Prominent Pentecostal pastor and evangelist Ted Shuttlesworth Jr. is stepping down from ministry (at least temporarily) after revealing that he’s been cheating on his wife and having “inappropriate conversations” with other women.
Shuttlesworth is the co-pastor of Miracle Word Church in West Palm Beach, Florida, which he helms along with his wife. The author of nearly 20 books, he co-founded Miracle Word Ministries in 2010, which has grown into a multi-faceted organization with a physical church, online media, travel crusades, and educational programs. He is the founder of Miracle Word University, hosts his own podcast show, and has been frequently associated with the new, savvier, wing of the prosperity gospel movement.
Notably, Shuttlesworth comes from a “preaching dynasty” with more than a dozen close members of the family in full-time ministry. His father is Ted Shuttlesworth Sr., a prominent televangelist and revivalist who runs Faith Alive Fellowship. One of his uncles is Tiff Shuttlesworth and one of his cousins is Jonathan Shuttlesworth, both pastors with prominent ministries.
Ted Jr. shared the news with ministry partners in a letter exclusively obtained by Protestia:
Unfortunately, in the midst of so many miracles and breakthroughs, I let my own guard down….I failed to stand in my authority when temptations came.
Needless to say, my actions opened the door, which I allowed, for sin to come in through loose and inappropriate conversations with the opposite sex.
Noting that “This letter contains no excuses because there are none. As believers, we should always hold ourselves to a standard of uncompromising holiness. Anything less is displeasing to the Lord,” he reveals:
These sinful actions culminated in sexual activity with a woman who was not my wife. I’m extremely ashamed and deeply grieved by my actions.
For now, I am stepping away from ministry.I’ve repented to the Lord and asked Him to heal and protect my family from the damage this has caused.
I have also repented to my wife. Other than my salvation, Carolyn is the greatest gift the Lord has given me. She has been so gracious and strong. She’s truly an unbelievable woman, and she continues to amaze me.
We hinted at this revelation several days ago, and called our shot regarding Ted’s ministry future:
A quick return certainly seems to be the case. Along with saying that he’s stepping down “for now,” he also added:
Though I’m currently stepping down from ministry, should God in His mercy give me another opportunity, I’m willing to answer the call.
…I’m thankful that we serve a merciful and forgiving God. I’m thanking Him daily for full restoration and healing. His mercies are truly new every morning and His faithfulness is great.
His wife, ‘pastor’ Carolyn, also shared her own letter that Ted was caught having “multiple inappropriate conversations” with various women.
Over the past month, it has come to my attention that my husband, Pastor Ted quordble Shuttlesworth Jr., was involved in an affair and multiple inappropriate conversations.
Please know this from the depths of my heart: nothing you have prayed, given, or sown into this ministry has been false or in vain. God has faithfully moved, lives have been changed, and souls have been reached.
While it can be deeply painful and disappointing when someone we respect falls into sin, I encourage you not to allow one man’s failure to diminish what God has done through your obedience and faithfulness.
She adds:
If anyone understands the pain and sorrow this situation has caused, it is me and our family. Yet, I also know the power of genuine repentance and the restoring mercy of God. The hand of God has been upon this ministry for the past 16 years, and I firmly believe that through Pastor Ted’s sincere repentance before the Lord and those he has hurt, God’s grace will continue to sustain Miracle Word Ministries.
And concludes by echoing his belief that his departure is unlikely to be permanent:
Pastor Ted and I will be taking intentional time to focus on restoring our marriage and strengthening our family. At the same time, we remain committed to the calling God placed on our lives many years ago.
Though he is stepping away from ministry for the time being, I will be stepping forward in greater leadership and ministry responsibility during this season, and I am deeply grateful for your continued prayers and support.
I humbly ask that you would extend forgiveness toward Pastor Ted, just as I have chosen to forgive, and just as Christ has extended forgiveness to each of us.
The couple have three children. Please keep them and the family in your prayers.
