“TGC was informed yesterday by Sam Allberry about ‘an inappropriate relationship with another man a few years ago’ and that an announcement would be made today at Immanuel Church regarding his resignation as a pastor,” shared The Gospel Coalition’s Board of Directors.
On May 4, 2026, Sam Allberry stepped down from his roles at Immanuel Nashville and The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics after the revelation of this relationship. The elders at Immanuel Nashville disqualified him from ministry as a result.
Allberry, who has openly discussed his same-sex attraction throughout his ministry, had previously been a respected figure within the Christian community. His books, including “Is God Anti-Gay?” and “Biblical Manhood,” contributed to discussions surrounding faith and sexuality.
The news came as a shock not only to his local congregation but also to the broader network of supporters affiliated with The Gospel Coalition. On May 3, 2026, they received advance notice of the situation before the public announcement.
Community Reactions:
- The Gospel Coalition expressed their heartbreak over the news, stating, “We are heartbroken over this news, and we continue to pray for Sam, Immanuel Church, and everyone affected.”
- Many in the community have voiced their support for both Allberry and the church as they navigate this challenging time.
- Barnabas Piper and Russell Moore have also offered their thoughts on the implications of this situation for faith communities.
Following Allberry’s resignation, The Gospel Coalition removed all of his content from its website and social media channels. This decision marks a significant shift in how they will address issues related to same-sex attraction moving forward.
The fallout from this incident raises questions about accountability within religious organizations and how they respond to personal failures among their leaders. As communities process this news, many look for guidance on how to maintain their faith amid such challenges.
