Calvary Chapel Names New Lead Pastor
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – About a month after Pastor Bob Coy's abrupt resignation over what was called "moral failure," Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale announced a new lead pastor.
Pastor Doug Sauder was named Lead Pastor during a service at the church Wednesday night, according to the church's blog.
Sauder has been a member of Calvary Chapel staff for 14 years.
Sauder, according to his bio on the church's website, is married with three kids and was born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale. He graduated from Plantation High School and Florida International University with a bachelor's and a master's degree.
Sauder is taking over for Pastor Bob Coy who resigned last month.
Known for his powerful preaching, Coy led Calvary Chapel Church in Fort Lauderdale for 30 years, but abruptly resigned over what was called a "moral failure."
READ: Calvary Chapel Members Ready To Move On After Beloved Pastor's Abrupt Resignation
Coy's resignation was announced at a special church meeting in early April.
At the time of Coy's resignation, the church released a statement that read in part, "Bob Coy resigned as Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, effective immediately, after confessing to a moral failing in his life…Pastor Bob will be focusing his full attention on his personal relationship with God and his family. The governing board of the church is providing counselors and ministers who will help guide him through the process of full repentance, cleansing and restoration."
On Wednesday, members of Calvary Chapel said Sauder is a terrific choice to lead the church.
"He's a great guy, great character and a good family man so he's a great foundation for him to have as a pastor here," said church member Cullen Montgomery.
"No matter what happens God is above all things and the principle will never change," said church member Rosaly Guimaraes. "Pastors can change but the principle of God's love will never change."
On the Calvary Chapel website they said the church body praised the choice of Pastor Doug Sauder for this position saying that he has spiritual character and competency.