Congregation Defends Pastor Accused of Sexual Assault

A man of the cloth is accused of victimizing those he ministers to. Last week, J.T. Talbert of New Birth Ministries in North Little Rock turned himself into police on sexual assault charges. But today, his congregation members say there`s no truth to the charges as they stand behind their pastor. "As a pastor your reputation is everything," said Kimberly Davis, the church`s director of operations. For her, the reputation of Pastor J.T. Talbert is untarnished. "It did not upset me one bit, because in order for it to upset me, that would mean it could possibly be true," she said. North Little Rock Police have charged Talbert with two counts of sexual assault involving two members of his church over the last several months. In a congregation of only 50 to 75 people, Davis says she knows who Talbert`s accusers are. "[I am] very familiar with these women," she said. "I won`t comment on the two of them." The sounds of the Sunday morning church service resonated outside of the storefront church in the Rose City Center. Inside, members say the only thing different today is that Talbert is not delivering the word. Although, he has been in touch with church members. "This is no different. Of course, we`re gonna pray for him, do a special prayer for him. Our main thing is just moving forward," she explained. Members are offering support and encouragement, to a man they say has helped them in their time of need. "He helped me and my wife get through plenty of problems and I`ve been here just a short time," said Henry Gryer, a church member. Talbert started New Birth Ministries 12 years ago. The church also operates a business offering job and housing assistance through the ministry.