Bailey’s Crossroads church cuts ties with pastor following arrest
Crossroads Baptist Church in Bailey’s Crossroads and other religious institutions have cut ties with Pastor Kenny Baldwin after Baldwin was charged with sending sexually explicit messages to a minor in Pennsylvania.
Baldwin was charged with 13 offenses, including two felony counts of unlawful contact with a minor, one felony count of corruption of a minor, three misdemeanor counts of indecent exposure, six misdemeanor counts of open lewdness, and one misdemeanor count of corruption of a minor, the Pennsylvania State Police announced on July 23.
Baldwin is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. He was released from jail on an $80,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 18 in York County, Pa.
Related story: Bailey’s Crossroads pastor charged with sending explicit photos to a minor
“Pastor Kenny Baldwin has been removed from all ministry responsibilities,” says a statement from the church’s leadership. “Our first concern is for everyone who may be affected by this situation. We are praying for wisdom, healing and justice, and we are committed to treating every individual with dignity, compassion, and respect.”
“Crossroads Baptist Church is cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities and is seeking both biblical and legal counsel as we move forward,” the statement continues.
Veritas Baptist College removed Baldwin from the Board of Directors. According to a statement issued by the online college, “The conduct alleged in the charges is reprehensible, sinful, and in direct conflict with the biblical standards, moral character, and leadership qualifications that Veritas College upholds for all trustees, faculty, staff, and leaders.”
Pensacola Christian College, where Baldwin had been a guest speaker, and its Teen Extreme Camp also issued statements condemning sexual misconduct and abuse of trust as incompatible with Christian leaders.
Baldwin, 46, has been the senior pastor at Crossroads since 2011. He and his wife, Bethany, have two sons and two daughters. His father, Louis Baldwin, founded what is now Crossroads Baptist Church in the 1970s.