GREENVILLE, SC — Senior Pastor Ron Carpenter and his megachurch, Redemption World Outreach are moving to San Jose, CA.

Carpenter shared the news with the congregation Sunday morning, that he and his wife Hope Carpenter will be stepping down next year as Senior Pastors of their current Greenville campus.

“This was the toughest decision that I’ve ever made,” Carpenter told WYFF News 4.

“I really felt not only a pull to make a deposit in another city, but probably this city needed a fresh voice.”

According to a press release from Ron Carpenter Ministries, Carpenter will take over Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, CA in May of 2018. Many members of Redemption expressed sadness and shock over Carpenter’s announcement that he was leaving the Upstate.

“I know everybody’s heart is saddened,” Terri Cooper said. “California is getting a jewel.”

Pastor John Gray will take leadership upon Carpenters departure. Gray currently serves as an Associate Pastor at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas under the leadership of Pastor Joel Osteen.

“[Gray] has his foot with Hollywood,” Carpenter said. “He has his foot with celebrities, in different cultures and nations. I think there’s something big that’s never been done in this city that is yet to be done.

Pastor Carpenter will remain on the board of directors for the Greenville church, which will be renamed by Gray at a later date.

Media Director Joe Hayes tells WYFF News 4 that both Redemption Asheville and Florence locations are expected to close. The Charlotte location will remain in operation, but will go independent, having no affiliation with Redemption. The Columbia and Raleigh locations will stay open and remain part of Redemption Ministries.

Carpenter founded Redemption Church in 1991. Carpenters first Sunday service in San Jose will be May 13th, 2018.

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