A Norton pastor who was previously placed on sabbatical has now been permanently removed from ministry at The Father’s House.
The church announced the decision in an updated statement regarding Shawn Holderfield, following what church leaders say has been an outpouring of comments, texts, emails and private messages from the community.
“He has been permanently removed from ministry at The Father’s House,” the church said.
The announcement is a change from the church’s earlier response, which placed Holderfield on sabbatical.
Church leaders explained the original sabbatical was intended to leave room for “repentance, accountability, and counseling” and said they continue to believe people should have an opportunity to seek healing and change when wrongdoing occurs.
However, the church made clear that any opportunity for personal restoration will not include a return to ministry at The Father’s House.
“Grace does not erase accountability, and accountability does not have to mean the end of a person’s story,” the church said in its statement.
The Father’s House said it believes it can hold people accountable while still leaving room for redemption and personal restoration.
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