Elevation Church, led by Steven Furtick, has terminated a youth pastor following allegations of sexual misconduct tied to his prior tenure at Oaks Church in Red Oaks, Texas. The pastor, Tim Somers, was part of the Oaks Church youth ministry from 2009 to 2013, transitioning from intern to staff member during that period.
The controversy began unfolding earlier this year when another church leader, Jerry Nickerson, admitted to inappropriate contact with a minor at Oaks Church about a decade ago. Following this revelation, complaints against Somers surfaced, indicating that his alleged misconduct might have taken place during a similar timeframe. The implications of these claims have raised significant concerns within both the communities involved.
In January, after Nickerson’s confession was shared with Oaks Church congregants via email, Elevation Church was alerted to the allegations against Somers. A spokesperson for the church confirmed on Monday, “Recently, allegations were brought forward about Tim Somers’ conduct while serving at a church in Texas approximately 12 years ago.” They emphasized the seriousness with which they treated the situation, stating that as soon as the church learned of the charges, they took immediate action.
Somers was placed on leave as Elevation Church cooperated with local authorities. Although no formal charges have been filed yet, the church acknowledged the weight of the allegations on Somers’ role in the ministry, ultimately deciding that he should no longer continue his work there. “Tim understands how impactful these allegations are for his role in ministry,” the spokesperson added.
As investigations progress, the Red Oaks Police Department is actively working on the case. Chief Garland Wolf commented on the matter, emphasizing, “These are serious allegations that can or will impact a person’s life for many years. We are doing what we need to do to seek justice for the victims, prosecute the offenders, and exonerate the innocent as may be the case.” Efforts are underway to interview individuals who have come forward, signaling a careful approach to uncovering the truth.
The community remains understandably affected and anxious for follow-up as the situation develops. The Red Oaks Police Department is hopeful about progressing further in their inquiries.
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