Darryl Enriquez

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

BROOKFIELD - A senior leader of Elmbrook Church, one of the largest churches in Wisconsin, has resigned "due to multiple marital infidelities" and to seek inpatient treatment for an unspecified addiction.

Jason Webb, senior church pastor for four years, announced his departure in a remorseful letter sent to the Elmbrook congregation Wednesday. Webb's resignation was tendered last week, church officials said.

An interim senior pastor to replace Webb is expected to be chosen as soon as mid-next week by Elmbrook's council of elders, said Mark Heckman, the church's executive director of support services.

When asked how the loss of Webb is affecting Elmbrook, Heckman said, “We are experiencing a range of emotions from disbelief to anger to fear and everything in between.

"This is an undeniably hard place, and it is an opportunity for deep spiritual growth. We are also concerned for the Webb family and trying to provide adequate care for them.”

Webb was brought into Elmbrook from its sister place of worship in Mukwonago — Brooklife Church.

Elmbrook draws thousands of attendees to its weekly services. In addition to its flagship Brookfield campus, Elmbrook in 2016 opened a satellite location in Delafield after merging with Westbrook Church.

The letter

Webb's letter said:

"It is with deep remorse that I write you this letter. As you are aware, over the last two years I have been on a journey towards emotional, spiritual and relational health.

"While I have been open with you about much of the journey, there is one part that I have kept hidden. I have also been struggling with a serious addiction, which has led to many betrayals, including unfaithfulness to my wife, Heather.

"Words cannot fully describe how sorry I am for my sin. The gravity of all of this is not lost on me. I have lied to Heather, my counselor, the men in my life, the elders, the staff and the church.

"I am so very sorry. As I come to terms with this, I must take two difficult steps for myself, my wife and my children.

"First, I will immediately seek intensive inpatient treatment for addiction over the next six weeks. Second, I am offering my resignation as senior pastor of Elmbrook Church.

"Elmbrook will always be dear to me. I will continue to count it one of the greatest honors of my life to have served under the Elmbrook umbrella in various capacities for the last seventeen years, and as senior pastor these last four years."

No return

Gary Gregg, chairman of the elder council, said Webb will not return to ministry at Elmbrook.

"We are working diligently on an interim plan in the absence of a senior pastor and will communicate a way forward as soon as possible," Gregg said. "We understand this is unimaginable news.

"It is a staggering loss, and we share your sorrow and sense of betrayal. It would be easy to lose hope, but let's gather together as a family this weekend to find solace and anchor our souls to Jesus, the only one who is capable of calming the chaos."