Ep. 453: Johnny Hunt and the SBC and Paula White’s Passover Controversy
On today’s program, a judge dismisses all but one of Johnny Hunt’s claims in his defamation case against the Southern Baptist Convention. The SBC has already spent more than $3 million in legal fees on the Hunt case. We’ll have details.
Plus, Paula White is promising donors who give $1,000 to her ministry during Passover week seven “supernatural blessings” from God. MinistryWatch reporter Kim Roberts spoke with a scholar who specializes in the book of Exodus to dig into the Scripture Paula White uses to back her claims.
And, a new report shows that 1 in 12 Christians could be impacted by President Trump’s mass deportation pledge…and a group of evangelical and Catholic leaders hope this and other findings will alert Christians to the plight facing their fellow brothers and sisters.
But first, a judge says a Texas pastor must pay out $124 million to two sisters who say he sexually abused them as children.
The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Jessica Eturralde, Bob Smietana, Adele M. Banks, Fiona Andre, Kim Roberts, Tony Mator, Jack Jenkins, Skylar Laird, and Christina Darnell.
A special thanks to South Carolina Daily Gazette for contributing material for this week’s podcast.
Until next time, may God bless you.
MANUSCRIPT:
FIRST SEGMENT
Warren:
Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you this week from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Natasha:
And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado, and we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.
Warren:
On today’s program, a judge dismisses all but one of Johnny Hunt’s claims in his defamation case against the Southern Baptist Convention. The SBC has already spent more than $3 million in legal fees on the Hunt case. We’ll have details.
Plus, Paula White is promising donors who give $1,000 to her ministry during Passover week seven “supernatural blessings” from God. MinistryWatch reporter Kim Roberts spoke with a scholar who specializes in the book of Exodus to dig into the Scripture Paula White uses to back her claims.
And, a new report shows that 1 in 12 Christians could be impacted by President Trump’s mass deportation pledge…and a group of evangelical and Catholic leaders hope this and other findings will alert Christians to the plight facing their fellow brothers and sisters.
Natasha:
But first, a judge says a Texas pastor must pay out $124 million to two sisters who say he sexually abused them as children.
Warren:
A jury says a Fort Worth pastor is liable for $124 million in damages in a sexual assault civil case—following a settlement that included giving the church property to his victims.
In 2017, police arrested and indicted Jose Francisco Bernal for allegedly sexually assaulting two girls in his church’s youth department at Tabernaculo de Vida-Iglesia (Tabernacle of Life) Pentecostal Church. The women, sisters who are now adults, claim Bernal repeatedly sexually assaulted them since they were 7 years old.
Natasha:
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the trial’s progress until September 2022. Prosecutors dismissed the charges after a mistrial. The jury deliberated over 10 hours and could not reach a verdict.
Warren:
But two years after Bernal’s arrest on June 4, 2019, one of the women filed a separate lawsuit against Bernal through the Tarrant County District Court.
The survivors also named two churches in their lawsuit: Bernal’s Tabernaculo de Vida-Iglesia in Fort Worth and Tabernaculo de Vida in Dallas. Both churches are part of United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI), and the Fort Worth location is the daughter church of the Dallas church.
Natasha:
What’s happened to the churches?
Warren:
In 2023, the churches settled by agreeing to pay $100,000 and transferring ownership of the Forth Worth church property to the women. The sisters will also benefit from any eventual sale of the property. The $100,000 comes from an insurance policy held by the church.
Though the jury awarded the women $124 million in damages, it is unclear how much of that they can actually collect from Bernal.
Natasha:
Next, a Judge Rules Against Former SBC President Johnny Hunt
Warren:
A federal judge ruled against former Southern Baptist Convention President Johnny Hunt on Monday (March 31), rejecting his claims of defamation against Guidepost Solutions and nearly all the former megachurch pastor’s claims against the Southern Baptist Convention and its Executive Committee.
Judge William Campbell of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee issued an order granting summary judgment in the case.
Natasha:
Hunt had sued Guidepost, an investigative firm, and SBC leaders for defamation and other damages after Guidepost published allegations of sexual assault against Hunt in a May 2022 report on an investigation into how SBC leaders had dealt with sexual abuse.
Warren:
In their court filings, Hunt’s lawyers claimed Guidepost had ruined his reputation and claimed the pastor’s sins were no one else’s business. Hunt, the former pastor of First Baptist Church in Woodstock, Georgia, and a former vice president of the SBC’s North American Mission Board, claimed Guidepost and the SBC had cost him millions, and he sought more than $75 million in damages.
