In late October 2024, former pastor Alan confessed to sin which has disqualified him from the role of elder and pastor. He has resigned and no longer serves in the leadership of CityChurch Bristol in any capacity. Alan brought his confession before the church congregation during our gathering on October 27, 2024.

The elders’ full statement regarding this matter was sent to the congregation on October 29, 2024 and remains available to members of the CityChurch community upon request.

Steps Forward

In response to the events, the elders of CityChurch are working to foster healing and reconciliation for the individuals involved and for the members of our church body, to fill the vacancies left in church leadership and continue the ministry of the gospel in our community, and to guard against future transgressions among church leadership and staff.

Here are the actions being taken by the elders as CityChurch moves forward::

• Measures of church discipline are being imposed for the individuals involved in this transgression as we desire their full repentance and eventual restoration to our community, though not to roles of leadership.

• Care is being offered for those immediately affected by these events.

• The elders have called Taylor Whitson, who has served as pastoral resident and worship leader since November of 2023, to the role of interim pastor, which he has accepted.

• The elders are prayerfully considering candidates for elders to fill vacancies in leadership and meet CityChurch’s need for leaders of diverse experience, backgrounds, and stages of live.

• We are working to institute clear and strict policies and structures for accountability to prevent failures of this kind in the future.

• We are pursuing a relationship with team members from the Institute of Biblical Leadership who work with churches around the world to provide counsel and guidance from an outside perspective in various matters including leadership training and crisis response.