Josh Buice has apologized after making unfounded accusations against church leaders, including Fordie Bautum and Tom Ascol, the founding ministry.
He acknowledged that he had previously made baseless claims, stating, “In past criticisms of Voddie Baucham and Founders Ministries, I made unfounded and guilty statements, including questions without evidence,” as detailed in a statement shared by G3 Ministries.
Last week, G3 Ministries removed a post during Buice’s church service at Pray Mills Baptist Church (PMBC), where, as president, he allegedly used an anonymous social media account to oust himself as an elder after admitting to slandering fellow pastors and PMBC elders.
The elders at PMBC presented undeniable evidence that Buice had been operating at least four anonymous social media accounts over the last three years, along with two anonymous email addresses and two Substack platforms. These accounts were reportedly used to anonymously defame numerous Christian leaders, including several PMBC elders and pastors who participated in G3 conferences. The actions, described by the G3 Board as sinful, contributed to unnecessary divisiveness and doubt within the Christian community, particularly among the elders at PMBC.
Buice also sent anonymous tips to The Roys Report in December 2024, under the pseudonym “Tom Smith.” He alleged that Baucham misappropriated funds raised during a GoFundMe campaign, which was started to help with medical expenses after Baucham underwent quintuple bypass surgery following severe heart failure.
Buice pointed out that the surgery would typically cost less than $300,000. Additionally, he mentioned Baucham’s partnership with newly launched staff member Tom Ascol at Founders Seminary in Florida, set to begin its first semester this fall.
He insisted that it’s essential for donors to understand how their contributions are being used, expressing concern over misrepresentation. Buice confessed that he had been “deceived by the deceit of sin,” and recognized that he had unfairly coordinated criticisms against faithful men and their ministries through anonymity.
“The details I was first given led me down a wrong path,” he admitted, noting that the accusations were proven to be baseless and should not have criticized Baucham, Ascol, or Founders Ministries.
Buice mentioned he met with Baucham recently and personally sought his forgiveness, adding that he plans to extend this apology to others shortly. He concluded with a humble appeal for forgiveness, acknowledging the confusion and division his actions caused.
