DENTON (TX)
The Roys Report [Chicago IL]
October 17, 2023
By Julie Roys
One year after being accused of ignoring “red flags” of sexual abuse for decades, well-known author and pastor of Denton Bible Church in North Texas, Tommy Nelson, has announced he’s retiring.
In a letter to his congregation, Nelson stated, “I’ve never felt anything quite so strongly as the need to transition now to the next generation.”
He added, “A church like Denton Bible Church needs to always be, to always exist. A church that is fundamental, premillennial, Calvinistic, dispensational, discipleship-focused, elder ruled, complementarian, and ‘non-woke’ must continue.”
Fox4 News in Dallas-Fort Worth noted that Nelson’s letter was sent on October 4, “exactly one year to the day after our Fox 4 investigation aired.”
The investigation concerned the abuse of multiple teenage girls by former Denton Bible Church Junior High Minister Robert Shiflet.
Shiflet was sentenced in 2021 to 33 months in prison for transporting a minor across state lines to engage in criminal sexual activity. He was released from prison for good behavior on January 11, 2023, after serving 25 months.
An independent investigation commissioned by Denton Bible Church found “credible accounts” that Shiflet abused at least 14 girls—11 at Denton Bible and three at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, Ark.
Shiflet worked at Denton Bible Church from 1996—2001, and at Fellowship Bible Church from 2001—2003. The independent investigation found that an intern at Denton Bible reported Shiflet’s inappropriate behavior in 1999. The church confronted Shiflet and asked him to write a letter of apology to the victim, “which he never delivered.”
In a sermon in May 2022, Nelson said he and other church leaders “had heard reports of Shiflet’s inappropriate behavior but not physical contact.” He added, “We saw smoke . . . (but) did not look for fire.”
A victim of Shiflet told The Roys Report (TRR) last October that she found Nelson’s remarks in his sermon “incredibly selfish and calloused.”
“He lacked remorse, lament, and a sense of brokenness,” she said. “Systemic injustice was perpetuated by egotistical narcissists and cult-like behavior at this church. I know that sounds harsh, but all the victims’ experiences have been nothing short of an abomination.”
At the time of the Fox4 report, Nelson served on the board of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS). However, according to the school’s website, Nelson is no longer on the board.
TRR reached out to DTS for comment but did not immediately hear back.
According to Nelson’s letter to the congregation, Denton Bible Church Associate Pastor Logan Nyquist will take Nelson’s place as senior pastor.
Resignation Letter of Pastor Tommy Nelson – Oct. 4, 2023
See resignation letter in original article.