“That decision was made without knowledge by senior executive leadership at Lakepointe and the sign-up list was immediately taken down as we were made aware of what occurred,” said Smith. “We immediately apologized to our city leaders who made the decision to postpone the traffic count. We are in the process of reaching out to all the leaders who received the sign up and are apologizing to them as well.”
“We regret how this reflects on the Body of Christ and its impact in our community,” Smith went on to say. “We love our city and have much respect for our leaders. We will continue to work with the city to make the traffic around Lakepointe as safe as possible.”
The traffic study has now been canceled.
These events are the latest in a series of controversies that have resulted in criticism of Lakepointe Church and its lead pastor, Josh Howerton.
In April, Howerton came under fire for comments he made during a sermon in February after a video clip from the sermon went viral on social media.
Referring to a recent marriage event the church held, Howerton said he wanted to “drop a little gift” for people who missed the event by sharing “a gold nugget of advice I was given by a mentor.”
Addressing future husbands looking toward their wedding day, Howerton said, “When it comes to that day, just stand where she tells you to stand, wear what she tells you to wear, and do what she tells you to do. You’ll make her the happiest woman in the world.”
Howerton went on to address future wives. “Now ladies, when it comes to his wedding night, he has been planning this day his whole life,” he said as the congregation laughed.
“So just stand where he tells you to stand, wear what he tells you to wear, and do what he tells you to do, and you’re gonna make him the happiest man in the world,” Howerton said, resulting in cheers and applause.
Howerton’s comments were sternly criticized by a number of online commenters, who argued that his words were harmful to women.
Howerton later apologized while emphasizing that he was only joking.
