Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale announced a new lead pastor, Doug Sauder, on Wednesday, May 7.
In a blog post, the church stated that the appointment was a unanimous decision by the board of directors and the church's senior leadership.
"Pastor Doug will lead, direct, and schedule the teaching pastor team by continuing to use a rotation of teaching pastors for the weekend and mid-week services for their 10 campuses throughout Florida," Web Pastor Dan Hickling wrote.
"Pastor Doug will also assume the presidency of the organization of CCFL and its regional campuses."
The Florida ministry has satellite locations in Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, West Boca, Plantation, Hollywood, and the Keys, according to SunSentinel. Their congregation consists of approximately 20,000 members.
Sauder has been a Calvary Chapel staff member for 14 years, and has led the church's weekend and weeknight services. He is also the president of South Florida foster care agency 4Kids, and has a wife, Suzanne, and three children.
Many Calvary church members rejoiced following the news of Sauder's appointment.
"So excited for Pastor Doug! Well said, I definitely have seen his strong spiritual character and competency!" Edna Ortiz Lugo posted on the church's Facebook page.
"So very happy Pastor Doug will be at the helm... have been praying this may be the Lord's Will," wrote Laura Mae.
"We all love Pastor Doug and his teaching and I know he will be an incredible lead pastor."
The church's "succession of pastoral leadership" comes one month after the resignation of senior pastor Bob Coy-- the leader of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale since its 1985 founding.
Church elders cited a "moral failing" on the part of Coy, who reportedly admitted to them that he cheated on his wife of nearly 30 years, Diane.
