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Matthew Queen, a former seminary leader once convicted of lying to federal investigators probing sexual abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), has returned to the pulpit just seven months after completing his sentence. Queen, 49, now serves as associate pastor at w in Irving, Texas, according to the church’s website and a Saturday report by the Christian Post. His reinstatement comes less than a year after pleading guilty to falsifying records connected to a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into how SBC institutions handled sexual abuse allegations.
Queen, a former evangelism professor and provost at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS), was sentenced in March to six months of home confinement, during which he was required to wear an electronic monitor and restricted from leaving home without permission. Prosecutors alleged that Queen fabricated notes to mislead federal investigators examining sexual abuse reports tied to SBC-affiliated entities. Though the DOJ ultimately chose not to pursue charges against the denomination itself, Queen’s conviction marked one of the few instances of criminal accountability arising from the broader federal probe.
In court filings, Queen’s attorney maintained that his client had “always supported victims of such abuse” and opposed institutional cover-ups, pointing to his past efforts to encourage survivors to report misconduct. However, his actions during the DOJ investigation directly contradicted those claims, prosecutors argued, showing how internal resistance and self-protection among SBC leaders have hindered transparency and reform.
Queen’s case originated from a 2022 sexual abuse report involving a Texas Baptist College student, which prompted a federal grand jury subpoena demanding all SBC-related abuse documents. While the seminary cooperated and helped facilitate the student’s arrest, Queen’s decision to falsify records underscored ongoing struggles within the denomination to balance reputation management with accountability. His quiet return to ministry has reignited debate over whether the SBC is truly committed to institutional repentance, or if old patterns of minimizing misconduct remain intact.
For Survivors:
If you or someone you know experienced sexual abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention, you still have legal rights. Learn more about accountability and survivor options at the Southern Baptist Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Guide. You may also complete the form below to receive a free case review. The form is secure and confidential. There is no obligation or pressure. Fill out the form only if you are ready to do so.
