Megachurch Pastor Relieved From Duties Following Accusations of Alcohol Abuse, ‘Concealment of Wrongdoing’
Chapelstreet Church Lead pastor Jeff Frazier has been placed on a leave of absence from his role at the influential Chicago multisite megachurch, following accusations of alcohol abuse, willful concealment of his shenanigans, and lying about it when caught.
A letter sent to congregants from the church reads:
After much prayer and discussion, seeking God’s guidance and with heavy hearts, the Executive Council has made the following decision.
Pastor Jeff has been placed on a leave of absence to address issues that are preventing him from performing his duties as Lead Pastor in accordance with biblical standards. These issues include the possession and use of alcohol on church premises while performing duties, the willful concealment of the wrongdoing, and his denials when confronted.
Both church leadership and Pastor Jeff are committed to a process of healing and restoration that, if successful, will lead to positive outcomes for him and our entire church body. We cannot predict the length of time this process will take, nor can we know the outcome.
Church leadership notes that while they are committed to keeping congregants “informed of the status of this process of restoration” they are constrained by an “inability to share sensitive information” as they work through the process, while asking members to refrain from gossiping, speculating, and not listening to those that do.
Pray for Jeff, his family, and the church.
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