Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Appoints Rob Pacienza as New Pastor After Tullian Tchividjian Resignation

On June 21, 2015, Tullian Tchividjian, grandson of Dr. Billy Graham, resigned as senior pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church after admitting to an adulterous affair. On August 11, he was deposed as a minister of the Presbyterian Church in America by the South Florida Presbytery, while on August 20 he filed for divorce.  Less than a year later, Carol Ridge Presbyterian Church has appointed Rob Pacienza as the new senior pastor. 

"After a comprehensive and exhaustive search, we are pleased to announce that we found the best candidate right underneath our noses," Rod Hayes, chairman of the church's Pulpit Search Committee, announced Sunday. "Rob brings a unique mix of appreciation for the history and tradition of Coral Ridge as well as a burning desire to capture the hearts of our city of Fort Lauderdale with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are excited about welcoming Rob to his new position of leadership at Coral Ridge and look forward to how God will use him in our midst."

Pacienza, who has been on staff of Coral Ridge for the past seven years and previously served as executive pastor, said he was "humbled and honored" by the congregation's decision.

Born in southeastern Pennsylvania, Rob Pacienza moved to Fort Lauderdale when he was in middle school. At the age of 15, while on a mission trip with Coral Ridge, he heard the Gospel for the first time and it changed his life. Rob came home and shared God's Good News with his family. Later that year, they joined the church and Pacienza began attending Westminster Academy. He met his future wife, Jen, during the new student orientation.

Pacienza's first job was right here at Coral Ridge pulling cable for the cameras on Sunday mornings. God used the ministries of Coral Ridge and Westminster to shape his life, his calling, his family, and his future. 

Rob and Jen have three children-Preston, Lydia, and Lilianne.

He prays that our church will continue to be a place of hope and rest for the people who live in our city - a beacon of light in the midst of darkness.

Pacienza has a heart for our church and a vision for our future. His desire is to serve and shepherd the people of Coral Ridge as they move into this next season of ministry. 

 

 

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