MEMPHIS (TN)
Fox 13 [Memphis, TN]
April 21, 2026
By FOX13 Memphis News Staff
Bellevue Baptist Church, one of the largest churches in the Mid-South, is investigating an allegation that a teenage boy was sexually abused by a church employee, according to a letter sent to members.
Church leaders said the allegation involves a minor who was 15 years old at the time and a 19-year-old part-time, hourly employee. The church said it reported the allegation to authorities immediately and that the employee has since been fired.
Leaders also said the employee is no longer serving in any role at the church and said their “hearts are with the student and family involved.”
The letter also acknowledged concerns from parents, stating that the church’s child-protection policies remain in effect and will continue to be reviewed.
Some in the community expressed concern following the news.
“Based on the negative stigma surrounded by really large churches, honestly, I’m not really surprised,” said Memphis resident Lexi Jackson. “It is definitely sad to hear about everything, but I’m not surprised.”
Experts said cases like this often involve someone the child already knows.
“Unfortunately, 90% of the time it’s someone that the child knows, loves, and trusts. 60% percent of the time it’s someone close to the family, and 30% of the time it’s family,” said Keita Cooley, a prevention specialist with the Memphis Child Advocacy Center.
Cooley said abuse can begin gradually, often through grooming behaviors.
“It can start very gradually, just little conversations, trying to feel out the child to see what kind of family dynamic they have,” she said.
She also warned parents to watch for red flags, including adults who show unusual interest in a child.
“Someone that is solely interested in your child, going out of their way to spend time with your child—also gifts are a big thing,” Cooley said.
Data from the advocacy center shows the issue is more common than many may think.
“The national average is one in 10 children will be sexually abused before they reach the age of 18. Unfortunately, here in Shelby County, we are double the national average,” Cooley said.
Advocates said if a child comes forward, it is critical that they are believed.
Church leaders said they could not share additional details due to the ongoing investigation and asked members not to speculate.
The letter was written by Bellevue Baptist Church’s Executive Pastor, Jason Pyron, and addressed to the congregation. Read the letter below:
“We want to make you aware of a serious matter that has been reported to us. Church leadership has been made aware of an allegation of sexual abuse involving a minor and a 19 year-old part-time, hourly employee, both of whom are male. The alleged abuse is reported to have occurred when the minor was 15 years old.
We immediately reported this information to the appropriate authorities and are fully cooperating with their investigation. The individual accused has been terminated from employment, and the individual is no longer serving in any role at the church pending the outcome of the investigation.
Our hearts are with the student and family involved. We are committed to caring for them well and ask that you join us in praying for them during this incredibly difficult time.
We also want to acknowledge that situations like this can be unsettling for our church family, especially for parents. Please know that the safety and well-being of every child and student is a responsibility we take very seriously. Our child-protection policies remain in full effect, and we will continue to review our practices and recommend any further measures.
Out of respect for those involved and due to the ongoing investigation, we are not able to share additional details at this time. We do ask that you refrain from speculation or sharing unverified information, as this can cause further harm.”