It happened again last week. Another moral failure, two broken marriages, two lost jobs…….one more church scandal.
My heart is breaking for the church, the people left to clean up, and the families involved who are fracturing. And to add a throat punch on top of it all, this is a big church which means there were more than a coupe first time visitors on the Sunday the scandal broke. People dont just show up to church either. Somebody, or several people, made an investment in those people. Probably a long series of hints and suggestions and waiting for an opportunity to invite them. They hung themselves out there and pattnered with the church only to have there friends show up and see us at our worst as believers.
My pastor Andy Stanley said “leadership is temporary and we’re accountable“. Are you accounting for your actions? Who knows your junk? If you were going to have a moral failure, (nobody is without opportunity) do you know where it might come from? Who are you talking to about it? Don’t be fooled into thinking you can survive ministry alone.
Guys, the “affair” is the modern plague of ministry. Maybe you’re in good shape right now, but who or what could be a problem for you down the road? Do you find yourself lingering with someone? Find somebody you can trust and have a conversation. DO IT TODAY!!! Will power is good for setting boundarIes but it stinketh for avoiding temptation.
Dont be like Esau and give up what God created you for because you have a very temporary desire for soup. (Also from Andy Stanley)
Nothing has the potential to destroy your church like sin born from arrogance and isolation.
Richard,
Such a timely post. Thank you for speaking into this critical issue.
Brian