Another One

David Barker was dismissed as Prays Mill Baptist Church Music Minister in August 2006 due to his viewing of hard core pornography for several years on the computer system. This was reported by the church secretary and was verified that in fact, it had been going on a while. A forensic search on the notebook hard drive he solely used was done and found there to be deep rooted porn on his notebook. It was an issue that broke many hearts and many at Prays Mill were very angry at David for forcing the church to go through another Jarrod Everson- like incident at this church. After the findings were presented to Mike Everson, a meeting was later schedules and it was asked a meeting deacons C.J. Ellis, Robert Reynolds and Stacy Wiggins to discuss the incident be held. Discussions included several issues concerning David and his health, the upcoming revival, the state of the church, etc., Many were astounded at what was heard the deacons state to several men concerning the Porn viewings. It was presented that the pastor, Mike Everson wanted to “keep this quiet” and wanted to allow David to continue in his music position during the revival. Also, It was told that after the revival they would allow David to resign due to “health” reasons. They gave a copy of his “resignation letter” to some for reading. Many exploded with horror at what the leadership direction was going to be concerning David’s sin. ! Many within the church could not believe what was being heard - that elected deacons were going to go along with “lying from the pulpit” to Prays Mill Baptist Church. They were attempting to cover up this incident like several others, and lie to the church. People with knowledge within the membership got very angry and told C.J., “how dare you lie to my church!” He got very upset that these men were angry and that anyone questioned leadership. He stated that the church had elected them to “make these kinds of decisions”. He was told him that they were elected to represent the church, not self- interest. He was then told if the deacons allowed this to happen and they were going to sweep this under a rug, it would go to the congregation and the truth would be told personally to this church. It was even stated to them that if they went through with their plans, members would not be a part of Pray’s Mill any longer and they would just leave without fanfare. They then went into Mike’s office and discussed the matter and Mike Everson still wanted to keep it quiet from the church, but were considering other options including sending the notebook computer to the sheriff’s office for possible criminal prosecution. They asked the members to “keep the situation quiet” and away from other members until the investigation was completed and Mike was told them that if anyone asked, the truth would not be hidden and the truth would be told about what had just been talked about. Members at PMBC were shocked! It was later determined and revealed by Mike Everson to the membership, David Barker had been and was fired for “not repenting” for the viewing of the pornography along with other issues associated with his termination. David had used the computer system at the church while employed as minister and while a fully paid staff member at Pray’s Mill Baptist Church. He said he was sorry, but - as with all who get caught in some type of sin, it was felt by all he was most sorry for “getting caught”, not for the viewing the PORN.