Mon. Feb 17th, 2025

Another megachurch pastor is stepping down from his role, but not for a reason you may think.

Pastor Jon Weece of Southland Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky, announced to his congregation that he will be stepping down in January 2026 with the intention of becoming a regular member of the church.

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As the Christian Post reported, Weece has been serving with Southland since 2000, starting first as a teaching pastor before becoming the lead three years later. While some may question why he would choose to do so, Weece says his decision has nothing to do with moral standing, but rather everything to do with the emotional toll he’s seen ministers go through.

“I’ve always wanted to be healthier than the church I’m serving,” Weece says. “I’m not stepping aside because I’m tired. I’m not stepping aside because I’m angry or sad. I’m not stepping aside because I’ve done something immoral or nefarious or foolish.

“I’ve had a front row to ministry my whole life,” he continues. “My parents, my uncles, aunts, cousins, siblings, nieces, nephews, were all involved in church ministry and I’ve watched a sad dynamic take place at the leadership level. Preachers either leave a church way too early or they stay way too long. Both can do irrevocable damage to the church and not set it up for future success. I’ve always wanted to strike a balance with that.”

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“I’m stepping aside because I genuinely believe it’s what’s best for Southland, and if it’s what’s best for Southland, man, I’m all in,” Weece told the church in his initial announcement.

Speaking with Pastor Scott Nickell who will be taking over his position, Weece pointed out the importance of family for both his well-being and Nickell’s.

“Both of us have committed to not sacrifice our families on the altar of ministry and ego,” Weece says.

Weece’s decision to step aside as lead pastor shows a different reason why ministers may step aside from the pulpit besides scandal or death. God simply may be calling Weece into a new season, into a new kind of ministry. One such example of someone going into a new direction with ministry was founder of Hillsong, Brian Houston, who recently launched an online church community now known as JesusFollowersTV. Just like anyone else, pastors also must follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit for whichever direction He wants to steer their lives.

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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

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