Full Breakdown
Sam Allberry Disqualified from Ministry After Disclosure of Inappropriate Relationship
5/4/2026, 1:26:12 PM
Disqualification and Resignations
Elders at Immanuel Nashville announced that associate pastor Sam Allberry has been disqualified from ministry for engaging in “an inappropriate relationship with an adult man.” Following the elders’ decision, Allberry resigned from his associate-pastor role at Immanuel Church and also stepped down as a fellow of The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics.
Background: Allberry’s Ministry and Public Profile
Allberry, an English-born apologist, author, and speaker, has served alongside lead pastor T.J. Tims and assistant pastors Barnabas Piper, Vince Greenwald, and Tony Shepherd. The church lists Russell Moore, Ray Ortlund, and Gavin Ortlund as leaders in residence. He has contributed to The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, and Living Out, and authored three books: *Is God Anti-Gay?*, *What God Has to Say About Our Bodies*, and *Biblical Manhood*. He reported becoming aware of same-sex attraction at age 15 and converting to Christianity at 18.
Institutional Responses
The Gospel Coalition’s board of directors confirmed that Allberry informed them of the past relationship and his impending resignation. In accordance with TGC policy, the organization removed all of his content from its website and social-media channels and deferred public communication until Immanuel’s membership was notified. The board expressed sorrow and offered prayers for Allberry, Immanuel Church, and those affected.
Timeline
- Yesterday – Allberry notifies The Gospel Coalition of the prior relationship and upcoming resignation.
- Today – Immanuel Nashville elders announce his disqualification; the church prepares to inform its congregation.
- Subsequent days – TGC completes removal of Allberry’s digital content.
Impact on Ministry and Platforms
Allberry’s resignation terminates his formal leadership at Immanuel Nashville and ends his fellowship with the Keller Center. The removal of his articles, podcasts, and videos from The Gospel Coalition eliminates a primary distribution channel for his teaching, affecting readers and listeners who followed his work across multiple Christian platforms.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All four source excerpts present a consistent account of the disqualification, resignation, and content removal. No contradictory details were identified, and no additional information about the nature of the relationship or any internal church disciplinary process was provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — The Gospel Coalition Board of Directors
- “He then also resigned as a fellow of The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics.” — The Gospel Coalition Board of Directors
- “Per TGC policy and procedures, we immediately began to remove all of Sam’s content from our website and other content channels, and we deferred this statement until the church membership was informed.” — The Gospel Coalition Board of Directors
- “We are heartbroken over this news, and we continue to pray for Sam, Immanuel Church, and everyone affected.” — The Gospel Coalition Board of Directors
What’s Next
Immanuel Nashville will formally announce Allberry’s resignation to its congregation, and The Gospel Coalition will continue monitoring its platforms for any further actions related to the removal of his material.
