After more than two decades of ministry together, Joel and Ellen Cave—founders of the influential Glow Church in Gold Coast, Australia—have announced their separation and decision to step down from their pastoral roles.

In a message sent to church members and shared with The Christian Post, Glow Church Chairman Dave Weatherall said the separation was initiated by Ellen Cave and emphasized that it was not due to “moral failure or infidelity.”

“Due to some very recent information that has been submitted, the Board has decided for our Senior Pastors to step back from all ministry responsibilities,” Weatherall explained. “This follows a period of personal challenges that have led to, as it currently stands, a period of separation as requested by Ellen. This is not a result of moral failure or infidelity.”

He also confirmed that Joel Cave is in a time of “medical and pastoral recovery,” though the specific nature of his health concerns has not been disclosed. “Joel is currently in a period of medical and pastoral recovery,” Weatherall stated.

The chairman asked for “prayer, understanding, and respect for the privacy of Joel, Ellen, the children, and the Cave family,” adding that both Joel and Ellen will “continue to be a part of the church family, surrounded by care, prayer, and support.”

Founded in 2013, Glow Church quickly became one of Australia’s fastest-growing congregations. It is known for its contemporary worship, young-adult focus, and innovative use of technology in services. What began as a small gathering on a Gold Coast balcony blossomed into a multisite megachurch with thousands of members.

“It is the style of music we have, the use of technology—we have a lot of cutting-edge screens, lighting and sound,” Joel Cave said in a 2018 interview with the Gold Coast Bulletin. “Most people spend all day looking at screens and we use them because it helps people connect with our messages.”

Before founding Glow, Joel worked as a teacher at Kings Christian College. The church became part of the Australian Christian Churches movement and expanded across the country, though in 2024 it released its satellite campuses to become independent congregations.

Now, as the founders take time away, the Glow Church Board says its focus is on restoration and healing—for both the couple and the wider church community.

“The Board has taken this step with careful consideration and prayer, prioritizing our Senior Pastors’ wellbeing and the health of the church community,” Weatherall wrote. “It reflects a need for both Joel and Ellen to focus on their health, healing, and family’s wellbeing during this time.”

He concluded with a message of hope and grace: “Let us remember that the same grace and hope we preach is the grace that sustains and restores us all. As we move forward, we keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, trusting that His work of healing and restoration will continue in each life and in our church.”