Natasha:
So what was decided?
Warren:
All counts of defamation, emotional distress and the public disclosure of embarrassing private facts were dismissed against the SBC and the Executive Committee. However, one claim alleging that a tweet about Hunt from Texas Baptist pastor Bart Barber, who was SBC president from 2022 to 2024, was defamatory has not been dismissed.
Hunt served from 2008 to 2010 as SBC president and remained a popular speaker before the Guidepost report. Court-ordered mediation on the case failed last fall. A trial had been scheduled this summer.
The Executive Committee has spent more than $3.1 million in legal fees related to the Hunt lawsuit and a second lawsuit related to the Guidepost report.
Natasha:
Next up, T.D. Jakes discloses cause of November health crisis.
Warren:
Bishop T.D. Jakes has disclosed that the medical incident that occurred as he spoke before his Dallas megachurch in November was a “massive heart attack.”
Jakes, 67, who also is an author and business executive, suffered what his church initially called “a slight health incident” at The Potter’s House during the Nov. 24 worship service. On that occasion, about a dozen people rushed to his side after he lowered his microphone and was shaking in his seat.
These are not typical heart attack symptoms, Jakes said. But his doctor said he would have been dead on arrival had he reached the hospital five minutes later. “The right side of my heart had completely stopped getting blood at all,” Jakes explained in an interview.
Jakes also reiterated his appreciation for the prayers of people in and beyond his congregation.
Natasha:
Warren, Let’s look at one more story before our break
Warren:
A Kansas City youth pastor has been sentenced to over 29 years in prison for stabbing his family and setting his home on fire.
On Wednesday, March 26, a judge sentenced Matthew Lee Richards, 43, to 188 months for one count of attempted first-degree murder and 165 months for a second count. The sentences will run consecutively, totaling 353 months—or just over 29 years in prison. Both charges are classified as level 1 felonies, the most severe under Kansas law.
Natasha:
Richards pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted first-degree murder in February.
Warren:
The sentencing comes 18 months after Richards stabbed his wife and five children and set his home on fire as a result of what he told detectives was financial strain.
Richards told police the family was going to be evicted the day of the crime, and he had not been forthcoming with his wife about their dire financial condition.
Richards had been serving as the children’s pastor of Crossroads Christian Church in Shawnee, Kansas. In an online statement, Crossroads Christian Church characterized Richards’ offenses as “a tragedy beyond what any of us could have imagined.”
Natasha:
Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, Paula White’s Passover promises—she claims donors who give $1,000 to her ministry during Passover week will receive 7 “supernatural blessings” from God. But does her promise line up with Scripture?
I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.
BREAK
SECOND SEGMENT
Natasha:
Welcome back. I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.
Next, the story we promised before the break.
Warren:
Paula White, televangelist and spiritual advisor to President Donald Trump, has suggested to donors who give at least $1,000 to her ministry between April 12 and 20 that God will release seven supernatural blessings upon them.
“[W]hen you honor God on Passover…you can receive these seven supernatural blessings, for you and your house, according to Exodus 23,” White said in a video.
Natasha:
The blessings she claims donors can release from God with their gift include?
Warren:
- An angel assigned to them;
- God being an enemy to their enemies;
- Prosperity;
- Sickness removed from them;
- Long life;
- Increase and inheritance; and
- A special year of blessing.
She ties these blessings to a passage from Exodus 23 where God commands the Israelites to celebrate the Passover (verse 15).
Natasha:
Talbot School of Theology Associate Professor Dr. Carmen Joy Imes told MinistryWatch that the keeping of the Passover is not specifically tied to the blessings listed in the latter part of Exodus 23. Imes is the author of “Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters” and has been immersed in Exodus for more than a decade.
She said all Scripture, including Exodus 23, should be read within the framework of its historical and cultural context.
Warren:
“We can’t just claim everything for ourselves,” Imes said. While Exodus is still relevant today, believers must ask what their relationship to ancient Israel is and what the purpose was of the original instructions.
White’s exegesis isn’t historical or contextual.
While Imes agrees God encourages generosity to Him, it is “deeply problematic” to connect a gift to a particular ministry to specific promises and results.
“It’s a kind of spiritual abuse to suggest that if [donors] give to you, that God will bless them,” Imes said.
