Andy Croft Resigns from Soul Survivor following Mike Pilavachi Investigation

Andy Croft has resigned as the senior pastor of Soul Survivor Watford. It follows an investigation by the Church of England into safeguarding concerns about Soul Survivor founder Mike Pilavachi.
In September, the internal Church of England investigation by the National Safeguarding Team and Diocese of St Albans concluded that concerns against Mike Pilavachi, about an abuse of power relating to his ministry, were substantiated. During the investigation period Andy Croft was suspended by Soul Survivor Watford under HR processes over the handling of allegations prior to the NST investigation.
Andy has taken full responsibility for his errors and apologised unreservedly for any pain that has been caused. He has also completed additional safeguarding training to ensure his practice is of the highest standards in the future. Throughout this process Andy has shown humility, contrition, and a desire to learn from the mistakes of the past.
In a letter to the church addressing his decision to resign, Croft apologized for his own safeguarding failings after the investigation highlighted three instances when his practice fell short. He also said that he himself had been impacted by Pilavachi's behavior.
Croft writes, "I first joined Soul Survivor as an intern in 2004 when I was 18. After leaving university I later joined the staff in 2008 and became joint Senior Pastor in 2016. The stories of victims that have now emerged and the work of the National Safeguarding Team have changed my perspective on much of what I have experienced from a young age. I need to acknowledge now that I myself have also been deeply impacted by aspects of Mike's abusive behaviour.
"In recent months my own failures relating to professional safeguarding practice have become apparent to me. The investigation found that my safeguarding practice fell short on three occasions. I have had to confront the reality that errors in my judgement may have allowed others to experience pain. This has troubled me deeply. As someone in leadership, it feels like a profound failure on my part, for which I sincerely apologise."
Tags : Soul Survivor Andy Croft Andy Croft resigns Mike Pilavachi Mike Pilavachi sex abuses
Hot Trends
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
Chuck Girard, Founding Member of Love Song, Shares Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
-
Brandon Blackstock, Ex-Husband of Kelly Clarkson and Former Stepson of Reba McEntire, Dies at 48
-
Where Is Bebo Norman? Former Christian Music Star Finds New Purpose as a Physician Assistant
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
The Oak Ridge Boys Announce 2025 "American Made Christmas Tour"
-
New Documentary “J. D. Greear Unmasked” Exposes Power Struggles Within the Southern Baptist Convention
-
Dante Bowe Rejoins Maverick City Music After "Accidentally" Posting Nude Selfie 3 Years Ago
-
American Idol Winner Jamal Roberts Inks $13.5M Netflix Deal Following Chart-Topping Gospel Hit
-
MercyMe Collaborates with Country Music Superstar Walker Hayes on a New Version of "Oh Death"
-
Skyler Derrington, 13-Year-Old Survivor of Texas Flood, Pens “Hallelujah;” Tribute to Beloved Camp Mystic
-
"A Unity of Purpose" Celebrates 100 Years of Southern Baptist Cooperative Program
-
Josh Wilson Announces NOEL Tour with JJ Weeks, Releases Inspiring New Music
-
Hinson Family’s Jordy Is Engaged To Logan Smith
-
What John Piper Thinks of Cory Asbury's "Reckless Love"
Most Popular
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
Chuck Girard, Founding Member of Love Song, Shares Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
-
Brandon Blackstock, Ex-Husband of Kelly Clarkson and Former Stepson of Reba McEntire, Dies at 48
-
Where Is Bebo Norman? Former Christian Music Star Finds New Purpose as a Physician Assistant
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
The Oak Ridge Boys Announce 2025 "American Made Christmas Tour"
-
New Documentary “J. D. Greear Unmasked” Exposes Power Struggles Within the Southern Baptist Convention
-
Dante Bowe Rejoins Maverick City Music After "Accidentally" Posting Nude Selfie 3 Years Ago
-
American Idol Winner Jamal Roberts Inks $13.5M Netflix Deal Following Chart-Topping Gospel Hit
-
MercyMe Collaborates with Country Music Superstar Walker Hayes on a New Version of "Oh Death"
-
Skyler Derrington, 13-Year-Old Survivor of Texas Flood, Pens “Hallelujah;” Tribute to Beloved Camp Mystic
-
"A Unity of Purpose" Celebrates 100 Years of Southern Baptist Cooperative Program
-
Josh Wilson Announces NOEL Tour with JJ Weeks, Releases Inspiring New Music
-
Hinson Family’s Jordy Is Engaged To Logan Smith
-
What John Piper Thinks of Cory Asbury's "Reckless Love"