Due to having folks in our church who know Mike and have been connected to Planet Shakers, I have been following this story very closely.
To be clear, MG has committed sin, fraud etc. He is fully at fault and this thread is in no way meant to minimize his sin or the impact upon the Christian community.
Mike and his Father's church have done something that few "fallen" ministers have done, and that is provide full disclosure of his faults and not try to hide the sin and the failure. Mike has accepted responsibility and so far, has submitted to his leaders and has done the honorable thing of coming clean BEFORE he was found out, which I'm sure would have happened anyway.
Because Mike has come clean and offered full disclosure, I believe that he will find forgiveness in the Christian community. He will still have to pay for his "crimes" but forgiveness is what we do for someone when they ask for it.
Many of you know that I was involved in a church situation where the pastor stole close to $2 million and NEVER offered full disclosure, explanation or contrition. There are pending court cases and criminal charges. Had there been full disclosure, none of these things would exist. Had he only been repentant and broken and thrown himself upon the "horns of the altar" forgiveness would have been found and many people would not have been further hurt and disillusioned.
I commend Mike G. for doing the right thing! I wish he would have done it long ago, but at least he is demonstrating what one is supposed to do when they have fallen. David did it, and Mike is doing it. David was restored, and may Mike find restoration as well!
May the God of heaven have mercy upon him and restore to him the joy of his salvation and restore his family and marriage as well.