"The findings of this investigation and further confession from Pastor Darrin, combined with deep historical patterns of sin, led us to the heart-breaking decision to remove Pastor Darrin from office at The Journey and require him to step down from all internal and external leadership positions,"
Patrick was the founding pastor of Journey Church and the vice president of the Acts 29 Network. The Acts 29 Network has planted more than 500 churches around the world,
Patrick was removed for violating the "high standards" demanded for elders in marriage, including inappropriate connections with two women.
The Journey Board also confirmed Patrick violated the following:
● abandonment of genuine biblical community (Titus 1:8)
● refusal of personal accountability (failure to be a fellow elder according to 1 Pet. 5:1)
● lack of self-control (1 Tim. 3:2)
● manipulation and lying (Titus 1:8)
● domineering over those in his charge (1 Pet. 5:3)
● misuse of power/authority (1 Pet. 5:3)
● a history of building his identity through ministry and media platforms (necessity to be "sober-minded" in 1 Tim. 3:2 and avoid selfish gain in 1 Pet. 5:2)
"We did not arrive at this decision lightly but rather agonizingly, with deep consternation for our brother, after many hours with Darrin and his wife, Amie, praying diligently together, seeking professional counsel and outside assistance, and reflecting over a long and repeated pattern of breaking trust with other leaders," the letter continues.
Though Patrick's blog has been shut down and his Twitter account made private, the removed pastor included a note in Journey's letter.
"I am utterly horrified by the depth of my sin and devastated by the terrible effects of it on myself, my family and so many others, including all of you," Patrick writes. "I am so deeply and terribly sorry for the pain that my sin is causing you, as well as the broken trust that my sin has clearly produced.
"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. They have put together a thoroughly comprehensive restoration plan for myself and our family, and we have great hope for God's healing, restoration and reconciliation through this process. We are profoundly grateful for the elders' care in this, and are completely committed to every aspect of the plan that is in place," he writes.
Patrick concluded: "Journey, you are in good hands with your elders. Please know that Amie and I are completely committed to our marriage as well as the well-being of our children and family. We earnestly desire your prayers for us in this terribly painful but hopeful season. We are desperately clinging to God's promise that He loves us completely in spite of our sin, delights in us when we are at our weakest, and that He is, indeed, the restorer and healer of all brokenness.
MY COMMENT.
The word of God says that he that thinks he stand should take heed lest he falls(1 Corinthians 10.12) The fact that the anointing is so great that one can plant churches in different parts of the world does not mean that one cannot fall from grace.It is much easier to fall from grace than to rise up to greater grace.In the days of little beginnings,when one is not sure whether the ministry will succeed or not,one may remain humble, but the moment things begin to look great and prosperous in the ministry, then one must need special grace in order to remain faithful and humble.The Journey Church is in order to have removed the founding Pastor,the Pastor is in order for his humility and remorse.I see the holy ghost at work in this assembly and a revival coming upon it, for they desire to remain pure in the eyes of God.Pastor Patrick shall be restored back to the fold of Christ in due time in Jesus name amen.,
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