Ex-Hope Methodist Pastor Sues Church Over Termination
HOPE, Ark. – A pastor who claims he was fired in February in breach of his contract because of a “toxic relationship” with the congregation is suing Hope Methodist Church in Hempstead County circuit court.
Marshall Almarode alleges that his five-year contract, which took effect in December 2023, could not be unilaterally terminated by the church and is seeking damages for wages and benefits he lost upon being fired in February, according to a complaint filed Monday.
Almarode said in the complaint that Hope Methodist’s administrative board fired him a little more than two years into his five-year contract, citing “a toxic relationship between the congregation and the pastor” as cause for the termination.
Almarode claims the contract obligated the church to honor the financial terms for five years unless both he and the church agreed.
“The employment agreement established a contract for a definite term of five years,” Almarode said in the complaint. “The financial provisions (and future amendments) will continue for five years unless both parties agree to terminate them sooner than five years from the date of this offer.”
Almarode’s contract provided for a base salary of $90,000 annually and parsonage housing valued at $16,200 per year, the complaint said. The contract also allowed for up to $500 monthly in reimbursement for automobile and travel expenses and a $2,500 yearly allowance for continuing education.
Almarode is asking that Hope Methodist be ordered to compensate him for the “financial damages” he has suffered as a result of having his contract terminated 33 months early. He is asking for a judgment that includes $247,500 for lost salary, $44,550 for the lost housing benefit and “the value of other lost benefits including travel and continuing education allowances.”
Almarode is represented by Leon Jones Jr. of Big Rock Legacy Law Group.
Counsel information for the church was not available Tuesday.
The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Joseph Short.