Cross Timbers Church in Argyle announced Wednesday that two founding pastors are leaving their staff positions, shortly after two others stepped down.
Brian and Jamie Hackney helped found the church and have served on its staff for more than 20 years.
鈥淚n recent months, Brian and Jamie have sensed their season as staff members was coming to a close, and have decided that now is the time to make their departure,鈥� a letter sent to church members states.
Brian Hackney of the Healing Place, a ministry of Cross Timbers that focuses on providing pastoral care for those experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, substance issues and other areas of mental well-being.
Jamie Hackney for the Healing Place and provided coaching on marriage and family matters.
Staff members were informed of the change on Aug. 15, and the Hackneys鈥� last day will be Aug. 31. The couple intends to visit with church members during services this Sunday.
Their departure was planned, and church elders were able to prepare for their transition, the letter states.
鈥淎lthough there have been a series of transitions, we want you to know that our Elders and Leadership team have a renewed energy and our staff has a forward-facing posture,鈥� the letter states. 鈥淲e look forward to all the Lord has in store for our church.鈥�
The church announced that two other pastors resigned in August and in July.
Lead pastor Josiah Anthony was first to resign amid .
At the time of his resignation in July, church elders said the communication was not of a sexual nature but was 鈥渆xcessively personal鈥� with a female staff member.
On Aug. 1, the elders announced that they had learned of additional reports that were of a sexual nature.
The church initially announced that executive pastor Byron Copeland would serve as interim lead pastor during the search for Anthony鈥檚 replacement.
However, founding pastor Toby Slough later committed to being interim lead pastor. Copeland graciously deferred to Slough, church leadership told members.
Copeland then from his pastoral position to start a 鈥渇resh season of life.鈥