MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – A Memphis church is making history taking the high road from a scandal within the church’s cornerstone.
Highpoint Church has hired not only a pastor of color to lead their majority white congregation, but also one who says the church’s struggles of sexual misconduct by two of its leaders are its strength.
Highpoint is coming back from a low point, and its newly named pastor, Wil Franco, will help cast some light from the dark.
“He’s leading this body of believers into a new time, so we’re excited,” said Highpoint member Rand Odom. “We know that God called him here.”
A church showing resilience after controversy that could have divided and leveled a congregation. Two of their former leaders embroiled in controversy involving allegations of sexual assault. Faith leaders like Kenneth Whalum see a testament of faith here.
“One of the things I learned at MTS when I was here is that there’s going to be controversy and you can’t run from it, you can’t hide from it and that it is to be expected when you’re dealing with human beings,” said Whalum.
Whalum says a Christian’s belief in prayer will always bring about an answer.
Dennis Kennetz watched Franco’s 14-minute video introduction to his new congregation Sunday morning.
“It made me emotional,” said Kennetz. “Honestly, we went through a lot with everything that happened.”
“That was the thing that attracted me,” Franco said in the video. “Just knowing in time of suffering God molds and grows us. I wonder what it would be like to be at a church that has gone through something like that and has come out stronger on the other side.”