Sources Claim Paula White Set to Take Over Zachery Tims' Fla. Church (VIDEO)
Also, Dr. Michael A. Phillips, who has previously been a guest speaker at Tims' church, announced last week that "after prayer and consideration, I have chosen to cancel my time of ministry at New Destiny Christian Center this Thursday evening, December 22, 2011." Phillips, senior leader at Kingdom Life International Center in Orlando, also requested that supporters "join us in keeping New Destiny & its people covered in prayer during their season of transition."
The Christian Post left messages with the ministries of Hilliard and Phillips, as well as with Bond; as of press time, CP's calls had not been returned.
White's role at the Florida megachurch in the wake of Tims' death cannot be underestimated.
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It was White who revealed to the NDCC congregation during the first Sunday service after Tims' burial that the preacher, whom she referred to as her "spiritual son," had left instructions that the congregation was to grieve for no more than 30 days for the late pastor, and be ready by the 31st day to continue its work.
There have also been previous reports that the Without Walls International Church leader was serving as interim pastor during NDCC's uncertain transition. NDCC, however, denied those claims.
NDCC also promoted in October an "important service" involving White, in which it was said the service would address the church's "prominent future." White was also present during Hilliard's Dec. 4 appearance at NDCC, and addressed the congregation after the bishop spoke, lauding his sermon.
Some observers struck curious by the claim that White, who has twice divorced, would be leading New Destiny, recalled that NDCC had revealed that a stipulation required the new senior pastor to be married.
When pressed on the issue of the marriage criteria for pastoral candidates, Minister Anderson affirmed that it was indeed one of the stipulations, but added, perhaps philosophically, that "everything is subject to change."
When asked if White was assisting the board of bishops in its selection process, Anderson stated that the Without Walls pastor is still involved in the search for NDCC's new senior pastor, and that potential candidates were still being interviewed.
The Christian Post was unable to speak with White on Dec. 16 and was instructed to call back on Monday, which CP did but was still unable to speak with a representative.
In addition to the apparent controversy surrounding NDCC's selection of a new pastor, there has been speculation that the board of bishops had chosen Shane Perry, Sr. as the church's new leader. Perry, an evangelist of 16 years who lives in Atlanta, Ga., with his wife and three children, has spoken at NDCC on more than one occasion, with his most recent engagement being on Nov. 27.
A message left with Shane Perry Ministries was not returned.
When asked on Dec. 16 to address claims that Perry was the board of bishop's final selection as the church's pastor, NDCC's Minister Anderson declined to say if that was indeed the case.
Prompted further to share if Perry was even on the board's shortlist of candidates, Anderson replied: "I would rather not at this time." Anderson also noted that the board was "still in the process" of making its selection.
The executive administrator was firm that NDCC would not be revealing Tims' successor until Dec. 31.
