Former Southwestern Seminary Professor and Interim Provost, Matt Queen, Indicted for Obstructing Justice

Matt Queen, a former professor and interim provost at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS), has been federally indicted on charges of obstructing justice. The indictment, announced by the Department of Justice on May 21, 2024, alleges that Queen provided falsified notes to the FBI during an investigation into sexual misconduct at the seminary.

Matt Queen has been a prominent figure in Southern Baptist circles, particularly known for his role at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Queen held the prestigious L.R. Scarborough Chair of Evangelism, also known as the “Chair of Fire,” at SWBTS. His tenure at the seminary began in 2010, following his service in pastoral ministry in North Carolina. Queen was highly regarded for his dedication to evangelism, often participating in and leading efforts to share the gospel within the community and beyond.

During his time at SWBTS, Queen was a regular commentator on evangelism within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). He emphasized the importance of obedience in evangelism, encouraging Christians to overcome their fears and engage in gospel conversations actively.

In February 2024, Queen announced his return to pastoral ministry in his home state of North Carolina. He was called to serve as the pastor of Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro. Reflecting on his time at SWBTS, Queen expressed gratitude for the friendships and experiences he and his family had during their years in Texas. His transition back to North Carolina marked a new chapter in his ministry, as he sought to continue his work in evangelism and pastoral care.