The Soul Survivor Watford in the UK has employed a brand new affiliate pastor within the aftermath of an abuse scandal that led to the ouster of its founder, Mike Pilavachi.
The Rev. Simon Nicholls will tackle the brand new function as affiliate pastor, taking the reins from the previous affiliate pastor, The Rev. Andy Croft, who departed final yr resulting from his ties to an ongoing investigation of Pilavachi.
The ministry introduced Nicholls’ appointment throughout its companies on Could 12. Nicholls will assume the place in September.
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“Many of you will know of Si as he used to be part of the church family until eight years ago when he left to train for ordination in the Church of England,” a assertion emailed to supporters reads.
Pilavachi was investigated final yr by the Church of England primarily based on allegations of “inappropriate intimate relationships” and habits with younger folks, which finally led to his resignation.
Pilavachi, 66, launched Soul Survivor in 1993. The ministry’s summer time festivals had been attended by tens of 1000’s of youngsters from throughout the UK. The festivals resulted in 2019 because the ministry shifted its focus to occasions for folks of all ages from its church in Watford.
The Church of England’s investigation into Pilavachi was launched after The Telegraph reported allegations that he engaged in “inappropriate intimate relationships” with younger folks collaborating in Soul61, a gap-year undertaking that trains younger adults as disciples. Critics additionally accused Pilavachi of operating “a cult” during which younger males had been inspired to partake in full-body oil massages and wrestling matches.
Croft was accused of failing to behave on the allegations on three events, however the fees towards him had been dismissed. Though the diocese cleared him to start serving ministry once more, he selected to step down.
“I’m really looking forward to taking up my new role and bringing all that I have learned and been moulded by over the past eight years to add in to the mix at Soul Survivor Watford,” stated Nicholls in a press release.
“As a family, we are excited about being part of your wonderful community and playing our small part in seeing Watford brought alive in the name of Jesus; partnering with what you’re already doing to love God, love people and love the world,” he continued.
Nicholls was a participant within the 10-month gap-year program now referred to as Soul 61 in 2001. After taking a yr away, Nicholls labored within the congregation as an operations supervisor beginning in 2002 till 2012, in accordance with Premier. From 2012 to 2014, Nicholls led the social justice outfit of Soul Survivor, referred to as Soul Motion.
The reverend skilled for ordination within the Church of England beginning in 2016 and has labored as an affiliate pastor in Birmingham and East London, Premier notes.
Nicole VanDyke is a reporter for The Christian Publish.
“Well bless their hearts.”
