UNITED STATES
Christianity Today
Founder announces departure as beleaguered ministry requests dismissal of sex abuse lawsuit.
Jeremy Weber
C. J. Mahaney, founder of Sovereign Grace Ministries (SGM), will step down as its president effective April 12 in order to focus on being a local pastor. The news comes shortly after the beleaguered network of churches asked a Maryland court to dismiss a lawsuit alleging its leaders covered up the sexual abuse of children.
Mahaney announced in a blog post that he “will be transitioning from the role of President” as SGM’s proposed new polity structure “takes effect” and replaces his current role with a new executive director position.
“In October, I informed the Board of Sovereign Grace that I was withdrawing my name from consideration for Executive Director as I don’t think my gifts and sense of call are the best fit for certain aspects of this new role. I then announced this to our pastors on November 1 at our annual Pastors Conference,” writes Mahaney. “I am eager to once again devote my attention to pastoral ministry. Returning to the pulpit of a local church last September has only confirmed for me what I believe God has called and gifted me to do: pastor, preach, and fulfill a role in building the local church for the glory of God.”
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