Zachery Tims Death: Fla. Megachurch to Announce Information on Choosing New Pastor 'Soon'
An executive administrator at New Destiny Christian Center (NDCC) told The Christian Post Friday that information concerning the selection of a new pastor to fill the role late pastor Zachery Tims left behind will "soon" be announced by officials at the Apopka, Fla. megachurch.
Minister Samuel Anderson informed CP that all of the important requirements for the selection of a successor to Tims will be published "soon" on NDCC's website.
It has been two months since the church's inspirational pastor was found dead in a New York City hotel room, and members of the church as well as the general public have speculated on who would be his replacement.
Immediately following Tims' death, rumors surfaced that popular Without Walls International Church (WWIC) senior pastor Paula White had been chosen as interim pastor, but those claims were quickly denied by the church. According to administrators, White has been providing NDCC with spiritual guidance. The WWIC minister will be leading a special "moving forward" service at NDCC's Sunday evening service at 6:30 p.m.
In addition, Riva Tims, the late pastor's ex-wife, was rumored to be a prospective replacement for NDCC; she has since dispelled those rumors.
Tims', the founder, CEO and pastor of Majestic Life Ministries in Orlando, Fla., issued a statement to supporters who beseeched her to take up the mantle and become the leader of the church she co-founded:
“In response to so many of your inquiries...I have gotten an overwhelming response from my New Destiny Family to come home and/or at least minister to them. However, I have not been contacted by NDCC staff to return or to assist in the transition. I will continue to pray and cover NDCC, that the vision Zack and I birthed will continue! Thanks for all of your love and prayers."
In an Oct. 4 interview with Anderson, the executive administrator informed CP that NDCC had begun the appropriate steps to ensure an effective transition, but explained, "We have not completed the final requirements" needed to guide the church to the right candidate that would be presented before the board of bishops.
Based on Anderson's statements Friday, it is clear that the church has been making progress toward that end.