NATCHITOCHES (LA)
Baptist Press [Nashville TN]
March 16, 2026
By BP staff
A former associate pastor and youth pastor was sentenced last month after pleading guilty to one count of indecent behavior with a juvenile.
Michael Ross McGrath, 45, was arrested in February 2024 on seven counts of the same charge.
The crime occurred in May 2013, when McGrath served as youth minister at Open Door Fellowship in Coushatta, La. In 2015, he joined the staff of First Baptist Natchitoches, La., where he served until the incident came to light in 2023. McGrath also served as a children’s and youth minister at First Baptist Coushatta, La., in the early 2000s.
“After learning of the investigation being conducted on him, [McGrath] submitted his resignation,” FBC Natchitoches said in a statement. “The resignation was received and immediately shared with church leadership. He is no longer employed by First Baptist Church of Natchitoches.
Open Door Fellowship Pastor Thumper Miller told Baptist Press no one at that church was aware of the 2013 incident until 2023. Miller has been at Open Door four years. He said as soon as he and other leaders learned of McGrath’s arrest, the church held a meeting to make members aware. They have continued to follow the case, including McGrath’s recent sentencing.
“It’s a heartbreaking situation for all involved,” Miller said, adding that in a small community, everyone knows the people involved. “Be in prayer for all involved, especially the victim and her family,” he said.
According to the Red River Parish Journal, McGrath was sentenced to seven years’ hard labor, suspended, with three years’ supervised probation. He also must pay $5,000, complete 32 hours’ community service and register as a sex offender.
FBC Natchitoches encourages anyone with additional information to contact Red River Parish law enforcement.
“First Baptist Church of Natchitoches remains dedicated to providing a safe worship environment and our church leaders are deeply committed to ministering to those who are hurting and protecting all persons involved in any of our church ministries and activities,” the church’s statement said. “We are deeply saddened by this and our thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved.”
If you are/have been a victim of sexual abuse or suspect sexual abuse by a pastor, staff member or member of a Southern Baptist church or entity, please reach out for help at sbcabuseprevention.com/helpline or call 833-611-HELP.