NC Church Launches Third-Party Investigation into Acts 29 VP Following Sexual Misconduct Admission

Leaders of Vintage Church in North Carolina have announced plans to pursue a third-party investigation into the actions of founding pastor Tyler Jones, who was recently removed from his position. Jones, who also served as U.S. vice president of the church-planting organization Acts 29, admitted to a years-long “inappropriate relationship” with a woman he is not married to. The elders of the church fired him on February 18, citing the circumstances surrounding the relationship.

The church leadership stated in an email to members that an independent investigation is the best course of action to assess the situation. This review will examine the factors that led to Jones’ removal, including whether the church’s staff and leadership culture may have played a role, and the current state of the organization’s health. The email clarified that Jones did not “confess” to the relationship, as previously stated, but rather “acknowledged” or “admitted” the situation under pressure during an elder’s meeting.

Vintage Church leadership has chosen not to label the misconduct as an “affair” or a “relationship,” instead referring to it as a “situation.” The email noted that “questions continue to surface and new information has come forward.” The church has also requested that members respect the anonymity of the woman involved, as the church will not disclose her name.

Jones co-founded Vintage Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 2002. The church is non-denominational but part of the Acts 29 network. Its website encourages members to “bring your faith and your doubt, your joy and your tears, your praise and your selfishness,” reflecting a desire to emulate Jesus’ call in Matthew 11:28. Over the years, the church has grown significantly, moving locations twice and opening a second campus in downtown Durham in 2009.

In one of his final sermons in February, Jones addressed the importance of accountability. He asked the congregation, “Who will help keep me honest in my spiritual growth? Who will hold me accountable?” While he acknowledged the potential for accountability to involve correction, he also emphasized the value of encouragement and support from fellow believers. This sermon, delivered just weeks before his removal, highlights the tension between spiritual growth and personal integrity.

The incident raises important questions about leadership, transparency, and the role of accountability within religious organizations. As the investigation proceeds, the church’s response will be closely watched, not only for its implications for Vintage Church but also for its broader impact on the Acts 29 network and the wider Christian community. The situation serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance, honesty, and a commitment to justice, as outlined in Micah 6:8—“to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

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