Southfield, USA - Longtime local minister and politician Keith Butler announced Sunday he is stepping down as senior pastor of Word of Faith International Church after more than 30 years.
Butler's son, Andre', will take over as senior pastor Jan. 1. Butler made the announcement during services Sunday, and posted it on his church's website.
"I have been pastor of this church since I was 23 years old," Butler wrote. "At the end of this year, I am resigning as Senior Pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center-Southfield. Pastor Andre' will become the Senior Pastor here, beginning January 1, 2011."
Butler, who could not be reached Sunday, said he will continue working with the church.
Andre' Butler has served as senior pastor of Word of Faith's Phoenix and Atlanta churches.
"Next year, he will be 35 years old and in the fulltime ministry for 14 years," his father wrote. "He and (his wife) Minister Tiffany are ready to move this church to the next level. Later on this year, there will be a formal installation ceremony."
Keith Butler, who served on the Detroit City Council and ran unsuccessfully for a U.S. Senate seat in 2006, resigned in May as Michigan's Republican National committeeman.
In 1978, Butler founded Word of Faith Christian Center on West McNichols Road in Detroit.
He moved his church in 1996 to a 110-acre former friary in Southfield.