5 notable Texas pastors who were removed or resigned over immoral behavior

5. John McKinzie - Hope Fellowship, Frisco

John McKinzie, the lead pastor of the multi-campus Hope Fellowship in North Texas, who had earlier announced the firing of one of the megachurch’s student pastors for “inappropriate contact with a minor,” resigned earlier this month after confessing to his own “sexual sin and moral failure.”

In an email sent to members and shared with The Christian Post, the church’s elders said McKinzie confessed his sins during a meeting with church leadership on Sunday. 

While the email did not disclose any details regarding McKinzie’s “sexual sin and moral failure,” the church’s leaders explained that the confession was strong enough to permanently disqualify the married father of four from leadership at the church.

“As a church, our hearts are broken and we are devastated. Many of us have been deeply blessed by John’s ministry, teaching, and friendship. We grieve not only the sin itself but also the pain and disappointment this brings to our church family and community,” the elders wrote.