Paula White Returns to Lead Ailing Megachurch

"I have some serious health issues right now," the bishop said. "I've had six different doctors say that I had to take the stress, the pressure out of my life."

As a result, Bishop White called up his ex-wife about two months ago to inform her of his health situation and to ask her to consider returning to lead the congregation they once pastored together.

After much prayer and counsel, Paula White decided accept the mandate and mantle of senior pastor of Without Walls International Church and the entire ministry organization, according to Paula White Ministries.

"Pastor Paula is very excited about this wonderful assignment and opportunity from the Lord," her ministry reported. "We know this is the divine plan of God and that great things are in store!"

As for Bishop White, the ailing minister said he is staying town and will still be connected to Without Walls - just in a different position.

"It's not something that we're losing. You're actually gaining," he told his congregation last week. "And we're going to gain momentum as we go forward to build the Kingdom of God."

On Sunday, Without Walls was expected to honor Bishop White "for the leadership and the legacy and richness that he has brought to Without Walls."

"And we look forward to our future as God has big things for all of us," Paula White added. "God has big things for us."