Natasha:
Our next story has similar themes
Warren:
Pastor and Grammy-nominated gospel artist Marvin Sapp is addressing criticism after a resurfaced video went viral on X showing him instructing ushers to “close the doors” while taking up a church offering.
The clip, taken during the 109th Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Convention in July 2024, shows Sapp directing ushers to shut the doors as he called on 2,000 people to “plant a seed” of $20 to raise $40,000.
Sapp then explained there were approximately 1,000 attendees in person and 1,000 online, and if everyone contributed $20, they could meet the $40,000 goal.
Sapp then turned to the leaders on stage and suggested they contribute $100 each.
“It costs to sit up here,” he said.
Natasha:
Social media users accused Sapp of pressuring the congregation, with some calling the act manipulative and likening it to false imprisonment.
Warren:
Sapp responded to the backlash in a Facebook post on March 26 that began with, “Response: Let’s Add Context to the Clip on Social Media.”
Sapp his his intention in closing the doors was to create a safe, secure, and respectful environment for focusing on giving—not about control or being offensive.
Natasha:
The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. also issued a statement on Facebook on Saturday, saying leaders of the denomination asked Sapp to seek a “free-will offering” to help pay for expenses of its International Summer Convention, and other expenses.
Warren:
The denomination said. “Closing doors during giving is an internal security protocol that was, unfortunately, taken out of context. No doors were locked, and no one was held in the room against their will. We do not force or coerce anyone into supporting the operations of our organization, and we never will. We apologize to those who may have been offended by the manner of receiving donations.”
The viral clip has 5.1 million views on X at the time of publishing.
Natasha:
Next, Christian Broadcasters clash with automakers over radio bill.
Warren:
Automakers such as Ford and Tesla have been removing AM radios from some new models, and some conservative and Christian groups are fighting to save the format.
Their solution, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, has found broad support in the Christian broadcasting world, including endorsements from the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), which represents more than 1,100 member organizations, and Salem Media Group, which owns 95 radio stations and specializes in Christian and conservative media.
Natasha:
What can you tell us about this bill?
Warren:
The bipartisan bill, reintroduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) in January, calls on the Secretary of Transportation to “issue a rule requiring access to AM broadcast stations in passenger motor vehicles, and for other purposes.”
In a March op-ed, NRB president and CEO Troy Miller promoted the bill as a safeguard against corporate control of free speech. Miller also planned to discuss the bill during a March 25-April 1 media event in Washington.
“Removing AM radio from cars would limit a historically free and open medium, placing control of information into the hands of a few powerful corporations,” Miller argued. “At its core, this issue touches on a fundamental principle: Americans should have the freedom to access content of their choosing without corporate gatekeepers determining what they can and cannot hear. AM radio provides a platform for voices that might otherwise be marginalized by algorithm-driven digital platforms.”
Left to be seen is how, if passed, such a mandate could affect regulation of AM radio programming.
Natasha:
What’s our next story?
Warren:
A settlement agreement between the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church pastors and the AME Retirement Services and denominational leadership has been preliminarily approved by a federal judge in Tennessee.
On March 24, District Judge Thomas Anderson preliminarily approved the AME agreement reached by parties on November 27, 2024, along with an agreement with Newport Group, a retirement services provider that was also named in the lawsuit.
Natasha:
Warren, can you give us a little more context to this story?
Warren:
In 2022, retired and current AME Church pastors filed six federal class-action lawsuits as plaintiffs alleging the church mishandled tens of millions of dollars in pension funds.
Natasha:
In August 2024, the AME announced it had reached a tentative settlement agreement with the plaintiffs.
Warren:
On December 13, 2024, the plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of their settlement agreement with the AME Church defendants.
The class will receive $60 million, which is 69% of the difference between the misrepresented value and the true value of the plan. Attorneys’ fees will take up to one-third of the settlement proceeds — a standard amount in class action cases.
Natasha:
Warren, we’re going to take another break. When we return, our lightning round of ministry news of the week.
I’m Natasha Cowden, with my co-host Warren Smith. More in a moment.
BREAK
THIRD SEGMENT
Natasha:
Welcome back. I’m Natasha Cowden, with my co-host Warren Smith and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch Podcast.
Warren, we like to use this last segment as a sort of lightning round of shorter news briefs.
What’s up first?
Warren:
A new report published by four prominent Catholic and evangelical organizations claims that around 1 in 12 Christians in the U.S. are vulnerable to deportation or live with a family member who could be deported by President Donald Trump’s administration, one of several data points religious leaders hope will alert Christians to the plight facing their fellow faithful.
