Rev Dr John Munro will return to his position as Calvary Church senior pastor this Sunday after an investigation into an alleged employee handbook violation was determined to be unfounded.
Munro was placed on paid leave for two weeks from the Charlotte church while a human resources complaint was investigated by a third-party. Church elders announced Sunday that their senior pastor would return.
"Although we're not at liberty to share specific details, we feel one of our obligations as elders is to be as transparent as possible," Elder Bill Bailey told the congregation on Sunday, according to the Charlotte Observer.
"I wanted to let you know that after extensive analysis in the investigation report, multiple session meetings and extensive prayer, the session determined that the specific handbook violation alleged was not supported."
However, Munro was found to have acted in poor judgment given his role as pastor, and admitted "an innocent error of judgment that while was neither unlawful nor sinful, failed to demonstrate the judgment the church expects of me."
Munro expressed gratitude when he addressed the 4,000-member congregation on Sunday.
"I thank God for my Godly wife who stood with me," the pastor said. "We will testify that this ordeal has deepened our faith in Christ. We're not bitter against God, we're not bitter against people. ... Our love for each other as husband and wife has been deepened."
Radio and web ministry Back to the Bible fired Munro last month after a similar complaint was filed against him.
"Back to the Bible has terminated its relationship with Dr John Munro due to inappropriate conduct and behaviour that is detrimental to Back to the Bible's mission of leading people closer to Jesus on a daily basis," the organisation's CEO, Dr Arnie Cole, wrote in an email to its affiliates.
Munro affirmed that his relationship with Back to the Bible "certainly for the time being, that has ended," but thanked God for his grace.
"We know from the word of God and from human nature that we are people in need of redemption," he said. "We believe in God's grace and of salvation through Christ."
The pastor will deliver the sermon during the September 21 service at Calvary Church.
