Paunchy Pastor Regrets Castigating Women Who ‘let Themselves Go’

FOLLOWING our report last month of a fat-shaming sermon delivered by Pastor Stewart-Allen Clark, above, of the First General Baptist Church of Malden, Missouri, comes news this week that he has apologised to his congregants.

In a statement posted on the church’s website, Clark said:

In the sermon, I made insensitive remarks about women and made statements deemed unbiblical.

To the ladies within the church, ladies in the community, and those viewing our Livestream; I want to say I am deeply sorry for any and all pain or distress that my words brought on you.

Since February 28, I have taken a leave of absence. I am meeting regularly with a professional counselor. I have secured an accountability partner, and we are and will continue to meet regularly.

In his outrageous sermon, Clark asked:

Why is it so many times that women after they get married let themselves go? Why do they do that?

If it’s any assistance, Pastor Clark, there are no fewer than ten top fitness clubs near Malden that will help you lose your own belly, but you being a Christian and all, you might want to give Yoga 10 a miss.

In his new statement, Clark said:

I want to say to the church that I’m truly sorry that I embarrassed you. I recognize and understand that what I said was imprudent and discourteous. I sincerely ask for your forgiveness and to be restored as your pastor. I genuinely believe this is the best way forward.

Clark could not be immediately reached to determine if he had returned to the church or its pulpit.

The deacons of the church had a statement posted beside Clark’s on the church website that added their own apology for what they considered to be complacency about how their church’s pulpit was used.

We, the deacons of the First General Baptist Church of Malden, Missouri, offer this unreserved apology to our congregation, our surrounding communities, our denomination, and the followers of Jesus Christ everywhere. We bear the blame for not offering our pastor counsel, correction, and restoration when errors or inappropriate content was presented.

The deacons recommended prayer for “unity and harmony” in the congregation going forward.

We are called to model Christ’s love through forgiveness and restoration toward our Pastor. This is our goal and we encourage the congregation toward the same love and forgiveness.

In early March, the leaders of the General Baptist Council of Associations stated Clark had resigned from the position of moderator of the General Association of General Baptists meeting scheduled for July 2022. They said:

The sermon included comments that are not consistent with the positions and values of General Baptists. General Baptists believe that every woman was created in the image of God, and they should be valued for that reason.