Why do Christian leaders and ministers fail?
Posted: Saturday, August 23, 2008, 11:30 (BST)
This morning, I received a call telling me that a young minister friend of mine, a man who has influenced thousands of young people for good, has confessed to living a lie for the past two years.
A pastor friend of mine had claimed to be battling a deadly form of cancer. He has now confessed that these claims were untrue. Even his mother and father - close personal friends of my wife and I - were unaware of the truth of the situation.
I have known the pastor in question since he was a little boy and have always loved him - I still do. Our hearts, of course, go out to those closest to him.
His music gift and speaking talent, along with his very winning, charismatic personality, have made a major impact on many young lives, in a number of nations.
I write because the issues here are bigger than this individual case. From time to time, Christian ministers and leaders will fall. People of faith must be able to face the inevitable question: 'How can this happen - and how should we respond?'
We must learn what we can lessons from these situations, for our own sakes and for the sake of the wonderful message of hope that we represent.
Perhaps the first thing we must take from the fall of a leader is the fact that the frailty of the messenger does not negate the authority or truth of the message.
Every faithful believer and church leader should continue to share the Christian message without fear or cant. Though God's messengers may sometimes fail (and haven't we all, though perhaps in less public ways?) the message remains as hopeful, reliable, trustworthy and life-enhancing as ever.
In fact, it is often only when we see the scale of human frailty laid bare before us that we can appreciate the true power of redemption.
And the failure of a particular key figure should not taint our picture of all Christian leaders. (In fact, I know personally that some of the people closest to the pastor in question are among the finest Christian leaders you will ever meet.)
As Billy Graham poignantly noted some years ago, in reference to the moral problems of certain American televangelists, thousands of aircraft land safely at the world's airports every day - but the only time the media will take an interest is when one crashes.
Secondly, we need to remind ourselves of the importance of keeping a close circle of friends and counsellors; people who know us well enough to spot trouble before it arrives.
Of course, this won't necessarily prevent us from hiding our problems - human beings have a special talent for that.
But if we build around us an inner circle of wise and responsible friends, to whom we've given the right to speak honestly at all times, we can be open without losing our sense of dignity.
A third lesson, particularly for leaders, has to do with the dangers of seeking public affirmation.
Personally, I often find it easier to crave the love of the crowd than the love of God. At times, the crowd can seem quicker to respond and easier to find, while God can sometimes feel so distant.
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
