Church removes longtime leader following solicitation charge
By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
AMARILLO, Texas — A Texas pastor who led a congregation of approximately 1,500 members has been fired after being arrested during an undercover prostitution sting conducted by state authorities.
David A. Ritchie, 42, served as lead pastor of Redeemer Christian Church in Amarillo before his arrest on a solicitation charge. According to authorities, Ritchie was among several men taken into custody during a Texas Department of Public Safety operation targeting prostitution-related offenses.
Officials said seven other men were also arrested during the sting. Those charged reportedly came from several states, including Texas, Florida, Mississippi, and New Mexico.
Following the arrest, Redeemer Christian Church placed Ritchie on administrative leave. Church leaders later voted to terminate his employment during an emergency meeting, according to a statement released by the congregation. His profile was subsequently removed from the church’s website.
Ritchie was a well-known figure in Amarillo’s religious community and also served in academic roles. Archived records show he earned degrees from Amarillo College, West Texas A&M University, and Reformed Theological Seminary. He also worked as a part-time instructor at West Texas A&M University.
Ritchie and his wife, Kate, had been married for nearly 18 years and are parents of three sons. Public social media posts frequently highlighted family activities and church involvement.
In addition to his pastoral work, Ritchie authored the 2021 book Why Do the Nations Rage? The Demonic Origin of Nationalism, which examined faith and politics.
The case remains pending, and authorities have not announced a court date. Under the American legal system, all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.