News
2007-03-06
Haggard's former
church lays off dozens amid falling income
Layoffs at
Haggard's old church
The megachurch
founded by the Reverend Ted Haggard (pict
The megachurch
founded by the Reverend Ted Haggard, who was fired over
drug and sex allegations, has laid off 44 people amid
falling income following the scandal. The cuts,
announced during services in Colorado Springs,
Colo., on Sunday, amount to about 12% of the church's
work force, associate pastor Rob Brendle said.
Brendle estimated that church income has fallen
10% since the scandal broke last fall, forcing layoffs
including pastoral staff, support staff, and nursery
workers. ''The reality is, we ask our people to be faithful
stewards of their money and living within their means. We
have to do the same,'' Brendle said.
Ross Parsley, the church's interim senior
pastor, said some positions will be consolidated and
that volunteers could replace some paid staff. The
14,000-member church had experienced 22 years of attendance
and financial growth, Brendle said.
Haggard was fired in November after a male
escort alleged that Haggard used methamphetamine
in his presence and paid him for sex. Haggard has
acknowledged ''sexual immorality.'' He also stepped down as
president of the National Association of Evangelicals. (AP)
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