Pastoring is one of the greatest honors and one of the heaviest callings God can place on a person’s life. For over fifteen years, I have had the privilege of serving this church with love, prayer, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to God’s Word and the spiritual health of this body. I do not take that lightly.
Recently, we have walked through a difficult season. One marked not by outside persecution, but by internal division. I want to address this not to stir emotion, but to bring clarity, truth, and biblical grounding to where we are as a church family.
Scripture reminds us in 1 Corinthians 14:33 that “God is not the author of confusion but of peace.” Confusion, gossip, half-truths, and secret conversations never originate from the Spirit of God. They originate from the flesh.
At times, leadership requires difficult conversations. Correction, accountability, and biblical alignment are not optional for those in leadership. They are required. Hebrews 13:17 tells us that leaders must “watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.” That verse does not describe a passive role. It describes responsibility.
When unhealthy behavior surfaces, it must be addressed. Not ignored. Not excused. And not spiritualized.
Scripture is clear in Matthew 18:15–17 that when there is an issue, it should be handled directly, honestly, and biblically. Private conversation before public fallout. Truth before assumptions. Dialogue before division.
Unfortunately, not everyone chooses that path…
In seasons like this, it is painful when people make decisions based on one-sided stories without ever seeking truth or conversation. Proverbs 18:17 says, “The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.” Truth requires examination. Wisdom asks questions. Maturity seeks understanding.
Silence, avoidance, and sudden exits do not equal righteousness.
I want to be very clear: accountability is not abuse. Correction is not control. Leadership is not manipulation. The Bible commands shepherds to protect the flock, not appease wolves. Titus 1:9–11 reminds leaders to refute those who contradict sound doctrine and to silence those who disrupt the body.
Division does not come from truth spoken in love.
Division comes from whispers, private messages, and narratives built in the dark.
Proverbs 6:16–19 lists things the Lord hates, and among them is “one who sows discord among brethren.” That is strong language, and it should sober all of us. Discord is not a personality flaw. It is a spiritual issue.
Social media has made it easier than ever to communicate indirectly, to imply rather than confront, to accuse without accountability. Scripture warns us against this kind of behavior long before social platforms ever existed. Galatians 5:15 says, “If you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another.”
This church will not be built on gossip.
It will not be led by emotional manipulation.
And it will not be governed by fear of offense.
At the same time, I want to speak to the faithful. Those who stayed. Those who prayed… Those who chose unity over rumors… You matter! Your faithfulness has not gone unnoticed by God.
1 Corinthians 15:58 reminds us that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
There are seasons when God allows pruning. Pruning is painful, but it is purposeful. John 15:2 tells us that every branch that bears fruit, He prunes so that it may bear more fruit. Pruning is not punishment. It is preparation.
I do not write this to shame anyone. I write this to anchor this church in Scripture, truth, and spiritual maturity. If anyone has questions, biblical concerns, or desires clarity, my door has always been open. Truth does not fear conversation.
As your pastor, my commitment remains the same:
- To preach the Word without compromise
- To lead with integrity
- To protect the unity and spiritual health of this church
- To choose obedience over popularity
Ephesians 4:1–3 calls us to walk worthy of our calling, with humility, gentleness, patience, and a commitment to unity. That is the path forward.
This church’s future is not threatened by those who left without seeking truth.
Its future is secured by those who remain rooted in Christ.
We will heal.
We will grow.
And we will move forward… together!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jonathan W. Pannell III
Rev. Jonathan W. Pannell III 
I’m not entirely sure what transpired in your church, nor is it necessary for me to. I do know … I departed from a church where the pastor would not confront sin. He ran away from Matthew 18:15-20. He chose (and still does) to be unrepentant and lie to the congregation. I appreciate your willingness to address sin and confrontation in a biblical manner. We cannot grow in complacency and in a world of pretend. I will be praying for you, your family & the church God has gifted you. May His will be done.