Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Removes Pastor Over Sex Offender Status

The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship has removed Timothy D. Price III from all leadership roles within the denomination following the discovery of his status as a registered sex offender. Price, the senior pastor of First Baptist Church City of St. Louis, had been scheduled for installation as the Missouri State Overseer on September 16. International Presiding Bishop Joseph Warren Walker III stated that the fellowship was unaware of Price’s 2008 conviction for the second-degree rape of a minor at the time of his appointment.

Upon learning of the conviction, Bishop Walker confronted Price, who subsequently resigned from his denominational positions. While the fellowship has severed ties with Price, Bishop Walker noted that the organization lacks the authority to remove him from his role at First Baptist Church City of St. Louis, citing the autonomous nature of the congregation. The historic church, founded in 1817, has previously defended its leadership choices on social media, emphasizing that online information does not necessarily reflect an individual's current standing or accountability.