He was the last guy you ever thought would fall into sexual sin. Pastor Bob Coy confessed to a “moral failing” in his life last week that disqualifies him from leadership of the megachurch he founded.
After stepping down from Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, which reports 20,000 members at its main campus alone, “Pastor Bob” has been met with nasty remarks from heresy hunters—and a flood of grace from members of his church. Here are a few of the gracious reactions from people posting on Charisma News’ story about the fallen pastor:
“It was Pastor Bob who restored my faith in God and got me back into church. I know he went down the wrong path but with redemption and prayer and the forgiveness of family, friends and the church, he will come back to us and teach us the Bible again. My prayers are with him and his family.” —Terri Thomas
“Pastor Bob, you are my brother in Christ. I will be praying for you and your family, as well as for all my brothers and sisters who are part of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale.” —Cindy Cooper
“If not for Pastor Bob, the staff and all I have learned through Calvary Chapel, I would not have been able to overcome the worst and most difficult times of my life. I am today a strong and confident women, I live my life with joy and have been able to minister to many because of Calvary Chapel. Our prayers and love for Pastor Bob, his family and Calvary Chapel are unconditional. But we need to pray for those who will use this to attack Pastor Bob, Calvary Chapel and Christianity.” —Leida Iris Santana
“Pastor Coy has been my pastor for a really long time. I am a sinner, he is a sinner, you people reading this are sinners. The difference is…Pastor Bob preaches God’s word so dynamically, and our church has so many wonderful ministries and out reaches that Satan I am sure doubles or triples his efforts with Bob and Calvary. I know this is a huge , horrible bump in the road, but God will heal these wounds. God gave him such a gift…thousands get saved when he and our other pastors preach. I love him … and will pray for Diane and the kids ….God restores our soul. Calvary will stay strong!” —meglvsJC
“Pastor Bob needs grace right now. The devil is so bad and so dirty that he will use this opportunity to mess with people’s mind, especially those that aren’t so strong in Jesus.” —Patrick Lima
“I am saved because of Pastor Bob through Jesus Christ and my life has forever been changed for 10 years now. Pastor Bob is a blessing of a teacher of the Word and he has saved hundreds week after week. Whatever he did, Jesus has already forgiven him. I am heartbroken that he has resigned. We all make mistakes, no one is perfect but Jesus. I am praying for you Pastor Bob and your family wherever The Lord leads you, you will be blessed, a blessing, an amazing man, and certainly not ever forgotten.” —Annie B.
