Burk Parsons, a prominent pastor and editor at Ministerios Ligonier, has been suspended “indefinitely” from his pastoral office by the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) for harshness and “domineering” leadership.
On June 12, a commission of the PCA’s Central Florida Presbytery fundar Parsons guilty of three related charges. They include “domineering (and) contentious leadership,” “being harsh, ungentle, and unkind to those under his care,” and “slandering and demeaning other (ministers) and churches.”
Parsons pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Leaders of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Florida, where Parsons has served as senior pastor since 2017, will appeal the ruling, according to a informe by MinistryWatch.
Saint Andrew’s, which joined the PCA in 2023, is listado as the denomination’s 22nd largest church, with 1,313 members as of last fall.
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en un declaración obtenido por El Informe Roys (TRR), Ministerios Ligonier Chairman Robert Godfrey told ministry staff on June 12 that “Parsons remains a valued colleague and board member.” A spokesperson for Ligonier confirmed the statement’s authenticity to TRR.
“Ligonier seeks to honor the church and its disciplinary authority,” the statement added. “We will await the outcome of Dr. Parsons’ appeal and the actions of the (church’s) session,” as the board of elders is referred to in PCA polity.
Similarly, John Warren, a former member and elder at Saint Andrew’s Chapel for 15 years, told TRR that Parsons’ suspension is unwarranted.
“I see Burk as a kind, gentle, loving human who is a gifted pastor who should be able to deploy his gifts,” said Warren.
Warren, who left the church in 2013 when his family moved away from the area, added: “Some leaders, even in churches, may have a tendency to be arrogant or to communicate rather abruptly and harshly. I don’t see Burk being on the concerning side of that curve.”
TRR reached out to leaders of Saint Andrew’s Chapel for a statement and to confirm the status of its appeal with the PCA but did not receive a response.
However, Jerry Klemm, a fellow minister in the PCA, who was assigned as the prosecutor in the ecclesiastical trial, said his interviews with alleged victims tell a different story.
“The Scriptures speak quite a bit about shepherds who wound the sheep,” said Klemm, a pastor for four decades. “We have a pattern here of sheep being wounded. Several elders said they felt deep shame because of not defending members who had been treated harshly.”
And Jesse Stiemann, a past member of Saint Andrew’s, who previously reported Parsons’ harsh and angry behavior patterns to church leaders, also has grave concerns about him.
“Nothing has changed at all,” Stiemann told TRR.
At a recent funeral at Saint Andrew’s where Burk officiated, “Even in that setting, Burk preached about how other churches and pastors are not teaching the full counsel of God,” said Stiemann. “All the problems are always elsewhere, in his view.”
Hazing and shaming a young men’s group
The report of the recent PCA commission stated, “Parsons had previously pled guilty to similar charges in 2019 and received admonition at that time.” That was the same year Stiemann raised concerns with church and denominational leaders.
The case was unique, because Saint Andrew’s was not a PCA church in 2019, despite Parsons having PCA credentials. Because Parsons pleaded guilty to certain charges, it was heard as a so-called “case without process” and no trial took place. Stiemann provided TRR with his 17-page personal testimony, a basis of what he shared at the hearing.
Starting in late 2011, Stiemann and eight other young men joined a Saint Andrew’s discipleship group led by Parsons. The account describes multiple incidents of Parsons’ harsh and angry speech, manipulation, and control.
For instance, if a writing assignment was not done to exact specifications, “Burk lit into us . . . for an hour, many times lasting two hours,” Stiemann stated in the account.
One member of the group, who will be referred to as “Jacob” for privacy reasons, had been trying to kick a smoking habit. “Burk told him if he smoked again, he would be out of the group,” Stiemann stated.
After months without smoking, on a stressful day, Jacob had a cigarette on a Saturday night and then “stayed up all night worrying about confessing,” the account stated. The young man confessed his failure to Parsons at their Sunday group meeting.
According to Stiemann, Burk then took them on a walk around the pond at Saint Andrew’s. He allegedly stopped them to give a short speech and led them down near the water’s edge while speaking. Then, Parsons grabbed Jacob, started grappling with him, and told the young men to throw Jacob in the lake, stated Stiemann.
