Pastor, writer and Gospel Coalition theologian Sam Allberry is "currently disqualified from gospel ministry" after new information about a past relationship with another man came to light, his church says.
He is also "repentant and humble," and working with church leaders, who say they continue to care for him "as a brother in Christ".
Allberry studied theology at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford and served on the staff at St Ebbe's Church, Oxford, and St Mary's, Maidenhead. He has written several books, including What God Has to Say About Our Bodies, Why Does God Care Who I Sleep With? and 7 Myths About Singleness, and has been a popular conference speaker.
In a statement from Immanuel Church, Nashville, where Allberry had been in leadership until these latest events, the elders of the congregation write: "In spring of 2024 [we] were made aware that Pastor Sam Allberry engaged in an inappropriate relationship with an adult man in 2022.
"This relationship concluded prior to Sam being called as a pastor at Immanuel in 2023. Being made aware, the elders immediately began a thorough investigation. After considering the information available at the time, and the posture of Sam and the other party, the elders ruled that though Sam's conduct was unwise, it did not rise to the level of disqualification."
But, the statement added: "In January 2026, the elders received new information about this relationship that had not been disclosed previously. This initiated a reopening of the investigation, the findings of which led the elders to conclude that, while the relationship did not go as far as it could have, Sam's conduct constituted a serious breach of trust and a failure to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel.
"The elders are unanimous in their decision that Sam is currently disqualified from gospel ministry. Sam agrees with this decision and has resigned from Immanuel Church [from his leadership role as Associate Pastor]."
It concluded: "Throughout this process, Sam has been repentant, humble and cooperative with the elders and outside counsel. The elders continue to care for Sam as a brother in Christ and member of Immanuel. We will continue to support Sam and the other party with counselling, and we are determined insofar as we are able to 'restore him in a spirit of gentleness' to full fellowship in the church (Galatians 6v1)."
Living Out
In the UK, a statement on the website of Living Out by Ed Shaw, its team leader, said: "All here at Living Out are praying for our brother and co-founder Sam...
"We don’t know what has happened beyond this statement, but it references both Sam’s inappropriate actions and his repentance, humility and co-operation. We will be reaching out to Sam to better understand how we can support him, what has happened, and the implications. In the meantime, we believe his many past contributions to this site retain their value, and they will not be taken down.
"We founded Living Out to be a place where real-life stories, including stories of sin, repentance, humility and co-operation, could be openly shared for the good of all who struggle with their faith and sexuality. We get that news like this is unsettling. If it is impacting you, please reach out to people you trust, and know that we are praying for you too.
"Living Out exists because of people like Sam, and for people like Sam. We continue to appreciate all that he has contributed to Living Out. Please join us in praying for Sam and everyone involved – and all of us impacted by this news. Thank you."
In the US, a statement from The Gospel Coalition's (TGC) board of directors said: "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. He then also resigned as a fellow of The Keller Centre for Cultural Apologetics.
"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. We are heartbroken over this news, and we continue to pray for Sam, Immanuel Church, and everyone affected."
Website wng.org reported that Allberry "also serves as a canon theologian for the Anglican Church in North America [which is linked to conservative global movement Gafcon] and a speaker for the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Neither immediately responded to [a] request for information on their stance regarding Allberry."
