Recently, a prominent pastor, author, and conference speaker was caught in an inappropriate relationship with a woman and removed from ministry. In the past, similar men have fallen into sin but their doctrine was deeply flawed. In those cases, we might think that the deficient theology helped lead to their sin. Other times, men fall and it’s their ministry methodology that is warped. It doesn’t match their stated theological positions and we see how it may have helped lead to pride and their removal from ministry. But this individual seemed to have both faithful doctrine and consistent ministry methods. Bluntly put, his church looked like our church and, as a pastor, he looked like our pastors. In many ways, his fall had more sting, more sorrow.
So, how should we think about these things?
1. Pray for this Man, his Family, and his Church
Part of the struggle is that this man is a hero to many. He has taught countless men to preach, exhorted them to holiness, and challenged them not to follow after the world in ministry. Even now his books sit on my shelves as very helpful tools.
Yet, as difficult as it may be for us to see such a well-regard man fall into sin, it’s not nearly as hard for us as it is for those nearest to him. Their trust, love, and encouragement for him and from him were close—and shattered by his sin. So, pray for them. Pray for a truly repentant heart. Pray for a restored marriage and family. Pray for a comforted and sustain church.
2. Reflect on the Danger of Sin
The statement announcing the termination of this man in his position as pastor was accompanied with these words from 1 Corinthians: “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12). We could add the following verse as well: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor 10:13).
On the one hand, we rightly shake our heads and ask “Why would he do this? How could it happen?” But that should not lead us into a spirit of haughtiness. Rather we should think with sober-mindedness about our own lives. Nothing this man did was unknown to others. His temptations were common. Given the right circumstances we could sin in the same way.
So, we reflect on the danger we all face. And we question ourselves: How are flirting with sin right now? In what areas are we confident in our ability to resist temptation and have left doors cracked up in the name of freedom? As Paul admonishes us, take heed lest we too fall into sin.
3. Remember Christ’s Glory and Gospel Call
Another mistake we may make is in ostracizing this man forever (see 2 Cor 2:5–11). We hope he truly repents. And in keep with the promise of the gospel, he can be forgiven, cleansed, and restored to fellowship with God and his people. We should long for that and pray for that. But that doesn’t mean he should preach again. Given the qualifications for elders (1 Tim 3:1–2, 7; Tit 1:6), this man’s ministry in the local should no longer be one of leadership.
This may further our grief, but remember that nothing will stop the church of Christ (Matt 16:18). No one person—no matter how popular or helpful—can sin in such a way that the gospel is disparaged beyond repair. No, the church will continue to triumph until the return of our Lord.
Thus, in times such as this, though saddening, should not cause us to shrink back from the call we have to herald the gospel and make disciples. Instead, we should be even more fervent to speak of Christ’s unfailing, all-glorious perfection as our Shepherd-King. In him is not even a hint of moral confusion or infidelity—to God or his people. He is beautiful in his holiness! And this is what makes him the focus our lives. We follow Christ, not men. For he remains faithful those who put their faith in him will never be put to shame (Rom 10:11).
4. Reflect on the Number of Faith Pastors
From my own experience, I have been part of two churches that collectively saw five pastors not finish well. Each of these instances have been a warning call for me personally. As one who now serves in vocational ministry, seeing church leaders fall into public sin is heart-wrenching. I think about the effects it will have on the church in which he served and the global Church that is aware of it and discoursed by it.
But most of my friends are in churches which have had faithful pastors. In fact, looking back in church history and around us today to those we know, the comforting truth is that the vast majority of pastors will not fall into sin that disqualifies them from ministry. We should not only thank God for this, but reflect on this truth so as to keep in balance the rare times we get the terrible news of a fallen pastor.
Be encouraged that while it’s always bad to see a pastor fall, and many will use it as an occasion to attack Christ and church, these times are so shaking because they are actually rare. Most pastors will finish well. And we praise God for it.
5. Pray for Your Pastors
Our pastors at PBF have good systems in place to help hold each other accountable in very organic ways. It’s more than a quick question: “Did you sin today?” Since we all serve together, know each other’s wives, and will receive our own pastoral care calls, we tend to know how we are doing spiritually.
But this should not lead us (or the church) to think that one of us couldn’t do a good job faking godliness. Judas is the perennial example of one who seemed faithful in every way until the moment he was the most unfaithful disciple Jesus called (John 13:21–30).
In light of this, we ask you to pray for us. Pastor Greg talked about this toward the end of his Hebrews series and I say it again—pray for us. We need your prayers! Pray for all of the things you would pray for any other disciple as well as for specific ministry needs:
- Pray for a life that abides with Jesus in word and prayer (John 15:1–11)
- Pray for fruit from a Spirit-filled life (Gal 5)
- Pray for a heart guarded against sin (Prov 4:23)
- Pray for evident love toward others (John 13:34–35)
- Pray for holiness in public and in private (1 Pet 1:13–25)
- Pray for a healthy home life (Eph 5:25—6:4)
- Pray that we be Christlike in humility and service (Mark 10:43–45; Phil 2:3–8)
In the end, let us see this man’s fall into sin as a reminder to cling close to Christ, uphold one another in prayer, and be faithful in striving and serving rather than living on the edges of temptation.
Comments