Statement by Jason Groth
Chairman of FAC Leadership Board
February 8, 2026
The leadership board was recently made aware of issues that required immediate attention. This week, we requested and accepted the resignation of Pastor Paul Smith. In complex situations like these, it’s important as a leadership body that we balance transparency with privacy. While we are limited in what we can share, I want to be very clear about things that did not happen. There have been no affairs or allegations of affairs. There has been no improper contact with a minor. There have been no allegations of illegal activity or behavior, no allegations of substance abuse, or financial misconduct. However, we believe it is our obligation to be proactive and take prompt action.
The issues that led to the resignation relate to Pastor Paul and his leadership of staff and volunteers, including a pattern of inappropriate interpersonal interactions. When made aware of these issues, we contacted our district leadership and initiated an internal review, which required us to take action.
This week, with much prayer and in consultation and full agreement with our denomination’s district superintendent, all twelve members of our board voted unanimously to request the resignation of our Lead Pastor. This has been difficult for us to process, and we understand how seriously this may impact many of you. This is a time of prayer, reflection, healing, and resistance towards gossip and embracing our dependency on Jesus. We also want you to know that at FAC, we have an amazing staff, and they are hurting too. We care for them, and we’re thankful for all the hard work they do. Please encourage them in this difficult time.
Our mission at FAC is to passionately pursue God, to extend life-changing hope, and disciple people to be spirit-empowered followers of Jesus. That mission hasn’t changed! Many of you will have questions, and some of you will have a need to communicate with leadership. We have made a way for you to do that here.
Our commitment to you as a church is to be as transparent as possible about the process moving forward, as soon as we can. This church belongs to God and always has.
In Him,