Another group of high-profile pastors leave the scandalized Hillsong mega-church under unclear circumstances.
Reed Bogard, 38, and his wife, Jess Bogard, 35, senior pastors in the Dallas branch of the Australia-based institution, walk away from the once-celebrity-beloved international cult chain after more than a decade of employment there.
“Hey church, I hope you’re doing well,” Reed says in a cutaway clip included in an hour-long Sunday sermon recorded live This weekend. “I just wanted to take a second on behalf of Jess and I to share some news with you.”
He goes on to explain how the couple met at Hillsong College and held various positions within the church – including positions in three US branches – over the past 15 years, which “has really taken its toll. on Jess and Me, on our family.
Without providing further explanation, he then announces: “We really think it’s time to leave our staff and take the time to stay healthy, get healthy and really see what the next season has in store for us. . ”
After praising Hillsong founders Brian Houston and his wife, Bobbie, the plan shifts from Bogard to Houston.
“Reed’s announcement for you right now, I don’t know if it’s going to be a shock, but I have to say that Reed and Jess have given their heart and soul to the Hillsong Dallas pioneer for the past two years, uh, and we’re thankful for that, “says Houston, 66, before adding,” Reed and I have been talking for a while and we both agree that this would be a great time for them to d ‘start a new season in their life. “
No further details are given, but Houston assures the Dallas congregation that they will eventually have new senior pastors, and that they “will not be abandoned.”
The Bogards’ resignations come less than two months after Justin Bieber’s former friend and Hillsong NYC senior pastor Carl Lentz was fired for what was initially described as a “breach of trust” and “Moral failures”. Lentz later admitted that he cheated on his wife, fellow Pastor Laura Lentz, into what turned out to be a scorching affair. In response, Hillsong launched an internal investigation into its east coast operations.
The service runs without any further mention of the sudden resignation of the longtime pastors, nor on the various social media accounts of Hillsong, on Brian or Bobbie Houston, or on that of the Bogards, who have amassed over 26,000 Instagram followers. .
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