When a Ministry Leader Falls
I will never forget the day that I learned about the moral failure of a preacher that I highly respected. This man was a very effective communicator, and his sermons helped me spiritually. I even had the opportunity to spend time with him personally and always felt encouraged. After learning of his years of concealing sin, I was so confused. When a ministry leader falls, it has the potential to cause great confusion and damage.
It did not take long for the feelings of disbelief (How could he do that?), mistrust (If I can’t trust him, who can I trust?), and skepticism (Are all preachers like this?) to arise in my heart. I know I am not the only one who has felt like this. After the initial shock, it took time for me to think through these feelings and come to some rational and biblical conclusions.
If you are dealing with the trauma of a moral failure of a ministry leader, think about these things as you wrestle with the feelings you are experiencing.
God can use the actions of flawed men and women for His glory. God overcame the hate that was in the hearts of Joseph’s brothers to accomplish good. Joseph spoke of God’s sovereignty when he told them, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” (Gen 50:20). If God can take acts of malicious evil and cause good to spring from it, then I know I can trust him through the fog of disappointment when a ministry leader falls.
If my faith rests on one man’s faithfulness or the lack thereof, I am guilty of man worship. Recently I was speaking to a friend, and he told me about a lady who was crying because she had just learned that a well-known preacher was guilty of immorality. In her sorrow, she exclaimed, “What will we do?” Instances like this sometimes reveal something about our faith. I don’t know this woman’s motivation for her question, but I do know that having our eyes solely on man will lead to disappointment and disillusionment. Only One is promised to be unchanging and constant, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Heb. 13:8). Rise above your hurt to see the One who never fails.
Not every preacher or ministry leader is dishonest or untrustworthy. It is easy to generalize when we are emotionally affected. Keep things in perspective. When your trust has been violated, there is nothing wrong with being careful in the future. Just don’t become skeptical and believe that every ministry leader is of poor character. In Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3, the Lord makes it clear that ministry leaders have exemplary character. If a preacher falls, it is not because of his calling; it is because of his flesh.
The disappointment mentioned in the beginning of this article is a distant memory, but the lessons I have learned go with me today. Instead of letting it crush my soul and driving me from the Lord, I have chosen to let it challenge me to holy living and authentic Christianity. I hope you will do the same.