Why do Christian leaders and ministers fail?
Posted: Saturday, August 23, 2008, 11:30 (BST)
Yet, while the acclaim and affirmation of people are valuable - we can't live without encouragement - our first calling is not to please people. We are living for something bigger than our own reputation.
People's deference to gift and talent can be both a blessing and a curse for a leader.
It's a blessing because it breeds respect for the message and vision, which allows the leader to lead. It can be a curse because it can set the individual up for a fall - people start expecting leaders to be saints without flaws rather than flesh-and-blood human beings.
Finally, I think, when a minister falls we are presented with a marvellous opportunity to demonstrate the meaning of grace, that most precious of all divine gifts.
Many people will look at the fall of a leader or prominent voice and feel great disappointment and even anger. That's to be expected. That, however, is grace's opportunity to shine.
Grace signifies the inclusion of people who were previously excluded, which is the core of the Christian faith.
The fall of an individual leader is very regrettable, and wrongdoing will not go unanswered, but his or her past achievements are not wiped out for all time. Their credibility may be shredded, but God keeps the works of faith they've entrusted to him.
Whether or not you know my friend, I ask you to pray for him and his wonderful family, for the churches that are directly impacted and for the people who will be impacted most by these revelations.
He and his family are facing great personal pain - and if we are people of faith, we would do better to use our words to pray for him and for them, than talking to friends about the situation at every opportunity.
What the future holds for Michael, no one can say right now. His ministry credentials have been revoked and he is, apparently, seeking professional help.
But with personal repentance, a fundamental change of heart and direction, comes a time of spiritual cleansing. The mind and emotions of a damaged brother or sister can take a long time to heal - and the healing is no less important than healing of cancer.
In the end, there can be a new place of effectiveness for even the fallen ones, though perhaps not in the sphere they previously occupied.
If you've ever known a leader or prominent Christian who's fallen, keep yourself from bitterness which eats away at the soul. Determine in your heart that should you meet them, you would be able to say, 'I'm praying for you and for your family. God has a great future for you and it is good.'
The Biblical God is the God of a second chance - with accountability, healing and gradual restoration.
About Mal Fletcher:
Mal Fletcher (www.malfletcher.net) is a Christian author, business and media consultant, global speaker and broadcaster currently based in London. He was formerly National Director of the faith-based organisation Youth Alive Australia before going on to found the forward-looking communications company Next Wave International (www.nextwaveonline.com) and the annual European summit for community and church leaders, the Strategic Leadership Consultation.
Copyright: Mal Fletcher, printed with permission
Have your say on this article
The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Sunday, October 5, 2008, 8:52 (BST)
For christians to be united, we should stop blaming our fellow christian and we should not look what he does and point out his mistakes but we should see that when he admits the mistake we should give him one more chance as this is what religion teaches us.. in this given scenario when christianity is declining world wide and mainly by human force just as it is happening in india now, forcibly conversion to christians to hinduism and by gangrapping of our nuns by hindus in this dangerous scenario , we christians should always come in one voice and stop blaming ourselves coz if we do not, then it would be too late and now we are watching that hindu organisations like ISKCON are massively involved in conversion of white skinned christians and other people to hinduism, we should focus on this issue as this is an alarming situation for every christian...Remember to focus on this issue rather than blaming some minor mistakes of our own christian people . Jesus taught every christian to be united so pleasse do that.GOD Bless.
pralas, india
Added: Sunday, September 21, 2008, 7:45 (BST)
It is very difficult and even immoral to comment on a story in the press when one cannot see the wider picture. I will comment on the story as presented and the comments already made.
People who pretend to have ghastly illness including cancer pop up regularly. When the general press get hold of such a story the pretender is hailed as a filthy trickster and a criminal. The difference here is either that the scam was carried out by a Minister and is therefore alright; otherwise the comments are made by Christians who have a deeper understanding and wider vision of the psychological problems that affect us.
In any event, this Minister should, in my opinion, be removed from holding any leadership role in the church.
Pat Davies
Pat Davies, Great Wakering Essex
Added: Tuesday, September 2, 2008, 1:17 (BST)
This man, like many others in the Christian movement is a liar and a thief.
When you come through another way that is what you are, a liar and a thief.
If you entered through the Door....... then this would not happen. As I AM THE DOOR says the Lord.
The christian comments on this mans supposed fall and how could he do this thing to Christ.........Is because, how does any man do a thing.
It is for all to conquer, just as I have conquered says the Lord.
You have been told this but refuse to listen to my voice.
You have been told to pick up your cross to overcome.
You would rather listen to those who tell you I have conquered for you, who offer you a spirit that gives you and allows you to rule this world...and have life abundant....and all its nicest.
This is the sprit that tempted me on my cross. Telling me, get down if you bow to me i will you give you all the kingdoms on earth.......I did not heed this voice. I choose GOD.
This man has done a crime and is sorry AFTER THE CONVICTION BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.
This conviction by the Holy Spirt has NOT come throught the HEAD of the Church. as man is the Head of the church,..... and his bone of his bone and the flesh of his flesh is subordinate to him . yet to overcome.....
The two are not one flesh. As in the beginning. Male and Female The image that is to be given back to God. who's image do you see.....
Give unto God what is Gods... I AM not the image of man I AM the image of GOD. This man was pulled up in the SPIRIT that has TAKEN OVER the Christian church. it has been able to do this through self, the self interest of MAN. you must overcome the personal interest in yourself, lose your life for MY SAKE says the LORD.
I have redeemed and restored to my former glory THE BONE OF MY BONE AND THE FLESH OF MY FLESH.
THE RESURRECTION.
Once you no longer desire the man, you will see clearly..................once blind but now I can see!
It is here that you people should know, this person has come to me and announced his story and owes you nothing. He preached, you listened and willingly gave your money and affections.
This money was not given in the name of this particular man no in the name of God.
All money made from all the ventures of men and women using my name and for their own gain like bees to honey.
I have allowed this time to get their legs all nice and stuck . The fall of the christian church will be based purely on its foundations.
The people will learn........ perhaps very slowly. That to claim me as their God yet seek SELF interest is indeed folly. I do not repay good for evil or evil for good. says the Lord.
and what is HIS name THE LORD OF RIGHTENOUS that is MY NAME FAITHFUL AND TRUE>
angie hart, australia
Added: Monday, August 25, 2008, 8:34 (BST)
Christian leaders are human being and none of us is perfect. Although it may disappoint us, we should look them with forgiveness, love and respect. We should pray for that leader to recover his path well and follow the Word of God even more and reveal God's glory through their insufficiency. I think this column reminds us very important thing as a follower of the Lord. And all the leaders should careful in every single steps to resemble Christ more and more in their life - not only the words.
Alison Gold, London
Added: Saturday, August 23, 2008, 17:08 (BST)
He does have cancer. A cancer of the soul. He needs the direction and healing of the Lord to rid himself of this cancer. At least he already has the spiritual tools he needs to fight this and win. May the Lord be with him and his family.
Nick, Ashland, OR 97520 USA
Added: Saturday, August 23, 2008, 16:28 (BST)
Wow. An great piece of writing from a great man of God. That was all spot on, what a legend!
andy tregoning, sheffield
