Joe Mills, the man at the center of a Southern Baptist Megachurch’s “gay-baptism” controversy, has passed away at the age of 68.
First Baptist Church Orlando is a 14,000-member Southern Baptist megachurch led by David Uth. Several years ago they knowingly baptized Mills, an out-and-out gay, unrepentant gay man, who is ‘married’ to his ‘husband’ and has been leading a small group of FBCO congregants in a Bible study for the past few years, with the knowledge of Pastor Danny De Armas, who himself has led the study.
It was later revealed that Mills, who was in good standing and served at the church with the First Guest Experience, was even baptizing others at FBC Orlando, despite being wholly unrepentant of his sodomy.
Notably, FBC Orlando is where Danny De Armas, the senior associate pastor, infamously offered a full-blown ecumenical statement devoid of any Gospel truth and antithetical to the teachings of Scripture by highlighting how many illegal immigrants, pro-choice Democrats, and LGBTQ folk were ‘serving’ in his church.
We have transgender, LGBTQ, straight, single, married, divorced and cohabitating people. These same people attend listen, serve, grow and give…We have pro-life and pro-choice…And in the midst of all of this, we have one of the most beautiful worship experiences you can possibly imagine.
Unfortunately, Mills passed away unexpectedly on April 13, with his obituary noting he is survived by his ‘husband,’ Mario DiBenedetto, and then highlighting his membership and then partnership with the SBC church.
Joe also found joy and true happiness in his work with the First Baptist Church of Orlando. What began as membership grew into a partnership offering his time and endless energy to promote outreach, holding bible study groups, and participating in numerous events. He was well regarded and recognized for his good work by the church. He found great peace being part of something that both he and family held in their hearts and gave him strength to endure the struggles of so many.
Keep Mill’s loved ones in your prayers.
