Cross Timbers Church in Argyle, Texas announced last Sunday, July 28, 2024, that lead pastor Josiah Anthony had resigned. They cited a season of struggle with mental health but also mentioned “inappropriate” behavior by Anthony.
The next day the church sent out an email to church members clarifying that Josiah Anthony’s inappropriate and hurtful actions of Josiah does not include any children, physical or sexual interactions or any illegal activity to our knowledge.
Based on church members reaching out to me privately, I did not believe that Cross Timbers Church leaders were being honest. Several people shared with me that the church had known about Josiah’s inappropriate conduct with women which led to his resignation.
This evening Cross Timbers Church sent out another email to members with more information in which they admit that Josiah Anthony had indeed had sexually inappropriate communication with women in the church. In my opinion, this reeks of church leaders covering themselves as more have come forward and begun to share their experiences. I believe they knew about this behavior and were not honest until pushed to do so.
Church elders also announced that Byron Copeland, former Gateway Church pastor, would no longer be the interim lead pastor. Toby Slough will be taking over that role. Byron Copeland was named in a 2023 federal civil rights lawsuit against Gateway Church.
Until a permanent replacement is found, Toby will now carry the title of Interim Lead Pastor, relieving Byron Copeland of those responsibilities. The elevation of Toby to this position is not due to the lapse of Byron’s service to Cross Timbers. Rather, it is Bryon’s gracious deference to the most trusted and qualified person to tend to the hearts of Cross Timbers, and lead our church family forward during this time.
