LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It was a big surprise when the leader of one of America's largest churches told his congregation in September that he is stepping aside.
In his first interview since the announcement, Dave Stone told WDRB News it is best for the megachurch of 25,000 people that he step aside.
“I've seen a lot of church leaders and business CEOs who have stayed longer than they should have,” Stone said.
That is why Stone decided, after 30 years at Southeast Christian and 13 as senior pastor, it was time to move on.
“I hate the word retirement,” he said.
Stone, who is just 57, said he is following the lead of his mentor, former Southeast Christian pastor Bob Russell, who left the church in 2006 at age 62.
“He chose to step aside because he knew that the way to influence a church, and to help it grow younger, is by having younger leadership,” Stone said.
Stone is turning the reigns over to his younger associate pastor, Kyle Idleman.
“He's an incredible preacher," Stone said. "He teaches the Bible extremely well. He's a man of integrity."
Under Stone's leadership, Southeast Christian has expanded beyond its main campus on Blankenbaker Lane in eastern Jefferson County to six satellite locations. He expects the progress to continue even after he's gone.
“If you believe in your heart that those who don't follow the Lord will not be in heaven for all eternity, then shame on us if we're not trying to do everything we can,” he said.
There will be a six-to-nine month transition before Stone leaves. He admitted he hates to think about his farewell sermon.
“I know it's going to be a tough one for me," he said. "But more importantly than any of that, I know it's the best thing. I know it's the best thing for the church."
While Stone is retiring from Southeast, he is not retiring from ministry.
“My wife, Beth and I, we're just praying, ‘OK Lord, show us what the next thing is and let us know how you want to use us,’” he said.
Stone said he will devote more time to his family, relieved from the burden of leading a megachurch.
“I hope that I will be a little less stressed, and I'll be a better husband, better dad and granddad in the years to come,” he said.
Stone said he hopes his time at Southeast leaves a legacy far greater than just the bricks and mortar of Kentucky's largest church.
“I hope that my legacy would be that people who know me or have heard me preach would truly sense that I have spent time with Jesus, and that I love all people,” he said.
Stone said he plans to stay in Louisville, but he plans to stay away from Southeast for six months to a year to make way for the new leadership.
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