Rocky.Church
Elder Updates
Elder update following the in service announcement on January 26th.
Please be praying for Matt, Vanessa, and their girls during this difficult time. Please be praying for the church staff, leadership and Elders as we navigate through this difficult time.
I missed church on Sunday, can you explain what the communication in service was about?
Two weeks ago, Matt’s wife Vanessa asked to have a conversation with Matt. In that conversation, Vanessa admitted to a three year sexual affair in the past that Matt was unaware of. In that same conversation, Vanessa told Matt that she no longer wanted to be married and planned to seek a divorce.
What does the Bible say about this situation?
As stated Sunday morning, the Elders sought God’s direction through prayer and reading relevant Bible passages (from Old Testament through New Testament) Some examples are: Gen. 2, Deut. 24, Matt. 19, and Titus 1.
Is Matt going to continue serving as our Lead Pastor?
Yes. The Elders, after considering the known circumstances, spending an extensive amount of time reading and researching scripture, and praying extensively, do not believe Matt is disqualified from his position as Lead Pastor.
Does Matt want to remain Lead Pastor?
Yes, Matt has expressed a deep desire to continue in his role. Currently, Matt’s primary focus during this difficult time is his family and we support this focus.
What is being done for the Cotes?
Rocky is offering various options of support for Matt, Vanessa, and their girls as they work through this challenge.The Cotes have been provided the opportunity for counseling to assist the family through these difficult times. In addition, the Elders are working through a support system to provide healing.
What has been done to restore their marriage?
There have been a series of meetings with Matt and Vanessa. While Matt has expressed a willingness to continue to work hard for their marriage, Vanessa has been clear that she does not want to continue the marriage any longer and is seeking divorce.
What steps were taken to thoroughly understand the situation, including any potential shortcomings on Matt’s part?
The Elders have held a series of meetings with Matt and Vanessa separately. We also spoke with close confidants of Matt regarding his character. We found that Matt’s integrity is intact – there are no other issues of concern.
Matt was promoted within the last year to the Lead Pastor role. Were the Elders thorough in their process of inquiring about the health of Matt & Vanessa’s marriage during the interview and consideration process?
Yes. We thoroughly discussed with Matt and Vanessa the state of their marriage and whether there were unknown incidents or issues that could impact their relationship or Rocky. We also spoke with close confidants who could assess their marriage, as well as Matt’s ability to serve as a Lead Pastor. At that time, Matt was unaware of Vanessa’s physical affair and her desire to end the marriage.
When did Matt and the Elders become aware of this situation?
The news of Vanessa’s physical affair and her request for a divorce are new in the last two weeks.
Is Matt taking any time off?
Understandably, Matt will be taking some time to care for his family and himself.

James Wittler

Tim Jenkins

JACK NUGENT

Mark Birmingham

TOM dr0chner

Joe Chrisman

sheldon mullet
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