Nashville pastor Scott Sauls has been indefinitely suspended from ministry, following an investigation that revealed a toxic work culture.
His suspension was instigated on Friday by Nashville Presbytery, a regional governing body for the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).
This was disclosed in a Monday Twitter post after voting members of Nashville Presbytery, comprising of pastors, teaching elders, and ruling elders of local churches met for a meeting to review Sauls’ case.
“On Friday, May 12, Nashville Presbytery met and voted to indefinitely suspend Scott Sauls from ministry,” it wrote. “The presbytery also appointed a committee for Scott’s care and shepherding and sent a letter to Christ Presbyterian Church notifying the church of its actions.”
The Nashville Presbytery noted also that Sauls had not engaged in any “alcohol or substance abuse, theft, violence, broken marriage vows, or anything related to pornography or sexual sin.”
Sauls’ suspension from ministry came a week after he was placed by his church on an indefinite leave of absence from his position as the senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church, following an investigation into his conduct as a leader.
The investigation commenced after some former Church staff raised concerns about Saul’s attitude through a letter sent to the church.
Saul however admitted his unhealthy leadership style and also apologized to the congregation in a video message.
“I verbalized insensitive and verbal criticism of others’ work. I’ve used social media and the pulpit to quiet dissenting viewpoints. I’ve manipulated facts to support paths that I desire,” Saul said.
“I am grieved to say that I have hurt people,” he continued. “I want to say to all of you that I am sorry,” he added.
The presbytery emphasized that there has been no alcohol or substance abuse, theft, violence, broken marriage vows, or anything related to pornography or sexual sin.
— byFaith Online (@PCAByFaith) May 16, 2023