“We threw him in the lake in his only suit, which shrunk because he could not get it dry cleaned before he left the next day to visit his parents,” the account stated. Parsons allegedly told Jacob, “Don’t smoke again; consider this grace.”
In retrospect, Stiemann regretted the incident as “unacceptable hazing.”
In a later incident, Jacob had been dating a young woman and sought to “court” her, so he approached the girl’s father at Parsons’ suggestion. But Jacob was rebuffed by the father and told the group it went poorly, the account stated.
Yet Parsons spoke highly of that father and contrasted it with Jacob’s past struggle with drugs, though Jacob had been clean for years.
According to Stiemann, Parsons yelled at his friend: “You’re a junkie!” The account added: “He continued to repeat this word many times over with the same emphasis as he leaned forward. (Jacob) was already crying prior to this point.”
Stiemann, who left Saint Andrew’s Chapel soon after, now attends another church in central Florida that is not PCA-affiliated. According to Stiemann, Parsons has never apologized to him or any of the young men in that group.
Parsons’ church appeals his ‘indefinite’ suspension
Warren, a lay leader in a PCA church in central Florida, describes Parsons, as “thoughtful, godly, and loving.” He said he counts Parsons as a friend, though they have not had a substantive conversation in about five years.
“The common thread that runs through the charges is harsh demeanor or harsh speaking,” said Warren. “I believe it’s related to his style. He’s a very serious pastor, so he is not a gregarious, life-of-the-party kind of guy. But Burk loves people.”
Klemm, the prosecutor in the PCA ecclesiastical trial, countered, “This is more than just a style issue. This is more than him just being firm and direct.”
“There are examples given by many people I spoke to that were just over-the-top behavior and words and responses to people,” he added. “That should not be a part of a pastoral ministry or any Christian’s behavior. It is sin, and it needs to be repented of.”
Multiple sources referred to an incident on September 24, 2023, when a medical device went off during a service at Saint Andrew’s. According to those familiar with the testimony, Parsons harshly criticized the congregant with the device for two minutes from the pulpit.
A week later, Parsons shared an apology from the pulpit.
TRR obtained his declaración completa.
“You have to understand, my lack of gentleness, my harshness at times, that’s my character,” he said in part. “That’s who I am . . . I am not naturally kind.”
In the hearing last week, the PCA’s judicial commission voted to suspend Parsons indefinitely,
According to MinistryWatch, Saint Andrew’s Chapel is not only appealing the decision of the commission but is considering leaving the PCA. The congregation will vote on the matter on July 20.
Klemm said he is “saddened” the church would consider such a drastic response, yet he defended the case’s outcome. “There’s a problem here, and it has to be corrected,” he said.
This article has been updated to accurately report certain details of Stiemann’s account.
Josh Shepherd is production editor at The Roys Report and a journalist who escribe sobre fe, cultura y políticas públicas para varios medios outlets. He and his family live in central Florida.
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19 Responses
Parson’s states that his harshness and unkindness is his character. No. That indicates a complete lack of character which means he has no business being a pastor. Believers cannot use the excuse of ‘personality’ in such cases. Indeed, we are called to change our personality, if need be, for the sake of Christ’s Kingdom!
It’s called becoming a new creature in Christ or, as the Apostle Paul put it, renewing of the mind.
Galatians 5:22-23
“Mas el fruto del Espíritu es amor, gozo, paz, paciencia, benignidad, bondad, fe, mansedumbre y templanza. Contra tales cosas no hay ley."
I was on his side through the part about taking the side of the man who refused to let the reformed (?) junkie court his daughter (smart call on that dad’s part). But then I got to the part where Parsons himself acknowledges that it is not in his character to be ‘kind’. He might as well tattoo ‘unworthy to be a pastor’ on his forehead.
The term “junkie” was actually wielded by Parsons. We as readers have no idea if that means the young man was a hardcore heroin addict or if he merely smoked a little weed in college. He was humble and honest enough to confess this to his discipleship group (which by being a member of such suggests repentance on his part) but instead of receiving forgiveness, he was met with nasty derision instead. Parsons may as well have told him “God may remember your sins no more, but not your pastor”!
