AG officer steps down

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 - 4:33 PM CST

John M. Palmer, general secretary of the General Council of the Assemblies of God since November, 2007, has resigned his position, effective immediately. According to General Superintendent George O. Wood, Palmer confessed to a one-time incident that involved ethical misconduct and an inappropriate interaction with a woman that did not involve any physical intimacy.

"We are deeply saddened by this failure," said Wood. "We ask for prayer for John and Debbie and their family. John has had a sterling record in the Assemblies of God as a church planter, pastor, and national leader.  This failure on his part is an aberration from a lifetime of faithful service to the Lord, his family, and our Fellowship. While his ministry as general secretary is concluded, I trust that at a future time, following a period of rehabilitation yet to be determined,  his ministry within our Fellowship will continue with great effectiveness."

Wood also noted "the Apostle Paul's letter to the Galatians is an ever present reminder of the appropriate relationship the church should now have with John, and the guard we must have over our own lives: 'Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.  Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.'"

The Bylaws of the church call for the Executive Presbyters (the 17-member body which serves as the Board of Directors for the Fellowship), to fill the office by appointment until the next meeting of the General Council which will be August of this year.