More Turmoil in Allen, MI Church- Arrest Made

Once again, an independent Baptist church in tiny Allen, Michigan was the scene of more upheaval. Allen Baptist's pastor, Jason Burrick, has been battling his congregation seemingly from the onset of his hiring. After purging the church of its long-time deacons and assuming the book keeping duties, Burrick, as I reported here a few weeks ago, began cleaning house on church members who had been attending since the late 50's.

Karolyn Caskey, a member since 1959, seems to have drawn the ire of Pastor Burrick. After sending Caskey a letter notifying her that she was no longer welcome, Caskey opted to attend the church several weeks. In this first incident in June, Caskey was arrested for trespassing in the middle of Sunday services. In speaking with Caskey, I found her to be a church leader and a faithful Christian who was stunned by the treatment of Pastor Burrick. She was also clear that this type of leadership from her pastor would not be tolerated.

Last weekend, Caskey was determined to attend her church. With the support of friends, family and the community, Caskey once again put on her Sunday best to attend Allen Baptist. According to her close friend, Pat Church, Caskey was lead out of the church during Sunday prayers at the request of Pastor Jason Burrick. Burrick pressured the state police to make the arrest while scores of former church members looked on from across the street. Church told me that many of the onlookers were calling for the removal of Burrick and many were holding signs drawing attention to the crisis at Allen Baptist.

Caskey, Church and the community of Allen are determined that Burrick, who will not take my phones calls, is destroying the Allen Baptist one member and one family at a time. This Sunday, Caskey and several former members will once again attend church at Allen Baptist. Pat Church says Caskey remains strong in her resolve and realizes that her repeated arrest may be the only means of drawing attention to Pasor Jason Burrick.