I’M LEAVING: Pastor Jentezen Franklin Announces Departure from Church
In a shocking turn of events, Pastor Jentezen Franklin has announced his departure from his long-standing role as the senior pastor of his church. The revelation came today during a live broadcast where Franklin addressed his congregation and the wider public. Known for his dynamic leadership and powerful sermons, Franklin’s sudden decision has left many in disbelief.
Pastor Franklin has served as the lead pastor of Free Chapel, a multi-campus megachurch located in Georgia, for several decades. Under his leadership, the church grew exponentially, attracting thousands of members, with an international audience tuning into his services through television and social media platforms. Franklin’s ministry has had a significant impact on both local communities and the global Christian network, and his departure raises several questions about the future of the church and his personal reasons for leaving.
In his emotional announcement, Franklin expressed his deep gratitude for the time spent with his church family. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your pastor,” he said. “But after much prayer and reflection, I feel that it is time for me to step away and embrace the next chapter of my life and ministry.”
While Franklin did not give specific details regarding his reasons for leaving, he alluded to personal and spiritual considerations that led to his decision. “There comes a time in every leader’s journey when you must listen to God’s calling and recognize when it’s time to move on,” he explained. “This is not a decision I made lightly, and it is one that comes with a heavy heart.”
Sources close to the pastor suggested that Franklin’s decision may have been influenced by the growing pressures and demands that come with leading a high-profile ministry. As the head of a large church, Franklin has faced not only the challenges of preaching to thousands each week but also managing a sprawling organization with multiple campuses and a vast media presence. Despite these challenges, Franklin remained committed to his mission, often traveling around the world to preach and engage with his followers.
However, insiders have speculated that the strain of balancing his personal life with the responsibilities of leading a global ministry may have played a role in his decision. “Pastoring such a large congregation can be incredibly taxing,” said one source, who asked to remain anonymous. “At a certain point, the constant demands can wear on a person, and it’s understandable that he may have felt it was time to step away for his own well-being.”
The news of Pastor Franklin’s departure has sent shockwaves through the Free Chapel community. Many congregants expressed their sadness and confusion in online forums and social media platforms, where messages of support for Franklin and his family poured in. “Pastor Franklin has been a spiritual father to so many of us,” one church member posted on Facebook. “It’s hard to imagine our church without him, but we trust that God is guiding his steps.”
Franklin has not announced any plans for what he will do next but hinted at pursuing new opportunities within the broader Christian community. “There are still many things I believe God wants me to do,” he shared. “This is not the end of the journey, but simply a new beginning.”
Church leaders have assured the congregation that the church will continue its mission and that the search for a new pastor will begin soon. In the meantime, Franklin’s son, Josh Franklin, who has been involved in the ministry for several years, will step in as interim leader.
As the Free Chapel family processes the news, many are left wondering what this next phase in Pastor Jentezen Franklin’s life will look like. For now, the church community is focused on supporting him and his family, trusting that God’s plan for their future will unfold in the right time.
