The controversy surrounding Pastor Jason Little and Faith Baptist Church (FBC) in Knightdale, North Carolina, has exploded into a major legal battle, evolving from an internal church dispute into a federal bankruptcy case. The core of the conflict, which has drawn national attention and sparked debate over church governance, centers on allegations of a "hostile takeover" by J.D. Greear's megachurch, Summit Church, allegedly orchestrated by Little. As of late 2024, the situation remains highly fluid and legally complex, with key figures, including Little, being deposed under oath in a federal court case.
The highly sensitive nature of this dispute—involving accusations of manipulating church polity, financial maneuvering, and the alleged removal of long-time members' voting rights—has made the story of Jason Little and FBC Knightdale a flashpoint for discussions about the power dynamics within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). The latest legal filings and depositions are now providing an unprecedented look into the events that have rocked the congregation since 2021.
Pastor Jason Little: A Profile Defined by Controversy
Pastor Jason Little became the central figure in one of the most contentious church disputes in recent memory. His profile is now inextricably linked to the events at Faith Baptist Church in Knightdale, North Carolina.
- Role at FBC Knightdale: Pastor. Little was hired to replace the church's longtime pastor, Mick Bowen, who retired in 2021 after 28 years of service.
- Allegations of Conduct: Members opposed to the merger accused Little of attempting to facilitate a "hostile takeover" of FBC Knightdale by Summit Church. Allegations include that he was not keen on taking direction from the congregation and that he allegedly got rid of the church's long-standing constitution.
- Key Legal Figure: Little is a key individual deposed under oath in the federal bankruptcy case *In re Faith Baptist of Knightdale, N.C., Inc.*, case number 5:24-bk-01592-5-DMW, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
- Deposition Date: His deposition was conducted on December 2, 2024, as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
- Previous Ministry (Plausible Connection): While not explicitly confirmed for the FBC Knightdale pastor, a "Jason Little" is associated with Palmetto Baptist Church and Bob Jones University, a common background for Baptist pastors in the region.
The Hostile Takeover Allegations: A Timeline of Conflict
The dispute at Faith Baptist Church did not happen overnight. It was a gradual escalation of tensions and changes in church governance that began shortly after the hiring of Pastor Jason Little, following the retirement of the beloved former pastor.
The Beginning of the Shift (2021-2023)
After the previous pastor retired, Jason Little was brought in. According to allegations from dissenting church members, the new leadership under Little began to implement changes that were viewed as a departure from the church's long-established traditions and polity. The core accusation is that Little was working in concert with J.D. Greear and Summit Church to orchestrate a merger, effectively allowing the larger megachurch to acquire FBC Knightdale's assets.
The situation drew comparisons to other high-profile church controversies, such as the one involving McLean Bible Church, raising concerns among conservative Baptists about what they perceive as a pattern of "silent takeovers" by larger, often more progressive, SBC entities.
The Crucial Merger Vote (March 3, 2024)
The conflict came to a head with a crucial vote on the proposed merger with Summit Church on March 3, 2024. The results were contentious: 97 votes were cast in favor of the merger, while 55 votes were opposed.
However, the validity of the vote was immediately challenged by the opposition. They alleged that the voting process was manipulated, including claims that voting privileges were unfairly granted or revoked to ensure the merger passed. The dissenters' efforts to halt the merger led to the escalation of the dispute from an internal church matter to a legal one.
The Federal Bankruptcy Case: A Legal Showdown in Late 2024
The most significant and current development in the Faith Baptist Church saga is the involvement of the federal court system. The church filed for bankruptcy, leading to the case *In re Faith Baptist of Knightdale, N.C., Inc.* (No. 5:24-bk-01592-5-DMW).
This legal action has forced key individuals to testify under oath, bringing a new level of scrutiny and transparency to the controversy. The case is proceeding under Subchapter V, which is typically reserved for small businesses and individuals, highlighting the unique and complex nature of the church's legal and financial situation.
Uncut Deposition: Pastor Jason Little Under Oath
A major development in this case was the deposition of Pastor Jason Little on December 2, 2024. A deposition is a sworn, out-of-court testimony used to gather information before a trial. The release of the "uncut deposition" footage to the public has become a viral event, providing a direct, unfiltered look at Little's testimony regarding the merger, the church's finances, and the alleged actions taken by the leadership.
Other key figures, including Jon Wallace and Lynn Gay, have also been deposed in the same case, indicating a thorough legal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the church's financial and governance decisions leading up to and after the contested vote.
The Role of J.D. Greear and Summit Church
Throughout the controversy, J.D. Greear and Summit Church have been accused of using Jason Little to execute a deliberate strategy for a hostile takeover. The allegations suggest that this was a move by a powerful, SBC-aligned megachurch to absorb the assets and property of a smaller, traditional church. Summit Church has publicly denied these allegations, claiming the merger was a proposed partnership, not a takeover, and that they received no financial benefit from the attempt.
However, the ongoing legal proceedings, particularly the depositions, are being used by the dissenting FBC members to try and prove the existence of a coordinated plan that allegedly violated the church's original constitution and bylaws. The outcome of the federal bankruptcy case will likely determine the ultimate fate of Faith Baptist Church's property and its future governance, making it a landmark case for church polity.
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