FAQs about Samuel & Keirstyn Worden
What is happening with Samuel and Keirstyn?
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Samuel and Keirstyn are stepping off the staff and have been invited into a structured Formation & Healing Plan focused on accountability and personal growth.
Why is this happening?
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Over time, concerns emerged related to integrity, speech, leadership health, communication, relational dynamics, team trust, and overall ministry impact. To our knowledge, this was most significantly experienced within our staff team and core volunteer leadership. These concerns were addressed through ongoing conversations, prayer, discernment, outside counsel, and evaluation, ultimately leading leadership to conclude that removing the pressures of ministry and giving the option to enter a formal healing and formation process was the healthiest path forward for everyone involved. We want to be clear that there was no sexual misconduct or illegal activity involved, and at no point were your students in physical danger.
Your child’s safety is our utmost priority. We are taking these steps because we deeply understand the responsibility and privilege of pastoring and caring for young people. We do not take your trust lightly, and we remain committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for every student and family.
What if people are angry, hurt, or struggling with this process?
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We recognize that people may experience a wide range of emotions throughout this season, including grief, confusion, anger, sadness, disappointment, relief, and mixed emotions that can be difficult to process. Our desire is to create safe and healthy spaces where people can respond honestly while also protecting unity and relational health within our church community. We are committed to listening well, avoiding defensiveness, and walking with people patiently and pastorally through this process. This is not a situation we are trying to move through quickly or quietly; we want to navigate it faithfully, honestly, and with care.
What will be done for people who have been hurt or impacted?
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Caring for those impacted is a central priority during this season. We recognize that leadership challenges affect individuals, families, students, teams, ministry culture, and emotional and spiritual health. Because of this, support may include pastoral care conversations, counseling referrals, spiritual direction, inner healing resources, reconciliation conversations when appropriate, and ongoing follow-up and care. Our desire is to help people feel seen, heard, supported, and protected as healing takes place over time.
How long will the Formation & Healing Plan Last?
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The initial timeline is 13 months, with evaluation every 3 months by the accountability team. This timeline may be extended as needed. Any future opportunity to return to the team is not guaranteed and will be carefully evaluated throughout the process, dependent upon demonstrated accountability, growth, and readiness over time.
Why is this plan so comprehensive?
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As pastors, we are called to live according to the biblical standards outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–13. This calling is not merely about fulfilling a role but about embodying a life that reflects the character of Christ in both public and private life. We take seriously the responsibility to lead with integrity, humility, wisdom, and spiritual maturity.
Who is overseeing this process?
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Thad Sweet and Jim Plank will serve as primary overseers and executors of the plan alongside outside advisors and pastoral counsel. Mike and Julie will remain informed and involved, but will not function as the primary drivers of the restoration process. We believe outside voices foster healthier objectivity and that shared leadership drives sustainability. We also believe that structured accountability protects everyone involved.
What will happen if Samuel and Keirstyn do not fulfill the requirements of the formation and healing plan?
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If they choose not to accept the plan, or, along the way, choose not to engage fully in the formation and healing process, or are unwilling to meet the expectations and accountability outlined in the plan, we will officially part ways. Participation in the process is essential to moving forward.
What kind of support would Samuel and Keirstyn receive?
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TVC is willing to make an investment in their healing and restoration journey by providing resources such as professional counseling, coaching, inner healing ministry, accountability relationships, and ongoing pastoral support.
Will they still attend church or participate in groups?
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For the initial phase of this process, the Wordens will step away from attending church and participating in groups to create intentional space for healing, reflection, and accountability. As the process progresses, there may be an opportunity for gradual re-engagement within the church community through a thoughtful and intentional re-entry plan designed to support health, accountability, and the well-being of both their family and our church community.
What if I have further questions?
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Please reach out to Thad Sweet; he will be the point of contact. His email is thad.sweet@tvc.us