No one could have convinced Pastor John Wilbanks that he would ever be involved in an extra- marital affair. But 12 years ago, that’s exactly where he found himself. His beloved family, his role as a pastor, and many of his life-long friendships were all in jeopardy of being ripped from his life. Faced with the risk of losing everything, John wanted to die. But hope came in the form of three words from his wife, Sally:

“I’m not leaving.”

Sally’s decision to stay was the fuel John needed to embark on a journey of healing and reconciliation. This journey was an intense commitment to endure serious discomfort for the sake of re- building trust. It required the couple to face rock-hard truths and be totally transparent. It wasn’t easy. They had to stand in the mess that was their marriage, and work to execute the decision they’d made to reconcile. But with God’s help and grace, they came through it; their marriage is healed, and their family is once again whole. Recovery is possible.

John Wilbanks started his ministry as a youth pastor and associate pastor. He then launched two churches where he pastored them for a combination of 17 years. He has spoken in venues across the country and overseas for the past 35 years. Sally Wilbanks began ministry work by teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir. She helped John while he served in his early pastorship roles, and she was right beside him as they launched and lead two churches together. Sally has also spoken at several events and women’s conferences. Together, John and Sally founded Pastors Prevention, a consulting network equipped to help pastors, leaders, and churches to restore and prevent issues within the family and organization. They have two children, Allison and Austin.