Pentecostal pastor denies untested sexual misconduct claims

The son of a TV evangelical pastor, who himself preaches at a Western Sydney church, has been stood down after allegations made by a former parishioner, which he denies.

Brendan McMartin, with wife Melissa McMartin, has been stood down. Picture: Supplied

The lead pastor of a Pentecostal church has been stood down amid “untested allegations of sexual misconduct” by a former parishioner.

Shine Lawyers contacted the 5000-member ­Inspire Church with an historical complaint from a former parishioner against father-of-three Brendan McMartin.

The son of a TV evangelical pastor, described by parishioners as extremely well liked and “gentle,” has gone to ground after he was stood down from the south west Sydney church in Liverpool amid an internal investigation.

He strenuously denies the historical allegations.

“In these circumstances, we have little alternative but to ask Pr McMartin to step aside,” said a spokesperson for the Inspire Church board said in a statement.

Brendan McMartin was the lead pastor at Inspire Church at Liverpool in Western Sydney. Picture: Supplied

“We have a duty of care to the person making the accusation and to the person who is accused.

“We also have a duty of care to our parishioners who need to know we can be trusted. We have no tolerance for any form of abuse, and our congregation’s safety is our priority,” the statement added.

“This has been a very stressful period of unwanted distraction for everyone concerned,” said the spokesperson.

Mr McMartin, and his wife Melissa, were stood down by church executives on August 26 while a complaint by a male church goer is investigated by lawyers.

“Brendan is shocked and hurt by the complaint, he’s the nicest man you could ever meet, my only complaint against him is he wears flannelette shirts to preach,” a member of the congregation said.

A letter by church executives to members states board members have been in discussions with Pastor McMartin since June when the governing body Australian Christian Churches received legal correspondence against him.

John McMartin, the father of Brendan McMartin, is facing allegations of indecent assault.

“Inspire Church then received legal letters regarding the same allegations which the church is currently working through with our insurance and legal teams,” the letter states.

“After receiving these allegations and without in anyway attempting to determine whether they are factually correct or not, Inspire Church made the decision to stand down Pastor Brendan McMartin as per our policies from all duties while allegations are investigated.

“Inspire Church does not suggest the allegations are true and does not prejudice the rights and wrongs of this matter. Inspire Church is united in its concern equally, for all parties.

“We appreciate the ministry that pastors Brendan and Melissa McMartin have provided over their time with Inspire Church and pray for them at this time.”

The church with branches in Wagga Wagga which Mr McMartin previously headed has been undergoing restructure.

Mr McMartin was on a monthly arrangement following the departure of his father, Pastor John McMartin, 66, who is facing allegations of indecent assault of a young woman when she was 19.

John McMartin stepped down as head ­of Inspire Church after his case was mentioned at Liverpool Local Court on December 16 2020. He has pleaded not guilty and his case continues.