In case you aren’t convinced by the Biblical evidence for the need for a plurality of elders within a local body, take a look at this story of how a pastor sold an 89 year old church building without the congregation’s knowledge.

MANTECA, Calif. — A former pastor who was arrested after selling his church without telling the congregation will not be sentenced until next month, court officials said.

Randall Radic was the pastor of First Congregational Church in Ripon before his arrest in 2005. He sold the 89-year-old church, the town’s oldest, for $525,000 to a couple who planned to convert it into offices.

Radic pleaded guilty to one count of grand theft by embezzlement last year, sparing him a longer sentence. He faces 16 months in prison as part of his plea deal.

A sentence hearing in San Joaquin County Superior Court in Manteca was postponed Monday because a prosecutor could not attend. It was rescheduled for Feb. 6.

Radic is free on his own recognizance

HT: Kim Riddlebarger