So the pastor who bragged during a sermon about committing felony assault on a kid in his youth group has “apologized” for doing so, saying that he thinks it was totally wrong for him to do so. Which explains why he was bragging about it and advocating for more of it just weeks ago. From the church’s website:

I deeply regret my actions of 13 years ago. I do not condone abuse in any form. I chose a very poor example from my past and very poor wording to describe it and deeply regret using it. By viewing the clip it is certainly understandable how outraged people are. I acted out in one moment many years ago, it is not how I believe people especially a pastor should act. My actions were not reflective of Christ and the teachings of the bible. I was wrong, there are no excuses to be made. I was forgiven by Ben many years ago and can only ask the same from my church, community and the world. Sincerely, Eric Dammann

Okay, wait. The kid forgave you, which means you knew he had something to forgive you for, years ago and yet you were bragging about it to your congregation long after that forgiveness? Not only bragging about it, but advocating them doing the same thing to “smart” and “dangerous” kids who “won’t take the lord serious,” saying, “There’s times that might be needed.” But now, after taking some heat for your violent and criminal actions, you’re suddenly very sorry about it and say it’s “not how I believe people especially a pastor should act.” Sorry, not buying this for a millisecond.

If you actually meant those words, you would not have expressed pride for it only a short time ago. If you actually meant those words, you would not have told your congregation that they need to do the same thing. If you actually meant those words, you would not have told them how effective it was in converting the kid to Christianity. You’re trying to weasel your way out of having committed a felony. And you should be prosecuted. Your apology is a big steaming pile of bullshit.