Megachurch pastor Darrin Patrick has been removed from his position of leadership at The Journey in St. Louis.
According to Patheos blogger Warren Throckmorton, Patrick has been accused of “pastoral misconduct” and removed from his position as pastor by The Journey’s elders.
A statement on the church’s website says:
In recent weeks, allegations of pastoral misconduct regarding Pastor Darrin Patrick were made and confirmed. These actions, combined with a historical pattern of sin, led to the heartbreaking decision to remove Pastor Darrin from his role at The Journey and require him to step down from all internal and external leadership positions.
The accusations were not of adultery, but his behavior violates the high standard for a pastor/elder. In the last few years the elders have experienced and confronted issues regularly and intentionally with Darrin. This reveals that he has not been pursuing a personal walk with Jesus in a manner that reflects his pastoral calling and position as an elder in the church (I Peter 5:1-5, I Tim. 3:1-7). Though we all stumble in many ways, those called to teaching and preaching carry the weighty responsibility of setting an example of a Christ honoring lifestyle with the consequence of stricter judgment (James 3:1).
A more in-depth letter was also sent out by the church to all on its email list.
The email letter was addressed to “Church family” and stated:
We are writing to you with heavy hearts to share significant news regarding Pastor Darrin and The Journey. Please take the time to read the attached letter. Our members have already received this communication and we will process this news together as a church family this weekend at all of our local churches.
According to ChristianityToday.com, Patrick apologized to his congregation stating, “In short, I am a completely devastated man, utterly broken by my sin and in need of deep healing. The way that the Journey elders have demonstrated their desire to see me restored to Jesus, as well as their love for me, Amie, and our family is nothing short of miraculous and beyond gracious.”
Patrick had been leading The Journey for 14 years.
Publication date: April 13, 2016
