Venue Church pastor Tavner Smith returned to the pulpit Sunday with a tear-filled message of apology after a month-long sabbatical during which his actions and the culture created in his church were publicly scrutinized.
“I’m sorry that I’ve put you through any embarrassment, heartache or confusion,” Smith told the church. “I’ve wounded people. I’ve caused devastation that I know I can’t ever take back. As your leader and your pastor, I’ve come to you to publicly acknowledge my mistakes and truly ask for forgiveness.”
Smith told his church he was in an inappropriate relationship and there was no excuse for his behavior or the pain he caused. He said he takes full responsibility for the consequences of his actions.
Rumors that Smith was having an affair with a church employee go back years, causing groups of staff to leave the megachurch on Lee Highway in Chattanooga. In late 2021, a video surfaced of Smith at a North Georgia restaurant allegedly kissing the employee. Smith was in divorce proceedings with his now ex-wife at the time.
Staff at the church confronted Smith about the video and the alleged affair in mid-December. On Dec. 17, after learning Smith would not step aside from his position as pastor, nearly all Venue staff quit.