In the wake of a surprising leadership change at a major Florida church, Joel Tudman has spoken out about his recent dismissal from Faith Center Ministries, attributing it to a significant disagreement with the institution’s founder, Bishop Henry Fernandez. This development comes mere months after Tudman’s confirmation as senior pastor of the 10,000-member congregation.
Disagreement with Leadership
During a candid discussion on The Breakfast Club radio show, Tudman revealed that the core of his departure was a clash in mission with Bishop Fernandez. Tudman clarified, “We disagreed. We disagreed in mission. I didn’t do anything wrong, nothing illegal, but we disagreed, and the disagreement didn’t allow us to go forward, so that relationship was severed.”
Impact of the Firing
The unexpected change has been challenging for Tudman, who expressed the emotional toll of the public nature of his departure. “Processing it has been difficult because it’s public and it hurt. I love those people. I love him,” he shared. Despite the setback, Tudman has launched a new initiative by founding Believers City church, also located in Florida.
Context from Bishop Fernandez
Bishop Fernandez addressed the congregation regarding Tudman’s exit during a service on August 31. Although he refrained from detailing the reasons, he urged church members to maintain their focus on spiritual matters. In his address, Fernandez stated, “In the letter I sent, it was to advise you that Pastor Joel Tudman is no longer the senior pastor of this church. I’m gonna ask you to please pray for him and his family. That’s what we Christians are supposed to do.”
Tudman’s Background and New Path
Before his brief tenure at Faith Center Ministries, Tudman served as an assistant pastor at The Potter’s House and completed a Doctor of Ministry at Jakes’ Divinity School in 2023. His installation as senior pastor in March was attended by several prominent figures, including Bishop T.D. Jakes. Despite the recent upheaval, Tudman remains optimistic, saying, “That’s not a church answer. That’s my faith because I know all things work together for the good.”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
