A Baptist association leader in Missouri has resigned after admitting inappropriate conduct with a teenager and student.

Mark Carter, the director of missions at the Crossroads Baptist Association, announced that he was stepping down from his position. after admitting to sending inappropriate emails and texts to an unnamed teen. Carter also reported inappropriately touching the teen as well.

In a statement released to The Pathway, Crossroads wrote in a public statement that "It grieves us to learn that a Baptist director of missions in central Missouri has engaged in inappropriate behaviour toward a young person – specifically, texting, emails, and inappropriate touching. When confronted with his actions, he admitted the accusations were true and resigned." The staff wanted to make it clear to anyone involved in their organization that "inappropriate behaviour of any kind is not tolerated and will be addressed immediately, including the immediate reporting to all appropriate authorities."

Crossroad told the Christian Post that "the organization was only recently aware of Carter's past actions. Following the discovery, the association immediately acted to notify local law enforcement and state authorities about the facts surrounding Carter's involvement with the then-teen." While all parties agree that Carter's conduct was unhealthy and not desirable, they do not anticipate any legal actions in the immediate future. "Legal authorities do not believe there was a crime. So legal charges were not filed and are not expected."

The Crossroads Baptist Association is a network of 29 Baptist churches in Missouri, who partner together to serve their youth and "share the Gospel" in the Central Missouri region.