ROC Megachurch Hires 2 Interim Pastors; Senior Pastor Position Still Open
The Richmond Outreach Center (ROC) megachurch in Richmond, Va., has hired two interim preachers while they continue their nationwide search for a new senior pastor after the church's founder, Geronimo Aguilar, resigned in June following his arrest on sexual aggravation charges.
David Wheeler and Louis "PJ" Preston are the new addition to the ROC's leadership team and both will interchangeably lead Six O'Clock ROC, the church's Saturday night weekly services.
The Christian Post contacted the ROC, which referred the publication to the media statement, and Wheeler and Preston, who did not return comments by press time. According to a statement released on the church's website, both pastors hail from Lynchburg, Va., where they serve as educators at local institutions.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Wheeler is a professor of evangelism for Liberty University, teaching courses in "Evangelism and Christian Life," "Theology of Spiritual Awakenings" and more. He also represents the North American Mission Board on campus as a recruiter for church planting and student internships. In addition, his educational background includes a bachelor of science in education from Tennessee Tech University and a Master's of Divinity and Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Similarly, Preston's current role is assistant principal of Liberty Christian Academy. He is a former college football player for Virginia Tech and holds a Master's Degree from Longwood University in educational leadership. Furthermore, he will graduate from Liberty University with a Master's Degree in Christian Ministry this summer.
According to a previous statement from the church's board of directors, the ROC was initially seeking only one interim pastor and an executive pastor to join their church aside from a senior preacher. Now, Wheeler and Preston will take on the responsibility to prepare the congregation for a transition to a new head leader when the ROC finds a permanent replacement for Aguilar.
Prior to the church's restructure in leadership, Aguilar and three additional pastors led the megachurch heavily known for its work within the youth community. However, the three pastors resigned along with Aguilar although they were not arrested or linked to the sexual abuse case.
Aguilar, known as "Pastor G," was extradited to Texas in June after two sisters came forward and accused him of alleged sexual assault when they were underaged. He is currently awaiting his trial to begin in Fort Worth, Texas, and faces up to life in prison if convicted of seven felony charges.
