IL Megachurch Pastor Starts New Church Six Months After Resigning Over Sexual Abuse Scandal
A mere six months after Mike Baker abruptly stepped down from his role leading one of the biggest megachurches in the state following allegations that he covered up his son’s sexual misconduct, he has done what all fallen megachurch pastors do after being unceremoniously excised: start up a new church.
Baker abruptly resigned from Eastview Christian Church in March of this year. A subsequent investigation conducted by church-hired attorneys found the allegations that he and his son Caleb Baker engaged in gross misconduct.
Mike’s son Caleb Baker was a pastor at Eastview who engaged in multiple extramarital affairs while on staff. Instead of exposing it, Mike took an active role in concealing it from the congregation, allowing his son to go pastor another church unencumbered by the stain of disqualification and clergy sexual abuse, where he would proceed to have another extramarital affair and scandalize another church.
After being confronted by his role in the mess, Mike Baker resigned in protest.
Mike Baker announced on his YouTube channel that he was naming his new church Song and Sword Church and would begin meeting at a hotel conference room next week. He insists he isn’t competing with his former church but will likely draw hundreds away for his first service:
Song and Sword Church, I’ve gotta say this from the beginning, is not about competing with Eastview Christian Church. With a clear conscience, the Holy Spirit is my witness; I can tell you, I’m not seeking revenge; I don’t hate Eastview. I don’t hope they fail. I love Eastview Christian Church.
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This sounds awfully like the Jack and David Hyles situation from decades ago.
I’m guessing he ‘restored’ himself, so it’s all good : )
I used to attend that church. Baker is at best a heretic – twisting Scripture, proclaiming the Apostle Paul’s comments as written in Scripture, against women being pastors as the most “unChristlike” things he could say, and of course ordaining women in his church. He is to be marked and avoided.
Not only are people like this lost, I truly believe they don’t even believe in God. They don’t think He really exists, they couldn’t or they would be frightened at the prospect of standing before Him someday, and clearly they are not.
Remember when those with ‘moral failings’ just slinked off the stage and disappeared ?
Now they just open up a new church down the street from the old. Clearly the congregation has gotten even less discerning and can overlook pretty much any indiscretion
Tickling ears indeed