Leaders Say the Roc Will Roll on Following Pastor's Resignation, Sexual Abuse Charges

By Tayleigh Davis
NBC 12
June 9, 2013

http://www.nbc12.com/story/22540454/leaders-say-the-roc-will-roll-on-following-pastor-gs-resignation


[with video]

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) -

People and staff close to the former pastor of the ROC Church are speaking with NBC12 following his recent resignation. Geronimo Aguilar faces child sex charges in Fort Worth, Texas. 

Police say the man known as "Pastor G" sexually assaulted two young girls under the age of 14 dating back to 1996. Aguilar's attorney maintains his client's innocence.

Services will continue as usual and core outreach programs will carry on. Right now, leaders of the ROC are focused on finding a new church leader.  

"He was my pastor for 10 years," said ROC board member Billy Croxton. "He was a good friend and I wish him well but that's about it. We have to continue with this mission." 

"We don't want it to go on forever," said Stephen Lewis, the attorney representing the ROC. "We want to move forward. We feel like we need to move on that quickly."

Lewis wouldn't comment on when the board would hire a new pastor, but did say it's looking locally. The board is also seeking guidance from Jonathan Falwell - pastor and son of the late Jerry Falwell - an evangelical, conservative pastor who established Liberty University.  

Aguilar resigned last week following sexual abuse charges dating back 17 years ago.

Three other pastors, including Aguilar's own brother, also stepped down. ROC board member Billy Croxton says the recent turmoil isn't going to destroy the deep roots the roc has planted in Richmond over the past 12 years. 

"We can't stop," Croxton emphasized. "There are too many hurting people in the city of Richmond. We've got to go get them. They need to be churched. Jesus Christ is such an important part of this that we've got to continue doing what we're doing." 

Even though church services are going on as usual, the ROC is no longer airing on TV. Croxton says the ROC will continue its outreach programs including the bus ministry, the food pantry, and discipleship homes - but did not say how long all programs would be able to continue. 

"The community is behind us," Croxton added. "The congregation is upbeat. We're looking forward to continuing with God's vision that he's given us and that's to church the city of Richmond."

Church board members will meet Monday to discuss how long they'll allow "Pastor G" to live in a home owned by the church, and whether or not he or the other former pastors will receive severance packages.