<p>MALDEN, Mo. — A southeastern Missouri preacher went on leave from his church and is seeking professional counseling after giving a sermon that chastised married women who “let themselves go” and held up former first lady Melania Trump as the pinnacle of feminine beauty. </p>
<p>A video widely circulated on social media shows Pastor Stewart-Allen Clark’s sermon before the 1st General Baptist Church in Malden in the state’s bootheel. The sermon was roundly panned as sexist and counter to Christian teachings. </p>
<p>In the video, Clark berated wives who gained weight after marriage and admonished that they should look good for their husbands, adding, "it’s important that he thinks you’re hot!</p>
<p>“I’m not saying every woman can be the epic — the epic – trophy wife of all time like Melania Trump,” Clark said, as a photo of the former first lady appeared behind him on a screen. “Most women can’t be trophy wives, but you know … maybe you’re a participation trophy.”</p>
<p>The church’s website said Clark began his leave on March 2 and is seeking professional counseling.</p>
<p>A statement from the General Baptist Council of Associations, with which Clark’s church is affiliated, also condemned Clark’s sermon.</p>
<p>“General Baptists believe that every woman was created in the image of God, and they should be valued for that reason," the statement said. </p>
