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.
Church family,
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.VIEW THE LETTERHERE
We want to address any questions or concerns you may have. You can submit those questions using the link below and we will strive to answer them in the next 48 hours.
SUBMIT QUESTIONSHERE
If you would like to send encouragement to The Patrick Family, please use the link below.SEND ENCOURAGEMENT HERE
For additional resources, visit thejourney.org.
Patrick is currently listed as vice-president of the Acts 29 board of directors (UPDATE: Patrick’s photo and bio have now been removed) and was a part of the decision to remove Mark Driscoll from membership in the A29 Network. He and his wife had recently released a book titled, A Dude’s Guide to Marriage.
UPDATE 2: Patrick’s picture has been removed from The Gospel Coalition’s Council webpage (cache).