The sudden resignation of the head pastor at a large Schaumburg church has sent ripple effects through various Baptist organizations across the country.

Bradley Smith resigned his post last week as senior pastor of Bethel Baptist church. Church officials won’t say why Smith resigned, and he has not returned phone calls for comment.

News of his departure has spread throughout his many religious affiliations and affected some of his positions.

He can no longer serve as president of the Illinois Association of Christian Schools – his other prominent, local role.

“By the constitution of our organization, the president has to be a pastor of a church,” said Joey Watt, vice president. “Since (Smith) is no longer a pastor, he’s no longer the president.”

Smith was paid for his role as head of the school association, but Watt would not say how much. He also would not discuss Smith’s specific duties at the association, which includes many faith-based schools across the state, including Bethel Baptist’s Schaumburg Christian School. It offers activities, such as athletic conferences and fine arts competitions., and lobbies in Springfield for Christian school initiatives.

Smith also took a leave of absence this week from his role as board chairman of the South Carolina-based Fundamental Baptist Fellowship. The group, which coordinates military chaplain work, is comprised of individuals who pay to belong.

Fellowship President John Vaughn said Smith called Wednesday morning and asked for a leave of absence. Although Smith connected the request to his recent resignation from Bethel Baptist, he did not give a reason for his absence or a date he might return, Vaughn said.

“We hope that at the time of our next meeting (in February), this whole situation will be resolved,” Vaughn said.

He’s fielded a lot of calls in the past week about Smith, his role with the fellowship and at Bethel Baptist, Vaughn said. Smith was not paid for chairing the fellowship’s board.

Bethel Baptist Assistant Pastor Bob Cook declined last week to say much about Smith’s resignation and he did not return calls this week.  A statement displayed on the church’s website said only that Smith resigned and his resignation was accepted.

For now, Smith still sits on a cooperating board of trustees at his alma mater, Bob Jones University in South Carolina. But university spokesman Brian Scoles said an executive board plans to meet to discuss Smith’s future.

Smith is part of a 32-member advisory board and receives no pay, Scoles said.

kthayer@tribune.com