JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A Jacksonville church pastor accused of sending lewd text messages to an underage girl recently announced his resignation.

Citing his desire to put the interests of the church and the congregation ahead of his own, Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church Pastor Darrell L. Gilyard Friday announced his resignation effective immediately from his post.

In a release from the church, Gilyard states he left for the good of the congregation and that, "In life, there comes a time when the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one and the church and its ministry are larger than just me."

The resignation comes as the state attorney's office investigates sexually explicit text messages sent to the daughter of a church member late last year.

The investigation showed the obscene messages came from Gilyard's cell phone, according to authorities.

No charges have been filed against Gilyard. The investigation is ongoing.

Channel 4 reporter Scott Johnson talked to the chairman of the deacons on the phone about Gilyard's resignation. He said it was "a shock and they wish pastor Gilyard the best. But Shiloh must move on."

Beyond that, the board of deacons said a closed-door meeting would be held about how the church should move forward.