She betrayed her church.
Shelley Strickland, the financial secretary and wife of a Southern Baptist pastor, has been arrested for allegedly embezzling $404,000 from Ware Shoals Baptist Church in South Carolina. The stolen funds reportedly came from several church accounts, including an emergency fund, leading to serious concerns within the congregation.
Strickland also served as a financial secretary for other churches, raising worries that the misappropriation could extend beyond Ware Shoals. Authorities are investigating these other congregations as well, and additional charges against Strickland are being pursued in Greenwood County. David Little, the director of missions for the Lakelands Baptist Association, shared that Strickland had previously worked for his association but was terminated earlier this summer for similar financial misconduct. The Lakelands Baptist Association has accused her of stealing around $58,000, and they have filed a complaint with local law enforcement.
Little expressed deep disappointment over the situation, especially given Strickland’s husband’s role as a pastor within the community. He noted the broader impact of her actions, which affected not just one church but multiple congregations within the association. Despite the pain caused, Little emphasized the need to pray for Strickland’s family during this difficult time.
During a recent worship service, a leader at Ware Shoals Baptist Church addressed the arrest, acknowledging the shock and hurt felt by the congregation. The church is trying to move forward with faith, hoping to overcome this challenging period. Strickland’s husband has not been implicated in the crimes, but if Shelley is convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison.