Pastor Ben Boswell Removed From Myers Park Baptist Church After Controversial Sermon

Pastor Dr. Ben Boswell was ousted from Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, following a controversial sermon delivered shortly after the November election, where he compared Donald Trump's election to the 'gathering dark of Hitler's rule' and warned of a 'crucifixion' facing marginalized groups. Although the sermon received a standing ovation, church board members cited declining attendance and a need to appeal to a broader congregation as factors in their decision to ask Boswell to resign. Attendance reportedly dropped from 350 to around 150 during his tenure, with some parishioners expressing dissatisfaction with his focus on social and racial justice. Board members emphasized the importance of increasing church attendance, stating that Boswell failed to adapt his messaging to attract a wider audience. Boswell believes his experience reflects broader tensions within progressive movements, paralleling challenges faced in the Democratic Party. The church's council maintains that his departure was not solely due to the sermon but part of a desire to adopt a more holistic approach in their mission.