Megachurch Pastor Removed Following Confession of “Sexual Sin”
A leading pastor of a Texas megachurch has been removed from his role after admitting to engaging in a “sexual sin.” John McKinzie, who co-founded Hope Fellowship in 2000 with his wife, Melissa, confessed his transgressions during a confessional meeting with church leadership, resulting in his departure from the ministry.
The church released a statement via email, explaining that McKinzie acknowledged a pattern of consensual behavior that rendered him unfit to continue serving as pastor. While the announcement refrained from divulging more specifics out of deference for the individuals involved, the seriousness of his actions was emphasized, disallowing any possibility of his return in a pastoral capacity.
The message also recognized the complex mix of emotions likely being experienced by the congregation. “We know you may be experiencing a swirl of emotions — sorrow, confusion, anger, or even disbelief. We grieve not only the sin itself but also the pain and disappointment this brings to our church family and community,” the email explained.
In a letter shared with local media by his interim successor, Aaron Alexander, McKinzie accepted full responsibility for his actions. “My actions have disqualified me from spiritual leadership; there is no doubt about that fact,” he stated, adding that the church remains in secure hands and that the community will continue to be cared for by God.
McKinzie, a married father of four who resided in a million-dollar home near the ministry, urged supporters to maintain their commitment to the church’s mission. “Please pray, please continue to serve, and please continue to invest so that the mission of Hope can continue like never before,” he wrote.
This controversy comes on the heels of another recent scandal at Hope Fellowship, in which a student pastor was removed after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with a minor that allegedly took place a decade ago at a previous church. Earlier communications from the congregation had addressed that matter, with McKinzie previously emphasizing the importance of transparency regarding abuse and misconduct issues within the church community.
Hope Fellowship, which has expanded its campuses to include locations in Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper, currently welcomes between 8,000 and 9,000 attendees each week. The leadership and board now face the delicate task of guiding the congregation through the aftermath of these revelations, while reaffirming their commitment to the church’s core values.
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