Who Is Ted Haggard and What Is Saint James Church?
Ted Haggard is an American evangelical pastor and former president of the National Association of Evangelicals. He founded New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and became a prominent figure in conservative Christianity during the early 2000s. Saint James Church is a smaller ministry associated with Haggard, where he has continued to lead services and teach after his return to public ministry. Haggard has described Saint James Church as a place for renewed focus on prayer, outreach, and personal accountability. The church operates as an independent nondenominational congregation in Colorado Springs. Its public profile remains tied to Haggard’s personal story and his efforts to rebuild his ministry after scandal.
New Life Church, which Haggard co-founded in 1984, grew into a large evangelical megachurch with thousands of members. Under his leadership, the church expanded its campus, launched multiple campus locations, and became known for its conservative political activism. Haggard served as president of the National Association of Evangelicals from 2003 to 2006, representing evangelical interests in Washington, D.C. During that period, he was a frequent media commentator on faith and policy issues. Saint James Church represents a later chapter in his career, emerging after his resignation from New Life Church in 2006. The church reflects Haggard’s attempt to continue preaching while operating on a smaller, more private scale.
Ted Haggard’s Scandal and Its Impact on His Ministry
In November 2006, Ted Haggard admitted to a sexual relationship with a male escort and acknowledged using methamphetamine. The revelations led to his resignation as president of the National Association of Evangelicals and his departure from New Life Church. The scandal generated widespread coverage in national media and prompted intense debate within evangelical circles. Haggard initially denied the allegations but later issued a public apology and entered a program for ex-gay counseling. His case became a reference point in discussions about hypocrisy, power, and accountability in religious leadership. The incident sharply reduced his public influence and led to the closure or scaling back of several associated projects.
After leaving New Life Church, Haggard faced financial and legal challenges, including a settlement with the church and ongoing scrutiny from former members and media outlets. He later moved to a smaller church in Colorado Springs, where he continued to preach under the Saint James Church name. The church’s attendance and visibility remained far below the levels seen during his megachurch years. Haggard has spoken publicly about his mistakes, addiction, and efforts at personal reform. His story is often cited in studies of evangelical leadership and institutional crisis management. The scandal also affected the broader perception of evangelical political influence during the mid-2000s.
Saint James Church Today and Ted Haggard’s Current Role
Saint James Church currently operates as a modest congregation in Colorado Springs, with services focused on worship, small-group discipleship, and community outreach. Ted Haggard serves as the lead pastor, continuing to teach and counsel members in a more intimate setting than his earlier megachurch ministry. The church maintains a low public profile compared to New Life Church and avoids much of the national media attention that previously surrounded Haggard. Its activities include local charity work, prayer meetings, and pastoral care for a small membership base. Haggard has described the church as a place for spiritual recovery and honest community. The ministry’s size and scope reflect the long-term effects of the 2006 scandal on his career.
Ted Haggard has also continued to write books and speak at events, often addressing themes of redemption, addiction, and spiritual failure. His post-scandal career includes appearances in documentaries and interviews where he discusses his fall and recovery. Saint James Church is frequently referenced in coverage of his