Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey: Episode 1190 | Josh Buice & G3’s Slander Scandal

Release Date: May 15, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 1190 of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey, Allie delves into a significant scandal involving Josh Buice of G3 Ministries, exploring its implications for the Christian community. Additionally, she highlights a positive trend where comedians are increasingly engaging in meaningful conversations about God and the gospel. This episode provides a comprehensive analysis from a Christian, conservative perspective, shedding light on both troubling developments and hopeful signs within the community.

The Josh Buice and G3 Ministries Slander Scandal

Background on G3 Ministries

G3 Ministries, which stands for Gospel, Grace, Glory, is a prominent Christian organization dedicated to equipping churches with sound biblical theology and Reformed doctrine. Founded with the mission to strengthen local churches, G3 offers resources such as conferences, blogs, podcasts, and books. Notable figures like Vodi Baucom, Steve Lawson, John MacArthur, and Paul Washer have been featured through G3's platforms. The organization made headlines in 2022 when it, along with Praise Mill Baptist Church (PNBC), exited the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), citing a "cultural shift to the left."

Details of the Scandal

The scandal erupted when Josh Buice, the founder and president of G3 Ministries and pastor at PNBC, was implicated in operating multiple anonymous online accounts designed to slander fellow Christian leaders and church elders. Allie Beth Stuckey outlines the timeline and nature of these actions:

• Initial Discovery and Denial: For three years, Josh allegedly managed at least four anonymous social media accounts, two email addresses, and two Substack platforms aimed at disparaging respected Christian figures (Timestamp: [00:00:00] - [15:30]). Despite being confronted multiple times over two years, Buice consistently denied any involvement.

  "He had been asked on multiple occasions over the past two years... he denied any knowledge of them." ([15:45])

• Confrontation and Confession: On May 4, 2025, after substantial evidence emerged linking Buice directly to these accounts, PNBC elders confronted him. Faced with undeniable proof, Buice confessed to his actions, expressing sorrow and seeking forgiveness.

  "Only after further evidence was presented... did Josh finally confess to his actions." ([20:10])

• Organizational Response: G3 Ministries responded by accepting Buice's resignation on May 8 and subsequently canceled the 2025 national conference. On May 13, a clarifying statement was released, condemning Buice's actions as damaging to the mission and character of G3 Ministries. All of Buice's content was removed from G3 platforms to maintain doctrinal integrity.

  "Due to the public and egregious nature of the sin, we believe Josh Bice... made the decision to remove all of Josh Bice's content from every platform." ([25:50])

Response and Consequences

The scandal had immediate repercussions:

• Resignation and Leave: Buice resigned from his leadership role at G3 and was placed on indefinite leave from his pastorate at PNBC.

• Conference Cancellation: G3 canceled its 2025 national conference, a significant decision reflecting the severity of the situation and the need to distance the organization from Buice's actions.

• Content Removal: All content produced by Buice was purged from G3's platforms to prevent the spread of his previously endorsed teachings and to uphold the organization's commitment to sound theology.

Host’s Analysis and Reflections

Allie expresses disappointment and sadness over the scandal, emphasizing the breach of trust and the divisive nature of Buice's actions. She commends G3's leadership for handling the situation transparently and upholding accountability.

"I do have some internal knowledge about how all of this went down... But because that information hasn't been made public yet, I'm just going to keep that to myself." ([12:40])

Allie draws parallels to similar incidents within the Christian leadership, underscoring the importance of integrity and repentance. She highlights biblical admonitions against division and deceit, referencing Titus 3:10-11:

"As for a person who stirs up division after warning him once and then twice, have nothing to do with him..." ([40:15])

She calls for genuine repentance and prayers for all affected parties, particularly stressing the need for Buice to truly repent beyond mere remorse for being caught.

Positive Trends in the Comedy World Addressing Faith

Comedians Engaging with Theology and Apologetics

Shifting from the scandal, Allie discusses an uplifting trend where comedians are posing profound questions about God and the gospel, fostering meaningful theological discussions. She highlights the interaction between Wes Huff and Andrew Schultz on Andrew's "Flagrant Podcast."

Example: Wes Huff on Andrew Schultz’s Podcast

In a notable segment, Wes Huff articulates the harmony of mercy and justice in Christianity, particularly through the lens of the cross. Allie emphasizes the depth of the conversation and its theological significance.

[30:24] Wes Huff: "Christianity is the fittest, stepping down and sacrificing himself for the survival of the weakest. And that changes things in that mercy and justice are not pitted against each other. It's not justice at the expense of mercy, it's not mercy at the expense of justice. They're actually accomplished together in the act of the cross where the self-volunteering of Jesus going to the cross, right? He says no one takes my life from me. I give it of my own accord."

Allie remarks on the beauty of this theological perspective:

"I love that. I mean that's just like a beautiful picture of the gospel..." ([30:49])

Further, Wes Huff discusses the transformation brought about by Christianity, aligning with gospel principles that foster genuine change:

[33:47] Wes Huff: "Do any of this. God doesn't need to create... It's more of like meta noia. Change your brain, like, change it entirely..."

Allie appreciates the insights shared, noting how such discussions can resonate with both believers and non-believers alike, encouraging deeper reflection on faith.

Implications and Insights

Allie posits that these conversations on comedic platforms can bridge gaps between secular and religious audiences, presenting the gospel in relatable and thought-provoking ways. She envisions more such engagements fostering understanding and potentially drawing individuals closer to faith.

"I just pray for Andrew Schultz and I pray for everyone on this journey..." ([37:49])

Conclusion

Episode 1190 of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey offers a thorough exploration of a troubling scandal within G3 Ministries, highlighting issues of integrity, accountability, and the impact of leadership failings on the broader Christian community. Concurrently, Allie spotlights a positive shift where comedians contribute to meaningful theological dialogues, showcasing the diverse avenues through which faith can be communicated and explored. The episode underscores the importance of transparency, genuine repentance, and the ongoing pursuit of authentic conversations about faith in both challenging and nurturing environments.

Note: Allie Beth Stuckey’s discussion in this summary is based on the transcript provided and incorporates direct quotes with corresponding timestamps for accurate representation.