The pastor of one of Wisconsin’s largest churches resigned recently due to marital infidelities and addictions.
“While I have been open with you about much of the journey, there is one part that I have kept hidden,” Elmbrook Church former senior pastor Jason Webb writes in a letter obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I have also been struggling with a serious addiction, which has led to many betrayals, including unfaithfulness to my wife, Heather.”
Webb stepped into the senior pastor position in 2014 after leading daughter church Brooklife. Webb served under the Elmbrook umbrella in various capacities for the last 17 years.
“Words cannot fully describe how sorry I am for my sin. The gravity of all of this is not lost on me. I have lied to Heather, my counselor, the men in my life, the elders, the staff and the church,” Webb writes. “I am so very sorry. As I come to terms with this, I must take two difficult steps for myself, my wife and my children.”
Webb says he will seek treatment for the next six weeks but will not return to leadership. However, his wife will remain on staff as a pastor and director of global partnerships.
“Words cannot fully describe how sorry I am for my sin. The gravity of all of this is not lost on me. I have lied to Heather, my counselor, the men in my life, the elders, the staff and the church. I am so very sorry,” Webb writes.
Elmbrook Church appears to be reeling from the revelation.
“We are working diligently on an interim plan in the absence of a senior pastor and will communicate a way forward as soon as possible,” Gary Gregg, chairman of the elder council, says. “We understand this is unimaginable news.
“It is a staggering loss, and we share your sorrow and sense of betrayal. It would be easy to lose hope, but let’s gather together as a family this weekend to find solace and anchor our souls to Jesus, the only one who is capable of calming the chaos.”
Gregg isn’t the only one dealing with the shock.
“Infidelity is about the worst betrayal you could do to someone that you’ve pleaded a commitment to. It’s upsetting to find out that our leader of the church failed to live up to those promises that he made,” church member Andy Moore tells a CBS affiliate.
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