FORT LAUDERDALE — Thousands of parishioners attending a special Sunday afternoon meeting at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale were stunned to learn that the megachurch's popular founder and leader, Pastor Bob Coy, had abruptly resigned.
The reason given by church elders: "a moral failing."
"Most people were shocked," said congregant Robert Milne, of Wilton Manors, who attended the standing room-only meeting that drew an estimated 7,500 parishioners. "A lot of people were hurt, a lot of people are disappointed."
Coy, 58, and his wife Diane founded the Fort Lauderdale church nearly 30 years ago. Today, it consists of the main campus and six affiliated churches in Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, West Boca, Plantation, Hollywood and the Keys.
Pastors read a letter from Coy at the special meeting saying he was sorry for his transgressions and that the church will continue to flourish. Coy did not return calls to his cellphone Sunday night.
Church elders said Coy was not present Sunday at the main church, which occupies a large tract in the 2400 block of Cypress Creek Road in Fort Lauderdale.
"Of course I forgive him," said Milne. "We're all sinners and we've all slipped here and there."
In a statement released Sunday, church elders said Coy, of Coral Springs, resigned Thursday as senior pastor of the 20,000-member church "after confessing to a moral failing in his life which disqualifies him from continuing his leadership role."
Coy's Active Word ministry on radio, television and digital media has also been suspended, the church said.
"Pastor Bob will be focusing his full attention on his personal relationship with God and with his family," the statement said. "The governing board of the church is providing counselors and ministers who will help guide him through the process of full repentance, cleansing and restoration."
Assistant pastors will take responsibility for upcoming services, the church said, and will continue to "make disciples" through its many ministries. The statement said the church serves "a God of second chances" and that members will pray for Coy and his family.
"The main thing is he's confessed and he's into the healing process," Milne said.
In the past, Milne said, Coy cautioned church members not to place too much faith in humans, himself included, who are subject to moral weaknesses. "He said, 'Don't put your trust in me, because I'm going to let you down,' " Milne recalled.
Coy, who in recent years sported a beard and longish hair, was a familiar figure in South Florida religious circles, known for his charm, enthusiasm and ever-present smile.
The Calvary Chapel denomination was established by Pastor Chuck Smith in Costa Mesa, Calif., in the 1960s. It grew from 25 members to 850 churches in North America, with another 200 churches across the world.
Coy left a position in the Las Vegas music industry at age 24 to become an associate pastor at that city's Calvary Chapel. He came to South Florida in 1985 and founded Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale.