Pastor Ted Shuttlesworth Jr. steps away from ministry over adultery: report
Quick Summary
- Pastor Ted Shuttlesworth Jr. reportedly steps away temporarily from ministry over adultery.
- Shuttlesworth confessed to adultery and 'multiple inappropriate conversations' outside his marriage.
- His wife, Carolyn, will assume greater leadership responsibilities during his absence.
Miracle Word Ministries co-founder Pastor Ted Shuttlesworth Jr. has reportedly stepped away from leadership temporarily after confessing to adultery and engaging in “multiple inappropriate conversations” outside his marriage.
The Florida-based ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Christian Post on Wednesday, but Shuttlesworth and his wife, Carolyn, recently announced the move in separate letters to their supporters, according to a report from Protestia.
The prominent Pentecostal evangelist, who also co-pastors Miracle Word Church and founded Miracle Word University, an online biblical school, said in his letter that he is “extremely ashamed and deeply grieved” over the “sexual activity with a woman who was not my wife.”
He noted, however, that he had already repented before both God and his wife.
“For now, I am stepping away from ministry. I’ve repented to the Lord and asked Him to heal and protect my family from the damage this has caused,” he said. “Other than my salvation, Carolyn is the greatest gift the Lord has given me. She has been so gracious and strong. She’s truly an unbelievable woman, and she continues to amaze me.”
Carolyn Shuttlesworth said in her letter that she was disappointed to learn about her husband’s affair and multiple inappropriate conversations over the past month, and insisted the ministry is real despite his failure.
“Please know this from the depths of my heart: nothing you have prayed, given, or sown into this ministry has been false or in vain. God has faithfully moved, lives have been changed, and souls have been reached,” she wrote. “While it can be deeply painful and disappointing when someone we respect falls into sin, I encourage you not to allow one man’s failure to diminish what God has done through your obedience and faithfulness.”
She stated that she will be taking on more leadership responsibilities in the ministry as her husband goes through a period of restoration.
“Pastor Ted and I will be taking intentional time to focus on restoring our marriage and strengthening our family. At the same time, we remain committed to the calling God placed on our lives many years ago,” she said. “Though he is stepping away from ministry for the time being, I will be stepping forward in greater leadership and ministry responsibility during this season, and I am deeply grateful for your continued prayers and support.”
Carolyn Shuttlesworth also noted that while it has been a difficult period for her family, she is trusting in the hand of God and the power of repentance to find successful restoration for her household.
“If anyone understands the pain and sorrow this situation has caused, it is me and our family. Yet, I also know the power of genuine repentance and the restoring mercy of God,” she wrote.
“The hand of God has been upon this ministry for the past 16 years, and I firmly believe that through Pastor Ted’s sincere repentance before the Lord and those he has hurt, God’s grace will continue to sustain Miracle Word Ministries.”
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