He repented by resigning.
The senior pastor of First Baptist Church Abilene in West Texas, Brandon Hudson, resigned from his position following his arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. Hudson, aged 44, submitted his resignation during a Sunday morning service, with Bob Ellis reading his resignation letter to the congregation. Mike Greenfield, responsible for administration and spiritual development at the church, acknowledged the unexpected nature of the situation and stated that the church is navigating the process of selecting a new senior pastor in accordance with its bylaws.
Hudson’s arrest, which occurred two weeks prior to his resignation, was made public by veteran journalist Loretta Fulton of Spirit of Abilene. The arrest took place on March 23 near Snyder, Texas, just before Palm Sunday. Hudson had delivered his final sermon at the church on March 17 and was absent from the pulpit on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.
In his resignation letter, Hudson attributed his actions to emotional strain resulting from personal grief and stress. He expressed regret for his lapse in judgment and emphasized the importance of seeking help during difficult times. Following his resignation, the congregation held a prayer service and provided an opportunity for members to ask questions and seek clarification.
Hudson’s biography page on the church’s website was removed after his resignation. An archived version revealed his appointment as senior pastor in December 2022. Prior to joining First Baptist Church Abilene, Hudson served in various pastoral roles in Texas and North Carolina, demonstrating a passion for connecting with people and sharing the message of grace.
Despite the setback, the church remains committed to its mission, continuing its legacy of faith and service under new leadership. The process of selecting a new senior pastor is ongoing, and the congregation is focused on supporting one another during this transition period.