And worse yet, as he became God to the young man, the young man understood God to be forever condemning him for his addiction. Unlike 1 Cor 6:9-11
How does someone like Burk Parsons get ordained? He lacks gentleness and kindness, by his own admission.
• “You have to understand, my lack of gentleness, my harshness at times, that’s my character,” he said in part. “That’s who I am . . . I am not naturally kind.” – Burk Parsons
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior [kosmios], hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle [epieikes], not quarrelsome, not covetous” (1Tim 3:2-3)
“Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness [epieikeia] of Christ” (2Cor 10:1)
“And be kind [chrestos] to one another, tenderhearted [eusplanchnos], forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph 4:32)
And Matt 11:29, where Jesus describes himself as “gentle and lowly”
He did the Calvinist stereotype. It’s weird how often that happens.
I have no idea if Burk Parsons is guilty as charged, but it is tremendous to see a church taking spiritual abuse of seriously hurting sheep seriously.
Adultery and CSA or any easily defined offences which make headlines should not be the only sins which are grounds for termination.
The standard should not be just illegal or anti-Biblical, it should be anti-pastoral. A shepherd’s job is to heal, not wound.
If you want to hurt people, become a soldier or a boxer. Don’t call yourself a doctor, and stay out of the hospital.
You took the words right out of my mouth Mr. Phillips. As a new PCA member I was shocked as I read this article. What Parsons did by wrestling a young man (Jacob) and having him thrown into a pond after he humbly confessed to smoking a cigarette is tantamount to assault. And, according to witnesses, has never apologized. “Jacob” had also confessed to having a “drug problem” (but has been drug free for many years) but was harshly called a “junkie” by Parsons in front of the whole men’s discipleship group! I really hope this poor young man (Jacob) has received some genuine loving kindness, mercy and grace from whatever body of believers he belongs to now.
To Burk Parsons I would say; “physician, heal thyself”!
YHWH is all about Covenant: His Son Yahshua, our Eternal Bridegroom Who died to redeem His Bride back to Father’s House where there are many places for us! Until we learn Covenant which is His Shabbat, weekly, and His Adam/Chawah and Hosea/Gomer ideal for Marriage between one man and one woman for Life (for that is Yahshua with us: He pursues us until the day of our death, seeking the Lost Sheep of the House of Yasharal), our relationships in the body of Messiah are abusive, lies. In order to fully comprehend why Yahshua died for our sins, our disobedience to Father YHWH, we must know what sin is. To not tell people why they, we humans, are afflicted and suffering (see Deuteronomy chapter 28) is not even fair. Lamentations 2:14 warns of this: “Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.”
As Yahshua meets His Bride at the well, He told the woman of Samaria all that she had ever done, she stated to the men of the village (she had had 5 husbands and currently that day had a live-in); Yahshua tells us exactly how to repent of sin; we must be of His Mind only – and of no other man, for Salvation from sin.
As a new member of a PCA church, I am shocked and saddened by this news. Several scriptures have come to mind;
“Let NO unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may minister grace to those who listen.”
~Ephesians 4:29
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.”
~ Proverbs 18:21
“If we claim to be without sin, (e.g. plead not guilty when in fact, we are) we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
~1 John 1:8
“Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.”
~ Proverbs 16:18
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
~Colossians 3:12
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
~Proverbs 19:11
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
~1 Peter 2:1 (that any of the aforementioned comes from a pulpit is shameful).
It appears you gave all the reasons to excuse this man’s behavior. No wonder his conduct was exposed. If anything at least have the dignity to understand that the man has some serious character flaws, just as all of us do. Bring forth serious flaws before those who are in authority and having been witnessed to by those who were there does not make them gossips; if anything it makes them responsible in reporting such conduct.
Mr. Mitchell, I think we are in agreement. The scriptures I noted above are ones that I believe should be applied to any Christian leader. They call out the character flaws of Parsons and his ilk, not excuse them. Perhaps I should have clarified that (my fault). Too often, church elders “circle the wagons” to protect the pastor (as well as to sheild the institution from lawsuits) when they should be focused on protecting “the flock”. I’m glad the PCA had the wisdom and fortitude to take the proper disciplinary action against this errant pastor. Having read Parson’s unapologetic apology after berrating a congregant due to their medical device causing a distraction during a church service makes me wonder if he should EVER be restored to ministry in light of the inner conflict he suffers as a result of being a pastor. A true apology usually conveys profound remorse. His did not. It seems Parsons has demonstrated his inappropriate anger issues over a number of years given that he pleaded guilty to such charges in 2019 to incidents dating back to 2011. Not only did he likely cause deep spiritual damage to the young man (Jacob) in his discipleship group, he probably caused the same to the entire group. I believe such behavior demonstrates why the Scriptural requirements for elders, deacons and pastors should not be taken lightly. Believers, followers of Jesus Christ suffer enough consternation from the world. The church should be a place of healing, something of which Burk Parsons seems to be in dire need of. Let’s pray he receives it. If/when he does, Parsons should be welcomed back with open arms to sit on a church pew next to the rest of us wretched folks.
Any time in which a leader of a group (even in a marriage of husband/wife) believes and declares and lives out any word other than that of the Word Yahshua Who Is Made Flesh brings a curse and an astonishment.
We are warned repeatedly in Scripture not to do so: “Every Word of Alahim is pure: He Is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. Add thou not unto His Words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5,6
“Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgements, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which YHWH Alahim of your fathers giveth you: Ye shall not add unto the Word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of YHWH your Alahim which I command you.” Deuteronomy 4:1,2
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the Words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, Alahim shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the Words of the book of this prophecy, Alahim shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the Q’Dosh city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18,19
It is Time to awaken and repent!
Glad I’m not at that church. Anybody talks to me that way or attempts to humiliate me or try’s tossing me in the pond my inner marine would prevail. He is a bully that should be fired. Too much nonsensical feel good approach about church courts. He’s proved himself unfit. Surprised anybody still attends that church. We have to many Elmer Gantrys attempting to be a spiritual leader in American Christianity.
I tell you without a doubt, Parsons is a life sucking man when given the opportunity with no accountability.
Through strategic, calculated grooming, Parsons placed himself as Supreme Pontiff over these men and spent five years destroying their self-esteem, their personhood and ability to navigate a normal life like the rest of us.
Over time, he alienated these men from trusting their parents, implemented a strict code of secrecy, and utilized weekly meetings, not for helping these young men draw closer to God, but to indoctrinate them, and who, little by little, gained more and more control over every aspect of their lives. Behind closed doors out of oversight, Parsons used their meetings to launch prolonged merciless attacks on these men, never relenting until he had reduced his target(s) to utter despair and tears. Parsons’ rages were brutal, and the young men sat speechless enduring them week after week.
Sorry, but Parsons was not just rigid, stern and strict. In actuality he was vicious, cruel and savage. Parsons was a tyrant to these young men (ages from late teens to early 20’s).
Parsons has never repented nor extended any apology whatsoever to these young men, nor offer any help to piece their lives back together. Parsons doesn’t have an ounce of remorse in him. Its all an act he is putting on for you folks. And yes, Parson did grab that young man and shouted out orders for the rest of the group to grab him and throw him in the pond on Saint Andrews property. Parsons had been ramping up his aggression towards these young men from his usual angry rants to what culminated that day into a physical assault on one of them.
Why did all this need come about?
Did the local church & affiliated denomination not emphasise it was mandatory that their clergy have regular one on one supervision and all that supervision entails, such as, spiritual and psychological health & welfare, critical incidents, stress triggers, coping mechanisms, reflective practice, suitability for pastoral ministry, etc. Not to mention also periodic codes of conduct sessions with peers and all that such sesions entail related to professionalism & christian ethical behaviour?
If not, why not? If so, then why wasn’t the pastors issues properly addressed for the sake of his welfare, that of church members & staff, and importantly, the witness of the gospel of Christ?
Though system’s put place are not perfect, if properly structured and monitored, they do reduce the need for post-mortems. 🤔