutes, smoking weed, and gambling. Romero admitted his sins and duly resigned from the church, telling them that he and his wife planned to stay on as members.
Anderson and Romero are part of a group they call the “New” IFB (Independent Fundamentalist Baptist). Founded and controlled by Anderson, the ‘New” IFB church movement believes that the “old” IFB church movement has moved away from its core beliefs and practices.’ https://brucegerencser.net/2019/01/steven-andersons-new-ifb-movement-erupts-into-a-food-fight-over-donnie-romero/
How the world must laugh at all this but not only that but how it must grieve the Creator ‘…at his heart’ Genesis 6:6! The Lord’s churches are not left in the dark as to the qualifications for its leaders! God’s Word gives the churches very clear instruction on the qualifications for those who are allowed to lead the local assembly. Those words are in 1 Timothy 3: 1-7 which says 1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
