He was led astray.
Weeks after stepping down from his position as the global senior pastor of Neuma Church based in Australia amid allegations of adultery with a fellow female pastor within the Pentecostal megachurch, Pastor Corey Turner has confirmed his resignation over what he termed a “morally inappropriate relationship.”
In a statement posted on his ministry’s Facebook page last Thursday, Turner acknowledged the truth behind the recent accusations leveled against him. He expressed regret over his actions and sought forgiveness from those who have trusted and supported him during his 25-year tenure as a Christian leader.
Turner admitted that towards the end of 2023, he failed to guard his heart, seek guidance from trusted spiritual mentors, take decisive action, or address the fatigue accumulating within his soul. He confessed to succumbing to deception, leading to sin and compromising his relationship with God, his marriage vows, his character, and his calling to ministry. He emphasized his deep remorse and repentance for his transgressions against God, his family, and the church.
Until early February, Turner, who is married to Simone Turner and has children, served as the leader of the Hillsong-style megachurch, which also has branches in Thailand and the United States.
The resignation of the Turners was announced by Neuma Church’s board secretary, Jacomi Du Preez, on February 4, citing “unfortunate circumstances” that rendered them unable to continue in their roles due to health and well-being concerns.
In a leaked email dated February 15, Wayne Alcorn, president of the Australian Christian Churches, disclosed allegations of an “inappropriate relationship” between Turner and Pastor Stacey Hilliar. Hilliar, a mother of four, served alongside her husband, Jai, on Neuma’s executive team, overseeing the “Prophetic Pillar” of the church.
In his statement addressing his shortcomings, Turner commended his wife and children for their unwavering support and acceptance of his flaws. He acknowledged his wife’s innocence and his own culpability, expressing commitment to moving forward together and seeking God’s restoration for their marriage. He revealed his engagement in counseling to address his personal failings and unhealed wounds contributing to his actions.
Turner stated that resigning as senior pastor was a step towards taking personal responsibility for his failures and prioritizing the restoration of his family. Despite the challenges, he expressed gratitude to God and the Neuma global family for the privilege of serving as their senior pastors.
When there is a failure of a pastor or other minister I have often and that it is a case of money or monkey business and usually monkey business. Hormones outweigh holiness.