Conference to explore church response to fallen ministers

The issue of how churches should treat ministers when they fall, is the subject of a forthcoming conference entitled ‘Restoration or Assassination’, taking place on January 31 in Croydon, Surrey.

This unique event is being hosted by Bishop Mark Nicholson, leader of the Emannuel Inspirational Church of God, who has become concerned that very few churches, particularly independent ones, have structures in place, to deal with ministers when they fall into sin and implement restorative measures.

He said, “In many denominations, if a minister is found to have engaged in sex outside of marriage, misused church funds, or abused their position of power, they are understandably stripped of their title, thrown out of their homes – if it is owned by the church - and then left to fend for themselves.

"However I would like to pose this question ‘Is this how we should deal with our fallen ministers?’ Don’t they deserve to be shown some form of mercy?”

Bishop Nicholson is hoping his conference will start a discussion, amongst church leaders and lay members on how church leaders who make mistakes should be treated.

He explained, “During my many years in ministry, I have had to provide counselling for ministers who have fallen into sin. Whilst these ministers eventually acknowledge their mistakes, they also state that it is compounded by the harsh treatment that is meted out to them by their congregations – people whom they once served and counselled diligently.

"Whilst I am not arguing for churches to deal with fallen ministers leniently, surely they deserve to experience compassion. Many of the ministers I have had to deal with are often angry and bitter, because it seems as if all the good that they do gets forgotten when they make a mistake.

"We should view our church leaders as frontline soldiers, and if they fall, it’s because they’ve been wounded. As a church we should do all we can to treat their wound, and if they are restored back to full health, give them a place to serve again in the church.”

Aside from providing a forum for the issue to be discussed, Bishop Nicholson will also use the conference to launch the Restoration Package, a Bible-based document he has produced that will provide practical steps on how churches should deal with fallen ministers, and how they can be restored.

He said: “Too many church leaders who have made mistakes have felt the full wrath of the church when they fall into sin, however, aren’t we called to show love and compassion, even to those who fall?”