Pentecostal Pastor Ted Shuttlesworth Jr. Confesses Adultery, Steps Down From 16 Year Ministry

Pastor Ted Shuttlesworth Jr. Confesses Adultery and Steps Down From Miracle Word Ministries

Florida based Pentecostal pastor and evangelist Ted Shuttlesworth Jr. has stepped away from ministry leadership after confessing to adultery and engaging in "multiple inappropriate conversations" outside his marriage.

Shuttlesworth, who co founded Miracle Word Ministries over 16 years ago alongside his wife Carolyn, announced his departure in a letter to supporters published on February 25, 2026.

In his statement, the pastor admitted his failings directly.

I let my own guard down. I failed to stand in my authority when temptations came. These sinful actions culminated in sexual activity with a woman who was not my wife. I'm extremely ashamed and deeply grieved by my actions.

Shuttlesworth, who also founded Miracle Word University and authored nearly 20 books, said he has repented to the Lord and asked for healing and protection for his family.

Other than my salvation, Carolyn is the greatest gift the Lord has given me. I am stepping away from ministry. I've repented to the Lord and asked Him to heal and protect my family from the damage this has caused.

His wife Carolyn addressed supporters separately, confirming the affair and multiple inappropriate conversations. She stated that she has forgiven her husband and intends to take on a greater role in the ministry during this season.

Ted Shuttlesworth Jr. Admits Affair, Wife Carolyn Takes Over Miracle Word Church Leadership

Nothing you have prayed, given, or sown into this ministry has been false or in vain. Though he is stepping away from ministry for the time being, I will be stepping forward in greater leadership and ministry responsibility during this season.

The Shuttlesworths come from a prominent preaching family, with Ted's father being televangelist Ted Shuttlesworth Sr. and his cousins including pastors Tiff Shuttlesworth and Jonathan Shuttlesworth. The couple have three children together.

Shuttlesworth left open the possibility of returning to ministry in the future, writing: "Though I'm currently stepping away from ministry, should God in His mercy give me another opportunity, I'm willing to answer the call."

The Crusader's Opinion

Let me be blunt. When a man stands behind a pulpit and claims to speak for God, he is held to a higher standard. Scripture is clear: "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." Ted Shuttlesworth Jr. betrayed his wife, his congregation, and the trust of every believer who supported his ministry. Repentance is between him and God, but accountability must be public when the platform was public. The Church cannot keep sweeping pastoral failures under the rug and expecting the world to take our moral witness seriously. We pray for the Shuttlesworth family's restoration, but we must also demand that church leadership structures include real accountability, not just damage control after the fact.

Take Action

• Pray: Lift up the Shuttlesworth family, especially Carolyn and their three children, during this devastating season. Pray for genuine repentance and healing.
• Demand Accountability: Ask your own church leadership what safeguards and accountability structures exist for pastors. Every church needs transparent oversight.
• Support Pastoral Accountability Ministries: Organizations like Restoring the Fallen work specifically with leaders who have experienced moral failure.
• Donate: Support The Shepherd's Shield to protect and strengthen Christian communities.
• Share: Talk to fellow believers about the importance of pastoral accountability. The Church grows stronger when we address sin honestly rather than hiding it.