The leadership team of Rock Church International cited Romans 3:23 Wednesday as they urged congregants to extend forgiveness to the Rev. John Blanchard in an announcement that he has “voluntarily stepped back as lead pastor and from all his ministerial duties” for the second time in just over a year following his arrest for solicitation of prostitution last fall.
Charges accusing Rock Church International Senior Pastor John Blanchard of soliciting prostitution from a teen were dismissed by prosecutors last week. “I’m aghast at the fact that we didn’t pursue this case to the fullest extent of the law,” said Col. Jeffrey Katz, the police chief who authorized the sting. “It’s an absolutely solid case.”
A Virginia megachurch pastor who is facing a felony charge of soliciting prostitution has agreed to step down from his leadership position at his congregation.
John Blanchard, who served as pastor for Rock Church in Virginia Beach, has stepped down from his position after being arrested for solicitation of prostitution in Chesterfield County last week.
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