CATAWBA COUNTY, NC : Driver charged in crash that killed Catawba County pastor on Tuesday, December 6th, 2016

A Catawba County pastor was killed after troopers say he was hit by an impaired driver Tuesday night.

The district attorney's office announced Wednesday that 31-year-old Zachariah Arthur Carl was charged with second-degree murder in the death of 43-year-old Michael Howard Vanderburg.

Troopers said around 8:30 p.m. Carl ran a red light on Highway 70 near Conover and struck a minivan, killing the pastor. Several of Vanderburg's family members in the van went to the hospital.

In addition to second degree murder, Carl was charged with driving while impaired, failure to stop for a steady red light, possession of an open container and driving with license revoked. Troopers said the license was revoked due to impaired driving.

Carl was given a $1 million cash bond and placed in the Catawba County Jail.

Vanderburg led Abundant Life Church of God in Hudson, North Carolina.

"It was like losing a father figure," said Cory Street, a member of the congregation. Street said "Pastor Mike" had been a part of his life for the last 12 years.

"I'm pretty numb inside, it was like a sucker punch to the gut," Street said.

Vanderburg leaves behind a wife and several children. Concerned friends and family members have been sending family members messages through social media since the news.

The church shared a post from Vanderburg's wife Wednesday. She told church members that the outpouring of support has been a comfort and that she has read every message and comment.

Several members of the church told WBTV that Vanderburg was especially interested in helping youth.

"He's always been a guidance and a leader and a protector," said Jessica Hatley.

Hatley said "Pastor Mike" helped her after her father passed away. Now she's thinking about the loved ones Vanderburg leaves behind.

"We're not supposed to be sad, but to remember that he is in heaven and he's rejoicing," Hatley said.

Church members recently moved to Hudson because their congregation kept growing.

"Just because he's gone doesn't mean he's not going to be ministering to us, I mean I can hear him plain as day in the back of my mind talking to me," Street said.

The message Cory Street says his pastor is laying on his heart and mind now is one of forgiveness for the man troopers say caused the crash.

"My pastor would also tell me that there's no point in being angry, that I need to forgive him, and that's what I'm working on," Street said.

Church leaders canceled Wednesday services, but said doors would be open to members and friends to pray for the family.

"I just pray everyone has peace because we all know where he's at," Hatley said.

WBTV sent a crew to Carl's previous address. People there told a reporter they had no comment. A lawyer representing Carl did not immediately return a call for comment.

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Driver charged in crash that killed Catawba County pastor