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BANGOR – The pastor of one of eastern Maine’s largest churches announced Sunday that he is taking a three-month sabbatical to seek treatment for “a chronic alcohol dependency.”
The Rev. Ron Durham, 57, founder of Abundant Life Church on Outer Broadway, said that he would seek treatment at an out-of-state facility. The announcement came a few days after the pastor met with the church’s board of directors.
“The board’s appraisal of my present condition and status has prompted their directive that I begin immediately a rehabilitative sabbatical; in turn requiring the full attention of my family and myself,” he said this week in a statement.
“I can therefore no longer be present to perform my pastoral duties. May I say that I am in full heart agreement and compliance with these men. … Furthermore, I beg for your forgiveness and prayer.”
Bernard “Bunny” Doak said Thursday that Durham came to the board seeking help and the decision to send him for treatment was not precipitated by any specific incident.
At the end of his sabbatical, board members will evaluate Durham’s ability to resume his ministerial duties, according to Doak. Guest preachers will fill in for the pastor.
In a 1996 interview with the Bangor Daily News, Durham said the reason he and Doak were the only Maine residents on the church’s board was to ensure accountability on his part since the church does not belong to a denomination.
Abundant Life Church was founded in 1987. Since then, it has grown to nearly 800 worshippers. It moved from the former Dow Chapel building on Texas Avenue in Bangor to its $2.5 million facility on Broadway 41/2 years ago.
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