North Texas pastor resigns, following departure of church’s lead pastor

The executive pastor Cross Timbers Church in Argyle has resigned, two weeks after church’s lead pastor quit over “inappropriate actions.”

Amy Smith of the watchdog site Watchkeep posted a release from the church Wednesday on X that said executive pastor Byron Copeland resigned on Monday.

“I have felt the heavy weight of our recent hurt at Cross Timbers Church,” Copeland wrote in a note shared by the church. He had been serving as interim lead pastor after the resignation of Josiah Anthony on July 28.

On Aug. 1, the board of elders told church staff and members that Anthony had had inappropriate communication, including messages of a sexual nature, with women in the church.

“Though this period has been exceptionally challenging, walking through this with the staff has enriched my life,” Copeland wrote. “I have met so many incredible people who have inspired my faith. But, I sense that God is calling me to a fresh season of life. So, it is with a thankful heart that I have decided to resign from my position.

“But, I sense that God is calling me to a fresh season of life.”

Copeland joins a growing list of North Texas church leaders who have recently resigned or temporarily stepped away from their positions, including Gateway Church lead pastor and founder Robert Morris.

Morris resigned in June after admitting to sexually abusing a child while he was in his 20s.