What was the reason?
Nearly two years after Ted Max assumed the role of lead pastor at Parkview Christian Church, a multi-campus congregation in Illinois, he and the church leadership have jointly agreed to reevaluate that decision and move in a new direction.
During a Sunday announcement, Max and Randy Moll, chair of the church’s eight-member board, informed the congregation that after extended dialogue, they had determined Max was not the ideal long-term leader for the church. They emphasized that the decision was not the result of any controversy or misconduct.
“In the past 20 months, it’s been a privilege to teach, preach, and lead this community,” Max shared. “At the same time, I’ve been in ongoing conversations with our leadership team, and together, we’ve concluded that this role may not be the best fit for me over the long haul.”
Max said he would immediately begin stepping back from his leadership responsibilities, though he would continue to teach temporarily as he and church leaders work out the details of this transition.
He also urged church members to remain engaged in giving, serving, and worship, and cautioned against speculation or public commentary on the situation. “Please don’t spread division or stir things up online,” he said. “That’s not what honors God.”
Moll noted that the board and Max had spent the last two months in honest and, at times, difficult conversations. “Ted came to the brave realization that in a few significant areas, we may not be completely aligned—and that’s okay,” Moll said.
Max proposed stepping away from the lead role and eventually leaving the church entirely, a plan the board unanimously supported.
Moll reiterated that there was no misconduct or theological disagreement at the heart of the decision. “There’s no scandal, no sin, no tension over doctrine or teaching,” he said.
He added that the church is praying earnestly for Max and his family as they discern what’s next. “We believe God will lead Ted to where he can have an even greater impact.”
According to an update on the church’s website, Max will preach less frequently during this transitional period to give him time to explore his future.
In the meantime, Pastor Todd Clark, who has been with Parkview for a decade, will take on more preaching responsibilities, alongside other guest speakers and teachers.