Below are links to some of the early news stories on the death at age 42 of Zachery Tims. As I write this, we don't yet know the cause of death, but the secular media has reported that an envelope with white powder was found on his body. Zachery had a wonderful testimony of how God changed his life—which we published in a book, It's Never Too Late, which is no longer in print, and we featured him in Charisma. However, he never totally beat the demons that haunted him. I know that because of personal conversations I had with him after he went through a very messy divorce resulting from his admitted infidelity.
I personally reached out to him. I know many others did. I included him in meetings with Jack Hayford and others as a way of trying to network him with other leading pastors, knowing he was vulnerable. There was a wonderful, warm, loving side to him and that is what drew people to him as a leader. But there apparently was a dark side few knew. I don't want to speculate more than that, but as the story unfolds we will report it online and in print.
Lee Grady has written an excellent column called "What We Must Learn from the Zachery Tims Tragedy," which I urge you to read. Click here to read the column.
I recently got this email from an Ministry21 Network member, Faith Frederick. With her permission, I'm reprinting it below because she voices the heart cry of why we created this relational network. Meanwhile, if you harbor a dark side, I appeal to you to get help before it's too late. Whether it's through M21 or not, please get help.
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Dear Steve:
In light of the recent news about Zachery Tims, I just want to say how I appreciate what you are doing through Ministry21 Network. I pray there would be someway that more pastors would participate. If there is anything that I can do please let me know. My heart is grieved because as we look at so many in ministry today, the values that we were raised with seem to be forgotten. I just wanted to reach out and say that as you are faithful to proclaim the message of integrity may God richly bless you and Joy.
Dr. Faith Fredric, co-founder and president of Faith Christian University in Orlando, Fla.
Click here to read some of the testimonials about Ministry21 Network, and here to find out how you can be part of this exciting network.
Click links below for stories on Zachery Tims:
Megachurch Pastor Zachery Tims Dies
Zachery Tims' Church Meeting May Offer Answers About Pastor's Death
Zachery Tims' Ex-Wife Speaks Out at Church Service
Zachery Tims Tributes Surface on YouTube
T.D. Jakes Says Zachery Tims 'Unhappy' Before Death
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