TN Church Fires Youth Pastor Accused of Sex Crimes, Seeks Policy Audit

Police have formally charged a high school pastor with multiple felony and misdemeanor charges relating to sexual assault at the church where he served.

On June 11, police arrested Ryan McElrath, 39, for aggravated statutory rape, sexual battery, sexual battery by an authority figure, and sexual contact with a minor.

Eyewitness 7 reported that earlier that morning, a man visited the Jackson Police Department to report a sexual assault against his daughter. According to a warrant, on May 31, 2024, McElrath engaged in sexual contact with a 17-year-old female victim at the church where he worked, Fellowship Bible Church in Jackson, Tennessee.

The warrant said McElrath met the victim in the high school area of the church for approximately 30 minutes.

In a statement from the church, provided to Eyewitness 7, Fellowship’s Lead Pastor Eugene Brandt said they initiated an investigation “within hours” of the allegations. McElrath admitted to the allegations, and the church terminated him. “Ryan McElrath is no longer employed at Fellowship due to criminal charges filed June 11,” the statement reads.

Brandt said the church “immediately” supported the victim in reporting the allegations to local law enforcement and notified parents and students. Along with cooperating with authorities, Fellowship is working with an external agency to audit the church’s current policies and procedures and provide continued guidance and care for the victim and the church.

“As a church community we are absolutely devastated by this. And, as a parent, I share in our God’s outrage and grief when the innocent are harmed. We are acting in cooperation with law enforcement in caring for the victim and the victim’s family,” Brandt concluded.

Following McElrath’s arrest, Fellowship has removed him from its staff list.

In a statement, the Jackson Police Department confirmed that Fellowship Church leaders had cooperated with the investigation and terminated McElrath’s employment.

On this date, Jackson City Court arraigned McElrath after he posted a $70,000 bond, and he is due back in court on June 26.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Why does MinistryWatch report on sex crimes? These stories are tough to read and sometimes even tougher to report, but we think they are vital to our mission to bring transparency, accountability, and credibility to the evangelical church. To read more about why and how we report these stories, read “Why MinistryWatch Reports On Sex Crimes.” You can find that story here.

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