The report, notes that “nearly 7 million U.S.-citizen Christians live within the same households of those at risk of deportation.”
Natasha:
What’s next?
Warren:
Churches, synagogues and other religious institutions in South Carolina could apply for up to $25,000 in state aid for security improvements under a bipartisan proposal.
The legislation, dubbed the “Pray Safe Act,” is meant to help worshippers of all religions feel safe practicing their faith amid a rise in violence toward religious institutions and groups, Rep. Beth Bernstein, the bill’s lead sponsor, told reporters Wednesday.
Any tax-exempt organization “at particular risk of being subject to a religiously motivated crime” would be able to apply for a grant of up to $25,000 to hire security guards, train existing security, make buildings more secure, or install cameras and lighting systems, according to the bill introduced earlier this month.
Natasha:
Our first list in April features the 29 pro-life ministries in the MinistryWatch 1000 database. They range from advocacy groups that lobby for pro-life policies to crisis pregnancy centers that are daily encouraging women to choose life over abortion and are listed in order of total annual revenue.
Warren:
The total revenue for the pro-life ministries is about $201 million, with the top 10 ministries accounting for more than 70% of that revenue.
The largest group is Pre-Born. Founded in 2006, Pre-Born has been growing rapidly in the last few years. In 2019, Pre-Born’s annual revenue was $6.8 million, and in 2023 it exceeded $34.7 million. Pre-Born has been a MinistryWatch Shining Light award winner for the last two years, meaning the ministry receives the highest rating in each of our three categories—a 100 donor confidence score, a 5-star financial efficiency rating, and an A transparency grade.
Natasha:
Not far behind Pre-Born in total annual revenue is Human Coalition with $29.5 million.
Warren:
Of that income, $16.1 million—more than half—was from government grants. Six of the pro-life groups listed received government grants, but none came near the total received by Human Coalition.
Natasha:
We cover news related to a lot of big ministries here at MinistryWatch. But also making a huge difference are the local churches meeting needs in their own communities…that’s what we’re looking at this week in Ministries Making a Difference.
Warren:
This Easter, Calvary Christian Church in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, will be hosting its Broadway-style production “The Promise” through its theater ministry. Calvary Theater debuted in 1997 with a version of the same play, and presents semi-annual productions on Easter and Christmas with the creative talent of over 150 cast and crew members. This past Christmas, they performed “The Gospel According to Scrooge,” which drew more than 2,000 attendees and resulted in 115 making proclamations of faith in Christ.
Members of the Ululoloa Church of the Nazarene visited Mapuifagalele Home for the Aged in Vailele, Samoa, in late January. Youth performed for the home’s residents, and brought food and gifts donated by the church. They also offered to pray with residents and staff. The elderly home—the only one in Samoa—is run by Sisters of the Poor.
Natasha:
We also have a couple of leadership changes to report.
Warren:
Bryant Wright is retiring as president of Send Relief, the Southern Baptist Convention’s compassion ministry. Under his five-year tenure, Send Relief expanded from a domestic ministry to an international one, partnering with the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board. Send Relief worked with partners in Turkey after the earthquake, Ukraine since the start of its war with Russia, and Israel after the surprise attack by Hamas. NAMB President Kevin Ezell and IMB President Paul Chitwood will lead Send Relief moving forward.
Hiring
Global Christian Relief (GCR) announced Brian Orme as its new CEO, starting March 17, 2025. GCR, an advocacy ministry, works to strengthen and support persecuted Christians around the world. Under Orme’s leadership, GCR plans to amplify its frontline reporting. Orme founded ChurchLeaders.com, was senior editor of Outreach Magazine, and worked in pastoral ministry for a decade. GCR has 0 stars and a “C” transparency grade—because the ministry does not file a Form 990 with the IRS—and a donor confidence score of 55.
Natasha:
Warren, any final thoughts before we go?
Warren:
Warren Ad-Lib April Recurring Donor Appeal. Diane Landberg’s book: When the Church Harms God’s People
Ad lib webinars
Natasha:
The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Jessica Eturralde, Bob Smietana, Adele M. Banks, Fiona Andre, Kim Roberts, Tony Mator, Jack Jenkins, Skylar Laird, and Christina Darnell.
A special thanks to South Carolina Daily Gazette for contributing material for this week’s podcast.
I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado.
Warren:
And I’m Warren Smith, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Natasha:
You’ve been listening to the MinistryWatch podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.
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