LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The pastor of one of the largest churches in the United States, announced his retirement Saturday night.
Dave Stone, the senior pastor of Louisville-based Southeast Christian Church, made the announcement during services on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. He said his retirement would take place sometime in the next 6-9 months.
Kyle Idleman, who currently serves as teaching pastor, will step up to replace Stone.
In his Sunday morning announcement, Stone said he had informed members of the church leadership of his decision five years ago, but that he was just making the date of his retirement public this weekend. He said he made the decision so that new leadership would have the chance to take over. He added that he appreciated that his predecessor, retired pastor Bob Russell, retired at a time when he could have continued in leadership, and he wanted to do the same thing for Idleman.
During the announcement, an emotional Stone tearfully expressed confidence in Idleman's leadership.
"Kyle's humility and his love for God continues to deepen his love for this unique multi-generational church that God is using to connect people to Jesus and one another," he said.
"Kyle is uniquely gifted for this role," Stone said. "He's been an elder for 12 years. Last year he preached the same amount that I did, this year he's preached more than me. He's doctrinally solid. His integrity, his humility, his preaching / teaching and writing is exceptional."
"His imprint can be seen throughout this church," Stone continued. "Kyle is a prayer warrior, and he's more generous than you will ever know. He loves Jesus, his wife, his kids and his church. We are going to be so blessed to have him at the helm."
Stone said he expected to stay on at the church for a few months to help Idleman adjust to the new position.
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