What has the world come to?
Chapelstreet Church, a significant Evangelical megachurch in the Chicago suburbs of Illinois, has placed Lead Pastor Jeff Frazier on leave, according to Sean Glore, chairman of the Executive Council. The decision was prompted by concerns about Frazier’s “use of alcohol on church premises while performing duties” and alleged attempts to conceal these actions, as reported by The Roys Report.
On January 3, Glore informed the church members via email about Frazier’s leave, highlighting the objective to address performance-related issues. These concerns included Frazier’s possession and use of alcohol during duties on church premises, intentional concealment of these actions, and denials when confronted. The Roys Report provided detailed coverage of the announcement and the reasons behind Frazier’s temporary absence.
In the wake of Frazier’s leave, Brian Coffey, the pastor of leadership and development at Chapelstreet, has been appointed as the interim lead pastor, a role previously held by Frazier. Coffey, who has a tenure of over two decades at the church, expressed shock and sorrow over the news, emphasizing the impact on the community of over 5,200 members.
The initial announcement, shared through the church’s website and a video featuring Glore and Coffey, faced removal after The Roys Report reached out to a church staff member for comment. Despite inquiries, the church did not provide an explanation for the removal. However, an archived version of the announcement remains accessible online.
Glore also disclosed the initiation of a “process of healing and restoration” for Frazier led by the church’s leadership. The duration and outcome of this process are uncertain, but there is a hopeful expectation for positive results benefiting both Frazier and the Chapelstreet Church community.