Former SWBTS Professor Matt Queen Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges, Faces 5 Years in Prison

Former professor and interim provost at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS), Matthew Queen, has pled guilty to one charge of making false statements to the FBI, less than one month before his trial was to begin.

Earlier this year, the Department of Justice indicted Queen on charges of obstructing justice, with FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith explaining:

“Queen…allegedly failed to inform the FBI of a conspiracy to destroy evidence related to the ongoing investigation of sexual misconduct and instead produced falsified notes to investigators.”

Queen has been a prominent figure in Southern Baptist circles, particularly known for his role at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Queen held the prestigious L.R. Scarborough Chair of Evangelism, also known as the “Chair of Fire,” at SWBTS.

His tenure at the seminary began in 2010, following his service in pastoral ministry in North Carolina. Queen was highly regarded for his dedication to evangelism, often participating in and leading efforts to share the gospel within the community and beyond.

While at SWBTS, Queen was a regular commentator on evangelism within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). He emphasized the importance of obedience in evangelism, encouraging Christians to actively overcome their fears and engage in gospel conversations.

In February 2024, Queen announced his return to pastoral ministry in his home state of North Carolina. He was called to serve as the pastor of Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro, but was put on leave following the indictment.

Sentencing for Queen is set for Feb. 26, 2025. According to federal sentencing guidelines, he faces five years in prison, but given his status as a first-time offender, he likely faces 1 to 3 years.

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4 thoughts on “Former SWBTS Professor Matt Queen Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges, Faces 5 Years in Prison

  1. Do not talk to the FBI. They are no different than the KGB. Plead the fifth. They will get you every time on the charge of “lying to the FBI”. Wise up believers!

    1. The FBI always sends 2 agents so one can be a witness to the interviewee and corroborate lying if they decide it has taken place. So in light of this never never never speak to the FBI nor any other federal law enforcement agency.

    2. I realize it has been a couple of weeks, but what i understand of this story Dr Queen did do some misconduct that he was alleged of doing (@ SWBTS) thus his reason to lie to the FBI. So, this is kinda a poorly written article by protestia, I’m normally a huge fan of theirs’s they failed to tell the whole story. maybe they did on earlier story’s idk and just didn’t want to rehash.

  2. I realize it has been a couple of weeks, but what i understand of this story Dr Queen did do some misconduct that he was alleged of doing (@ SWBTS) thus his reason to lie to the FBI. So, this is kinda a poorly written article by protestia, I’m normally a huge fan of theirs’s they failed to tell the whole story. maybe they did on earlier story’s idk and just didn’t want to rehash.

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