Orlando Megachurch Pastor David Loveless Admits Affair, Resigns
In the wake of an affair, David Loveless has stepped down from his lead pastor role at Discovery Church.
Loveless’ resignation was announced to the Orlando, Fla., megachurch over the weekend.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the immediate resignation of our lead pastor, David Loveless, following his acknowledgement of his participation in a wrongful relationship over multiple years with a woman not his wife,” church elders wrote in a statement.
“While David indicates that the relationship was ended approximately three years ago, we were only made aware of it when he informed us in recent days. David offered his resignation, and the elders prayerfully and unanimously accepted it.”
Loveless has handed over his pastoral responsibilities to Don Cousins, director of ministry. In the statement, the elders noted that this is a difficult circumstance for any church, regardless of size, and serves as a poignant reminder of the frailty of man and the need to live in honest community and accountability with other believers.
“While we believe David Loveless can be restored to Christian fellowship and productive Christian service, we do not believe he can serve as a pastor at Discovery Church,” the statement said. The elders then offered a list of prayers for Loveless and the church.
Loveless is the third Orlando pastor to step down in light of an affair in the past six months. He follows Isaac Hunter, former lead pastor at Summit Church, and Sam Hinn, former pastor of the Gathering Place Worship Center.
