After filing for divorce from his wife Kim, Billy Graham's grandson Tullian Tchividjian was able to get a job as Director of Ministry Development at the Willow Creek Presbyterian Church.
However, his latest appointment is being questioned by some people given his recent admission of adultery.
Because of his extramarital affair, he was forced to step down from his position at the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. He began looking for a new job while at the same time seeking counselling for his life and broken marriage.
So now that he has been given a new job at a different church, many are questioning the acceptability and timing of his new position.
"If Tchividjian's adulterous sin was no big deal—which is the impression Willow Creek is now giving—then why should Coral Ridge make the man step down?" someone commented
"I never imagined that he would return to ministry THIS quickly. So brazen," someone else noted.
Pastor Kevin Labby from Willow Creek defended the church's decision to hire Tchividjian. In an e-mail interview with Warren Throckmorton of Patheos, and even said that the response they have received over his employment has been "overwhelmingly positive, even excited."
"I understand that some might disagree with the timing. We sense genuine confession and contrition from Tullian, and are eager to welcome him to Willow Creek," he wrote. "We want to see the process of repentance continue in the context of a loving church family. We believe that it is important for the church to demonstrate faith in the reconciling power of the Gospel by running toward those pastors caught in public scandal, not away from them."
As Director of Ministry Development, Tchividjian would be assisting the church's leaders in fulfilling Willow Creek's vision, organisation, and processes for the next season of their ministry.
"Tullian will be helping us strengthen our connections with mercy ministries in the local community, helping us strengthen and better coordinate our efforts to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the weary, and provide other forms of mercy ministry," Labby shared.
