A Tennessee pastor and advocate for Christians who suffer from so-called “same-sex attraction” (SSA) has stepped down after revealing an “inappropriate” relationship with a man some years ago. Pastor Sam Allberry stepped down from his position as an associate pastor at Immanuel Church Nashville, a nondenominational, independent congregation after what the church called “a serious breach of trust.” In a statement put out by the church elders, it stated Allberry had informed the church in 2024 of an “inappropriate relationship” with a man in 2022. The statement noted that the relationship had concluded prior to Allberry being called to his position in the church in 2023. At the time, the church stated it conducted a “thorough investigation” of the relationship and concluded that it was not “disqualifying” for the position.

That changed, however, in January 2026 when the elders received “new information about this relationship that was not disclosed previously.” This led to a second investigation, in which the findings “led the Elders to conclude that, while the relationship did not go as far as it could have, Sam’s conduct constituted a serious breach of trust and a failure to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel.” The statement said the Elders were “unanimous” that Alberry was “currently disqualified from gospel ministry” and that Allberry had submitted to the decision. The Elders said he had been “repentant, humble, and cooperative with the Elders and outside counsel.” The Gospel Coalition (TGC) also confirmed that Allberry had resigned from its Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics and that it was in the process of removing Allberry’s content from its website.

Allberry is notable for his past writings on Christians that struggle with SSA, something he has admitted to struggling with himself. He co-founded Living Out, which focuses on being “Christian and gay” and has been accused of what is referred to as promoting “Side B” theology, the idea that “homosexual orientation is not a sin, but acting on homosexual inclinations is.” Many proponents of Side B identify as celibate, gay Christians, and say that homosexuality is no different than any other sin. The exact details of Allberry’s relationship with the unidentified man have not been disclosed.

Allberry’s resignation has reignited the debate over what the Bible says about homosexuality. While Side B theology has grown popular in its winsome approach to the LGBTQ+ community, opponents accuse it of opening the doors to progressive church doctrine where openly gay men and women serve as pastors and bishops and oversee gay marriages. Owen Strachan wrote that while he prayed for Allberry, it was important for the church to take a firm stand on homosexuality. “Even as we grieve, we must be clear. The experience of homosexual desire is sinful. This is not unloving to say,” he wrote on X. “This is loving to say. There is nothing about homosexuality that is righteous. There is no such thing as a ‘gay Christian.’ Love requires us to teach the truth.”