Pastor Bob Coy: Calvary Chapel removes all existence of church founder from website

Pastor Bob Coy

Gone as if he never existed are the teaching and wisdom of Pastor Bob Coy, the now former senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. In an announcement made late Monday, church web pastor Dan Hickling attempts to explain why the media content was removed.

Where Did the Media Go?

Posted by Dan Hickling on Mon, Apr 7, 2014

Many have shared their thoughts about Pastor Bob’s messages and the media content that has been removed in light of his recent resignation.

The heart of the ministry of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale has always been and always will be that of making disciples and doing whatever we can to nourish God’s flock with the truth of His Word.  Pastor Bob’s messages are so full of truth and challenge and opportunity to grow. Life for so many of us, including myself, would be entirely different if we didn’t come in contact with this ministry.

So why was the media content removed? Unfortunately, not everyone, during circumstances like these comes to the website with a heart to learn more about the Bible. We’ve discerned the need to guard against those who would inappropriately misuse this content when time and space is needed for the Coy family to properly heal.

Unfortunately, we have already witnessed the malicious use of Pastor Bob’s images and vicious rumors on-line that can only run contrary to our hope for restoration.  With that in mind, we have taken the precaution to suspend access to his teaching content for now.

Please be patient with us as we seek God’s wisdom and guidance on how to best restore the content that we know He has used and can continue to use to make disciples.  Also, please pray for our church leadership to hear the Good Shepherd’s voice with great clarity and certainty in this decision making process.

Again, thank you for expressing how much Pastor Bob’s teaching ministry means to you, and I hope this helps to affirm that we are not out to simply take it all away, but to be the best stewards of it with all affected parties in mind.

With that being said, we are just as committed to providing the live stream of the weekly Wednesday night and Weekend services.  I pray that the Lord ministers to you in and through those windows of ministry as we heal through this time.

Thanks again and may the Lord continue to draw you close and make you more and more like Him.

In Christ,

Pastor Dan Hickling
Web Pastor
Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

Pastor Bob Coy abruptly resigned, ending his 30-year leadership at one of the largest churches in the country on Sunday, according to Examiner.

Citing a “moral failing,” the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale resigned amid reports of multiple affairs and allegations that he cheated on his wife, Diane Coy.

Pastor Bob Coy was also said to have an intense passion for pornography.

The megachurch did not elaborate on what Pastor Coy’s moral failings were, though.

Not present at the Sunday announcement in which his resignation was announced, church elders read a statement from Coy and answered parishioners’ questions.

“On April 3, 2014, Bob Coy resigned as senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, effective immediately, after confessing to a moral failing in his life which disqualifies him from continuing his leadership role at the church he has led since its founding in 1985,” the statement read.

Pastor Bob Coy and his wife Diane had led a Florida ministry that grew to include satellite locations in Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, West Boca, Plantation, Hollywood, and the Florida Keys.

“The way I see it, Bob Coy is a very selfish man, who indulged in his own personal desires, and when he got caught he abandoned his church,” Brian Craig, producer of The Steve Kane Show on AM 1470 WWNN told Examiner. The congregation deserves to be addressed directly and in person by Bob Coy. They need closure and will not get it until he comes forward and apologizes directly to them.”

Pastor Bob Coy: Calvary Chapel leader resigns amid cheating scandal

Pastor Bob Coy

In an announcement made late Sunday afternoon, Pastor Bob Coy abruptly resigned, ending his 30-year leadership at one of the largest churches in the country, according to the Christian Post.

Citing a “moral failing,” the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale resigned amid reports of multiple affairs and allegations that he cheated on his wife, Diane Coy.

Michael Newnham wrote in his blog that they have confirmation Coy admitted to at least two affairs in the past year alone and has had a long standing “problem with pornography.”

The megachurch did not elaborate on what Coy’s moral failings were.

Not present at the Sunday announcement in which his resignation was announced, church elders read a statement from Coy and answered parishioners’ questions.

“On April 3, 2014, Bob Coy resigned as senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, effective immediately, after confessing to a moral failing in his life which disqualifies him from continuing his leadership role at the church he has led since its founding in 1985,” the statement read.

Pastor Bob Coy and his wife Diane led a Florida ministry that grew to include satellite locations in Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, West Boca, Plantation, Hollywood, and the Keys, according to the SunSentinel.

“The way I see it, Bob Coy is a very selfish man, who indulged in his own personal desires, and when he got caught he abandoned his church,” Brian Craig, producer of The Steve Kane Show on AM 1470 WWNN told Examiner. The congregation deserves to be addressed directly and in person by Bob Coy. They need closure and will not get it until he comes forward and apologizes directly to them.”

According to Cavalry Chapel, their congregation consists of approximately 20,000 members.

“Every sinner’s got a future, every saint’s got a past.  Bob is a good man who made big mistakes like the rest of us, and he’ll pay the consequence like the rest of us,” Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney John Contini, author of several real-life crime dramas including Danger Road and Feeling the Heat, told Examiner.  “It’s more important to focus on what Jesus Christ said about this: “Judge not lest you be judged.  By the same measure you judge others, you too shall be judged.  Remove the log from your own eye before you look at the speck in your brother’s eye.”

The media ministry of the Active Word that distributes Pastor Bob’s Bible teachings through radio, television and digital media has also been suspended.  According to Cavalry Chapel, Coy will be focusing full attention on his personal relationship with God and his family.

The governing board of the church is providing counselors and ministers who reportedly will assist Coy and guide him through the process of full repentance, cleansing and restoration.

Following the announcement, the congregation had a prayer and worship service.

A number of members expressed disappointment, encouragement, and hope on Cavalry Chapel’s Facebook page.

“Why are you taking down his preachings which have saved tens of thousands,” wrote Laura Wright in a Facebook comment. “You are acting as he never existed and his preachings weren’t worthy. I understand he needs to step down but I don’t think this is a good example at all.  Closing the comments? He was the founder of the church here and while he has sinned- deserves respect for what he contributed to this church in my opinion. I ask that you pray on this matter.”

“Pastor Bob has helped so many of us find peace in Jesus Christ,” wrote Regina Anderson. “Our Lord is a God of restoration and He will step in and raise up Pastor Bob and his family.”

Also a board member for the Calvary Chapel Association, Coy has already been removed from its leadership page.

Bill Lewis is principal of William E. Lewis Jr. & Associates, a solutions based professional consulting firm specializing in the discriminating individual, business or governmental entity.