Megachurch, Hillsong Dallas pastors have resigned, adding to the two-month transition and turmoil at the global megachurch.
On Sunday, the 3rd of January, Reed Bogard announced him and his wife’s resignation in a pre-arranged message broadcast during the church’s ongoing worship service.
“The last 10 years of being in church planting mode has really taken a bit of a toll on Jess and I and our family,” Bogard said. “We just really feel like it’s time to transition off of our staff and take some time. Remain healthy, get healthy, and really see what this next season holds for us.”
The announcement, which preceded by worship music, was relatively short, with no further explanation for the resignation.
Bogard’s departure follows the firing of Hillsong New York City lead pastor Carl Lentz in November. Lentz had admitted to extra-marital relationship. Lentz’s departure sparked tabloid coverage of Lentz’s relationship with a jewelry designer, who spoke about their relationship on “Good Morning America.”
Since Lentz’s exit, his most popular members, particularly Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, have reportedly severed ties with Lentz and Hillsong. Bieber recently announced on Instagram that he is now attending Churchome, which is headed by Pastor Judah Smith.
Bogard, 38, and his wife, Jess Bogard, 35, were part of the “teams on the ground” that started the New York City Hillsong church in 2010, alongside Lentz.
Like Lentz, Bogard met his wife at Hillsong International Leadership College in Australia. After living in Australia and playing various roles in Hillsong’s headquarters, the couple returned to the United States to establish a church. According to his profile on the Dallas Church website, in addition to helping launch the NYC, Bogard and his wife also helped start the Los Angeles branch of the Megachurch.
After Bogard’s announcement, Hillsong co-founder Brian Houston told the Dallas congregation “I’m not sure whether [Bogard’s departure] comes as a shock.”
Houston went on to praise Bogard’s work, saying the couple “gave their heart and soul to Hillsong Dallas.”
According to Houston, it is a new season for the Hillsong Dallas pastors, as well as a new season for Hillsong church.
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