Bellview Baptist Church Press Release
WESTLAKE, LA – June 19, 2019 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM: Bellview Baptist Church Leaders
RE: Arrest of Senior Pastor
Pastor John Ward has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of rape, molestation, and child pornography.
An anonymous tip to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services triggered an investigation by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office which led to Ward being taken into custody on Monday.
Bellview Baptist Church leaders are cooperating fully with the Sheriff’s office in the investigation. The Deacons, in consultation with Carey Baptist Association, unanimously voted to immediately terminate Ward’s employment with the congregation because of his sexual immorality and failure to maintain the high standard of integrity for the office of Pastor outlined in the Bible.
Church leaders immediately met with the victim’s family to minister to them in their grief and to offer to help underwrite the counseling needed to help the child and other members of the household to heal.
The Deacons also offered to continue to provide financial support to the wife of the fired pastor as well as to minister to the spiritual and emotional needs of her and her family.
The Carey Baptist Association and the Louisiana Baptist Convention have connected with church leaders to coordinate various resources that are available to the church in meeting these various commitments.
Bellview Baptist Church leaders request prayer, respect, and privacy as we process this traumatic event.
Media Contact
Bruce L. Baker
Carey Baptist Association
337-499-0757
