March 23, 2007: Former Pastor Rick Ousley Admits "Moral Indiscretion"
Rick Ousley, former Pastor of Brook Hills, recently admitted in a statement to "a moral and spiritual indiscretion with a woman not my wife." This information was published in a Birmingham News article on March 23, 2007. Current church leaders were made aware of this information through informal contacts with Ousley's ministry supporters shortly before it became public. This news was both shocking to our staff and members, and deeply saddened many who had been at Brook Hills during Rick's ministry.

Ousley announced his retirement from his role at Brook Hills nearly two years ago, in May 2005, amid serious health problems. He completed his service here in September 2005 and is no longer a member of the church, nor active in any capacity at Brook Hills.

Dr. Platt Teaches Biblical Response to Moral Failure
In response to this news, current Senior Pastor, Dr. David Platt, preached a message entitled "How Do You Respond to Moral Failure In the Church?" on Sunday, March 25, 2007. Using the example of the Church at Corinth, Dr. Platt used the text of 1 Corinthians to underscore not just this specific example of moral failure, but how the church should respond in general to immorality "which has become so prevailent throughout our nation and in the American church." The complete audio, video and teaching outline of the message are available as downloads below...

> Listen to "How Do You Respond to Moral Failure In the Church?" (MP3).

> Download "Moral Failure" Message Notes (PDF).

> Watch MPEG/Quicktime Video of "Moral Failure" Message (MOV).

In Prayer for Those Involved
Church leaders urge prayer for not only the Ousley family, but all of the parties in this situation, that any sin and deception will be exposed and dealt with, and that each person involved will, through confession, counseling, discipline and accountability in the church, be restored to the Body of Christ and to their own families.

Follow-Up Available. Contacting Current Leadership
Follow-up by Dr. Platt and the Brook Hills Elders in this matter is always open and available to any party wishing to contact current church leadership. As in all situations, our church leaders desire to be a help, support and encouragement to those in our church and community. If you wish to contact current leadership, you can do so through the Senior Pastor's Office. All contacts will be handled confidentially and appropriately by Dr. Platt and his immediate staff. You can email Dr. Platt at dplatt@brookhills.org, or contact his office at 205.313.7720.