In 2006, Ted Haggard was easily one of the most influential evangelical leaders in the United States. As president of the National Association of Evangelicals and founder and pastor of the New Life Church, a megachurch in Colorado Springs, Colo., he had millions of devoted followers and public support from his wife, Gayle, and their five children.
But his life changed abruptly when former male escort Mike Jones alleged that Haggard -- who had condemned homosexuality as a sin -- paid him for sex and methamphetamine. At first, Haggard denied the claims, but when Jones released voicemails of Haggard asking for drugs, he eventually admitted to "sexual immorality" and to buying methamphetamine. He was forced to resign from the church he led for 22 years.
That was seven years ago. Where are the Haggards today?
Haggard and his wife, Gayle, sent a video update to "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" showing the couple is still together. In the above clip, Haggard says he is is pastoring at St. James Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he draws much smaller crowds than those that attended his megachurch.
"I'm really excited about where our family is, where our marriage is. I feel that we're stronger than ever and that we continue to grow in that strength," Gayle says in the clip. She adds that her new book, Courageous Grace, reveals what they learned in recovering from the scandal.
Haggard wraps up the brief video update by expressing thanks. "We're so grateful for resurrection," he says. "We're grateful for redemption. We're grateful for people that are kind."
"Oprah: Where Are They Now?" airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on OWN.
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