Elders of a large Austin church fired its pastor of worship earlier this month, stating that he showcased a “pattern of predatory manipulation, sexual exploitation, and abuse of influence,” including with a minor in 2011 and with three men since then.
Aaron Ivey, a musician, author and the former pastor of worship for the Austin Stone Community Church , is alleged to have partaken in “inappropriate and explicit communications, indecent exposure, and the use of alcohol and illegal substances” with a teenage boy that continued over time, a post by the elders of the church said.
Aaron Ivey did not respond to a request for comment via social media.
Leaders of the Austin Stone, which has six campuses throughout Austin, said the teenager appeared not to have a connection to the church, stating that he was from “outside (the church’s) formal programming.” The post also stated that Ivey’s alleged relationship with a minor was “reported to the appropriate authorities.”
Donovan Golden, the church’s executive pastor of creative ministries, later clarified that the church reported it to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.