North Texas church announces departure of lead pastor for “inappropriate” actions in vague sermon

ARGYLE, Texas — Sunday, Cross Timbers Church announced the resignation of its Lead Pastor Josiah Anthony via sermon.

In a sermon to congregants, which has since been deleted from the church’s Facebook page, Lead Elder John Chalk addressed Anthony’s departure in broad terms. Chalk read from a written statement addressing Anthony’s resignation from the church. 

“Josiah has been in a prolonged and sustained season of struggle with his emotional and mental health which has been very painful for him and those around him,” Chalk said to the congregation. “Throughout this struggle, some of Josiah’s decisions and actions were inappropriate and hurtful to current and former members of the CT family and staff.”

“Events and circumstances” involving Anthony have occurred over the “past few years,” Chalk told congregants. 

“During this time, Josiah was not forthcoming and transparent with the staff and the elder board,” Chalk said during his sermon. “Once all of this came to light over the last few weeks it became evident that Josiah could not continue to serve as our lead pastor.”

Church elders asked Anthony to resign and he agreed, according to Elder Chalk. 

Anthony began working for Cross Timbers church as a student pastor in 2014. Over nine years, worked his way up to become Senior Pastor, a position he has held since March 2022, according to Anthony’s LinkedIn. 

Byron Copeland, currently executive pastor at Cross Timbers, will serve as interim lead pastor, Chalk announced. 

After Chalk read the statement, the church’s founding pastor Toby Slough addressed the congregation asking them to stick with the church.

“As you process through the reality of this day, in the context of quite honestly what we’re hearing on the news…  my prayer is that we would let unchanging truth be our guiding light, even when it doesn’t feel that way,” Chalk said through tears. 

He also praised “the individuals who had the courage to speak to our elders about some challenges that they had had, with grace and integrity.” 

He also praised the church elders for taking action.