Lighthouse Christian School and the Lighthouse Baptist Church have sacked Senior Pastor Robert Bakss

A Rockhampton private school has sacked one of its directors after the pastor made admissions about inappropriate conduct while on an overseas trip as part of his job.

A Rockhampton private school has sacked one of its directors after he made admissions about inappropriate conduct while on an overseas trip as part of his job.

Lighthouse Christian School and the Lighthouse Baptist Church have sacked Senior Pastor Robert Bakss.

In a letter to parents dated August 20, the organisation wrote: “Concerns in relation to Mr Bakss’s conduct were first brought to our attention on 9 August 2021 and were subsequently raised directly with him during a meeting on 11 August 2021.

“Since then, Mr Bakss has admitted to serious matters which are incompatible with his duties and responsibilities and the standard of conduct expected in his leadership position.

“As a Director of the Lighthouse Christian School and the Senior Pastor of the Church, Mr Bakss is required to uphold the ethos and values of the school and the church at all times, including compliance with our Statement of Faith.

“As a result of Mr Bakss’s admissions, the leadership of the church has made the difficult decision to terminate his employment effective immediately.

“Mr Bakss will also no longer be a director of Lighthouse Christian School or remain as President of the Church and a member of the Church Management Committee.

“It is important to confirm that there is no suggestion that these matters relate to child safety.”

The Morning Bulletin has been told the serious matters took place while Mr Bakss was overseas on a work trip.

Former Senior Pastor Robert Bakss has been stood down inappropriate conduct on an overseas church business trip.

The Bulletin is seeking a response from the school.

Mr Bakss’s website has been deactivated, along with his Facebook page and Twitter account.

However, videos of sermons Mr Bakss delivered during COVID-19 lockdown last year are still online.

The statement to parents explained Pastor John Buchholz, a teacher at the school, has been elected to the role of interim Senior Pastor of the Church and Director of the school.

“This has been a very difficult process for the church to work through. Mr Bakss and his family are long standing members of our community and we hold them in our prayers.”

In a statement provided to The Morning Bulletin, a Lighthouse Baptist Church spokesperson stated:

“Because this is an employment matter, it would not be appropriate for the Church to provide further details.

“Lighthouse Baptist Church has recently become aware of several concerns in relation to Senior Pastor, Robert Bakss.

“Mr Bakss has admitted to serious matters which are incompatible with the values of the Church, his duties and the standard of conduct expected in his leadership position. It is important to confirm that there is no suggestion that these matters relate to child safety.

“As a result of his admissions, Mr Bakss’ employment as Senior Pastor of the Church and a Director of Lighthouse Christian School has been terminated. Because this is an employment matter, it would not be appropriate for the Church to provide further details.

“The day-to-day operations of the School are not affected by this decision and our teaching and administrative staff remain focused on our students.

“We have communicated the decision to the Church and School community and we are providing every reassurance that this situation is being managed appropriately.”

The school opened in January 1994 as Norman Park Christian School with just two classrooms and 25 students.

It was renamed Lighthouse Christian School in 2004 and, according to its website, has more than 30 staff and volunteers educating more than 100 families from Prep to Year 12.

Lighthouse Christian School and the Lighthouse Baptist Church have sacked Senior Pastor Robert Bakss over inappropriate conduct on an overseas church business trip.

In a description about a book written by Mr Bakss, it states “after completing a law degree and pursuing a career in law, God challenged Robert Bakss to go to Bible College and prepare for the ministry.

“After working in the legal profession and local government industry for 15 years, Pastor Bakss entered into full-time ministry in 1997.

“Dr Bakss often states God called him from “man‘s law to God’s law”.

“He is currently the senior pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.”

Originally published as Lighthouse Christian School and the Lighthouse Baptist Church have sacked Senior Pastor Robert Bakss