Darrin Patrick, Former Acts 29 Vice-President, Removed from Megachurch for ‘Historical Pattern of Sin’

Darrin Patrick, lead pastor and founder of The Journey Church in St. Louis, Mo., and vice president of the ACTS 29 Church Planting Network, speaks during the morning session June 13 on the second day of the 2011 SBC Pastors’ Conference at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Ariz. The conference was held prior to the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting June 14-15 at the same location. Photo by Kent Harville

Another megachurch pastor has fallen on hard times.

According to the church website, Darrin Patrick pastor at The Journey in St. Louis has been relieved of duty.

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).

We agonized over this decision, and from the very beginning of this process, the elders have sought diligently to love Darrin, remind him of the Gospel, put a care team in place for his family, and make immediate plans for the church. Darrin has willingly placed himself under this care. With these resources in place, we are extremely hopeful in our God who is powerful to bring redemption and grace from the midst of brokenness. Ultimately, our faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel gives us tremendous hope for renewed health and spiritual vitality for Darrin, the good of God’s church, and the glory of Jesus Christ. Therefore, as the Bible teaches us, our hope is not in a leader but in the Lord:

The Lord is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed….
Be their shepherd and carry them forever.  –Psalm 28:8-9

The Journey Board of Elders and Lead Pastors

A more extensive letter has been publicly released via email. The email was sent to those on The Journey’s “church family” email list.

Click here too read more.

SOURCE: Patheos – Warren Throckmorton