False Teacher

Darrell Gilyard

SBC pastor convicted of child molestation — returned to the pulpit after prison

Biography

Darrell Gilyard gained national prominence in the late 1980s through appearances on Jerry Falwell's 'Old Time Gospel Hour' and speaking at the Southern Baptist Convention. He was groomed into ministry by key SBC leaders Jerry Vines and Paige Patterson, who championed him despite persistent warnings about his behavior. Gilyard has resigned or been dismissed from at least five churches over the years for sexual improprieties. In 2004, he admitted to fathering the child of a woman who accused him of raping her during a counseling session. In 2007, while pastoring Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, he was arrested on charges of lewd and lascivious conduct with two teenage girls (one between 12-15, the other under 16). In 2009, Gilyard pleaded guilty to two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation. He served a three-year prison sentence and is registered as a sex offender. Despite this conviction, he returned to the pulpit — first at Christ Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church (which was asked to leave the Jacksonville Baptist Association for hiring him) and then at Mount Ararat Baptist Church in Jacksonville in 2020. He was named in the 2022 Guidepost Solutions report on SBC sexual abuse. At least 44 women have accused Gilyard of sexually inappropriate conduct.

Biblical Assessment

Every preacher is tested against our 5-point biblical framework. Here's how Darrell Gilyard measures up:

1

Title & Authority

VERDICT: FAIL

Propped up by powerful SBC leaders (Jerry Vines, Paige Patterson) despite repeated warnings. Dismissed from at least five churches for sexual misconduct. Convicted of child molestation and registered as a sex offender — yet returned to the pulpit. A textbook case of institutional failure.

Scripture:

1 Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Timothy 5:22, Titus 1:6-9

2

Gospel Message

VERDICT: FAIL

Used his preaching gift — acknowledged even by his critics as considerable — to gain access to women and girls. At least 44 women have accused him of sexually inappropriate conduct. The gospel was his hunting ground.

Scripture:

2 Peter 2:14-15, Jude 1:4, 2 Timothy 3:5-7

3

Fruit & Lifestyle

VERDICT: FAIL

Convicted of two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of teenage girls (ages 12-16). Registered sex offender. At least 44 women have accused him of sexual misconduct. Admitted to fathering a child with a woman he allegedly raped during counseling. Fired from at least five churches. Returned to preaching after prison.

Scripture:

Matthew 18:6, Matthew 7:15-20, Proverbs 6:27-29

4

Revelation vs. Scripture

VERDICT: FAIL

A gifted orator who used his speaking ability as a tool of manipulation. Powerful SBC leaders ignored warnings and continued to promote him because of his talent, prioritizing ministry impact over the safety of women and children.

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Romans 16:18, Matthew 7:21-23

5

Finances & Transparency

VERDICT: FAIL

Cycled through multiple churches, each providing him a new platform and income despite his known pattern of abuse. The SBC system enabled his continued employment and financial support for decades.

Scripture:

2 Peter 2:3, 1 Timothy 5:20, Ezekiel 34:10

Key Quotes

These statements from Darrell Gilyard reveal doctrinal error.

"I'm a believer in when you do something wrong, you pay the price, but do you pay the price forever?"
— Darrell Gilyard
Violates: Jude 1:4 — For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality.
Source: Gilyard's defense of his return to the pulpit after prison, as reported by the Christian Post (2020). A convicted sex offender and registered predator framing accountability as persecution.

Sources & References

All assessments are based on verifiable, publicly available sources:

  • •Action News Jax: 'Pastor accused of sexually inappropriate conduct by 44 women, Southern Baptist Convention' (2022) — actionnewsjax.com
  • •Christian Post: 'Victim, church members outraged after former SBC pastor convicted of sex crimes returns to pulpit' (2020) — christianpost.com
  • •News4Jax: 'Pastor convicted of sex crimes is preaching at Jacksonville church again' (March 2020) — news4jax.com
  • •Guidepost Solutions: 'Report of the Independent Investigation: Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee' (2022)
  • •Wikipedia: 'Sexual abuse cases in Southern Baptist churches' — en.wikipedia.org
  • •Jacksonville court records, Duval County, Florida

See an error? We strive for complete accuracy. If you believe we've misrepresented Darrell Gilyard's teaching, contact us with evidence and we'll review.

Assessment Summary

False Teacher

Darrell Gilyard teaches doctrine or practices that deviate from Scripture. Exercise caution and discernment.

Listen Instead To:

These teachers demonstrate biblical faithfulness:

View All Faithful Teachers →

Share This Profile

Help others discern by sharing this biblical assessment.

XFacebook

Our Method

Every assessment uses our 5-point biblical framework. Learn how to test any teacher against Scripture.

View Framework
← Back to WatchlistSubmit Another Preacher