Mike Jones pays
visit to New Life Church

Mike Jones, the former escort who allegedly had a three-year sexual relationship with New Life Church founder Ted Haggard, visited the 14,000-member megachurch on Sunday, reports the Associated Press.

"I had read a lot about the church, but there's nothing like seeing it for yourself," Jones told The Denver Post. "It wasn't to rub anyone's face in it by any means. I was wanting to get some perspective, to see where they are coming from, what the magnet is."

Haggard stepped down as president of the National Association of Evangelicals after Jones's allegations became public last year. Jones also claimed that Haggard occasionally used crystal meth during their trysts.

In November, Haggard publicly admitted to engaging in "sexual immorality." He urged members of New Life to thank Jones for exposing his transgression.

Accompanying Jones on Sunday was a New York City-based theater troupe called the Civilians, which is researching evangelicals for an upcoming project.

Associate Pastor Rob Brendle said to the AP, "I told Mike, 'I don't want to impose my religious beliefs on you, but I believe God used you to correct us, and I appreciate that.'

"The church's response to him was overwhelmingly warm," Brendle added. "One of the wonderful and enduring truths of Christianity is to love people the world sets up to be your enemies."

After completing therapy, Haggard and his wife, Gayle, are living in Colorado Springs, Colo. (The Advocate)