Members of First Baptist Church Dothan faced unusual circumstances and likely confusing news when they arrived for Sunday services, July 13.
John Trey Gibson, who had been serving on the church staff as an associate pastor, was taken into police custody early that morning.
Several accounts indicate Gibson left his preschool-aged son in the car for several hours late into the night July 12 as Gibson spent time first at a local bar and then a 24-hour restaurant. He was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, which is a misdemeanor, according to Dothan-area media reports.
Gibson’s wife and daughter were out of state at the time, so the Department of Human Resources cared for the child — who was unharmed — until other family members arrived.
FBC Dothan officials shared through a statement to the media their gratitude to the Dothan police for how they handled the situation.
While Gibson was let go from the staff, church members are reportedly seeking to walk with him through the journey of finding and receiving help.
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