There was a reason he was removed.
Jordan Daniel “J.D.” Hall, the former lead pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Sidney, Montana, has been convicted of embezzlement following his removal from the church due to serious allegations involving prescription drug abuse, domestic violence, and financial misconduct. Hall, who gained notoriety for his critical commentary on fellow Christian leaders through his blog Pulpit & Pen and later Protestia, has also been mandated to pay restitution to the church and issue an apology as part of a deferred sentencing agreement.
In his apology, Hall conveyed profound remorse for his actions, admitting his personal failings that negatively impacted the congregation he once led. He expressed a desire for healing within the church community as he seeks to move forward in his life. As dictated by the court, Hall is required to follow several stipulations, including a probation period, refraining from the use of drugs and alcohol, and staying away from establishments like bars and casinos for a duration of three years.
The accusations against Hall came to light in June 2022, when Fellowship Baptist Church raised concerns about his alleged dependency on Xanax. Additionally, his wife reported instances of domestic abuse, stating she felt compelled to ask him to leave their home due to his troubling behavior. The church further claimed that Hall embezzled over $10,000, misappropriating funds for personal expenses and trips unrelated to his pastoral responsibilities.
Scrutiny of Hall’s finances revealed over 1,186 questionable transactions amounting to more than $100,000. Although he maintained that the majority of these transactions were legitimate, he was ultimately ordered to reimburse the church $15,454.44 for the unauthorized expenses. The church’s treasurer noted that Hall had misused his church debit card for various inappropriate purchases.
In the wake of the embezzlement allegations, David Morrill from Protestia came to Hall’s defense in an op-ed, arguing that investigators accepted the church’s claims without sufficient examination. Morrill pointed out inconsistencies in the church’s accusations, claiming that Hall’s fuel expenses were part of his pastoral benefits. He issued a public apology, expressing hope that vindication would bring peace and closure to Hall and his family following their ordeal with the church’s disciplinary measures.