Published on August 18, 2024, 12:30 am

Image source: Fox News

In a series of unfolding events at Cross Timbers Church in North Texas, both the lead pastor and the executive pastor have resigned within a month. These resignations came after alleged inappropriate conduct painted a concerning picture.

Byron Copeland, who served as the executive pastor at Cross Timbers since November 2023, offered his resignation recently. This event followed just weeks after lead pastor Josiah Anthony stepped down due to allegations related to behavior of a sexual nature.

A proponent of trust and accountability in religious environments, Copeland relayed heartfelt emotions to the church community upon his departure, acknowledging the pain experienced at Cross Timbers but also expressing optimism for its future under new leadership. The founding pastor, Toby Slough, has currently been reinstated as interim lead pastor in this transition period.

On further scrutiny into Anthony’s case following his resignation in July, it was found truths were not fully disclosed during initial investigations. Communications with women that were “excessively personal and overly familiar” came into view. The issue initially surfaced before Anthony took an annual sabbatical when elders noticed an inappropriate communication episode with a former female member of their congregation.

It became clear that Anthony had not been transparent about his struggles leading to worrisome patterns in his behavior over several years. These revelations ultimately led to his inability to continue serving as lead pastor and anticipation for similar allegations possibly looming.

While focusing on providing real news about these events from a Christian worldview perspective, it is crucial also to address Byron Copeland’s past controversy where he was named in a civil rights violation lawsuit against Gateway Church – where he had earlier served for over 19 years as the executive pastor- back in 2023.

Cultivating trusted news requires shedding light on such incidents requiring accountability and change within any society or organization including religious institutions like Cross Timbers Church. Such issues underline the importance of transparency and healthy dialogue concerning misconduct while committing itself firmly against tolerating any such behaviors that deviate from its principles.

As Cross Timbers navigates this turbulent period, the community appears to surround itself with hope and faith for better days ahead under sturdy new leadership. Despite these critical challenges, the congregation remains optimistic, maintaining their belief in the strength of character of the church staff amidst this crisis.