A former senior pastor from Texas was apprehended by local law enforcement on suspicion of soliciting prostitution. Terren Dames, 51, was serving as the senior pastor at North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship in Plano, northern Texas, at the time of his arrest on May 2. Dames was accused of agreeing to pay $150 for sexual services to an individual who turned out to be an undercover police officer.
According to the affidavit, Dames arrived at a motel room and knocked on the door. He then sent a text message to the undercover officer to confirm his presence. Based on the evidence of his alleged felony, police officers conducted a traffic stop and detained Dames.
During the arrest, Dames reportedly informed the officers that he was meeting a friend at the hotel. He then experienced a medical episode. Following his release, Dames was indicted on the prostitution charge in June.
North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship confirmed in a statement that Dames was dismissed from his position due to a “moral failing” in May. The church leadership emphasized their commitment to the church’s mission of making disciples and empowering each member to impact the world by following the teachings of Jesus Christ. They also stressed the importance of sound, biblical doctrine.
Dames’ profile on the church’s website revealed that he is a father of four children and holds two master’s degrees in theology and a PhD in higher education. His dismissal has sparked reactions from various quarters, with some activists criticizing him for his outspoken opposition to the transgender political movement.