Glow Church’s Joel and Ellen Cave stood down by board
The leaders of a well-known Australian pentecostal church have been stood down by their board after a “period of personal challenges” resulting in the husband and wife’s separation.
The leaders of a well-known Australian pentecostal church have been stood down by their board after a “period of personal challenges” resulting in the husband and wife’s separation.
Glow Church chairman Dave Weatherall issued a public statement from the Gold Coast church’s board on October 26 stating they had decided senior pastors Joel and Ellen Cave would “step back from all ministry responsibilities” due to some “very recent information”.
“This follows a period of personal challenges that have led to, as it currently stands, a period of separation as requested by Ellen,” Mr Weatherall wrote.
“This is not a result of moral failure or infidelity.”
Mr Weatherall then said Joel was in a “period of medical and pastoral recovery”.
“The board has taken this step with careful consideration and prayer, prioritising our senior pastors’ wellbeing and the health of the church community,” Mr Weatherall continued.
“It reflects a need for both Joel and Ellen to focus on their health, healing, and family’s wellbeing during this time.”
The statement indicated the Caves would remain part of the Glow Church family, and that the board was “committed to walking alongside them”.
“Under the leadership of Pastor Moni, the board, elders and staff, we remain committed to Glow Church continuing to move forward in God and will provide stability, guidance and leadership for the church,” Mr Weatherall wrote.
“We ask for prayer, understanding, and respect for the privacy of Joel, Ellen, the children and the Cave family.
“We thank God for the evident blessing on Glow Church, as we face the future together.”
Pastor Moni Alaga and his wife Mel are the young adults ministry directors at Glow Church.
The Caves founded Glow Church in Robina in 2013, and were senior pastors of that location and a UK location in County Durham in the north of England.
The couple married in 2000 and have three children, and Joel is a graduate of Sydney’s Trinity Grammar School and the University of Sydney, where he studied teaching.
“Joel is known for his innovative thinking and commitment to discipling people and empowering leaders at all levels,” the church website states.
“He has become a respected leader, strategic church planter, and a sought-after speaker at conferences and events around the world.”
Joel last posted on Instagram on October 12 and 13 about a church service focused on revival.
“Not everyone can understand what a leader is doing when they lay down what was, for what is to come,” Joel wrote in part.
“A new blueprint means it’s messy, challenging, exciting and full of God’s possibilities.”
Glow Church also previously had locations in Zetland, Caringbah, Girraween and Melbourne which were later released to become “stand-alone autonomous churches”.
The Girraween church rebranded as Altar Church, while the Zetland church and Caringbah location – previously C3 Cronulla – remained united and rebranded as Abide Church.
The Melbourne church is now known as SAINTS Melbourne.
The churches are all part of the pentecostal Australian Christian Churches denomination, which was previously known as the Assemblies of God denomination.
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