I recently came across an article in Charisma Magazine concerning ministerial conduct and ethical and moral behavior. J. Lee Grady provides great insight into a problem that is plaguing churches across denominations. Click here to read it.
http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/fire-in-my-bones/20080-no-more... I wonder why so many church laypeople and clergy accept the immoral or unethical behavior of their pastors or ministers. I've been one who has "turned the other way" when pastors I sat under or was affiliated with were in blatant disregard of the moral and ethical responsibilities associated with that office. I can also admit that when I was involved in immoral behavior while in leadership of some kind(and yes I have sinned while a pastor), it was hard to be accountable to the sin because of pride and guilt. I (with the help of God's word and Spirit and other men of integrity) eventually was able to acknowledge my shortcomings and step away from the leadership position. In actuality, I went to my pastor and told him of my immoral behavior and asked to be removed from my position altogether. I didn't feel I was able to serve the congregation because of it. The pastor allowed me to step down and for a period of a year I did nothing in public ministry other than worship and be restored. That was nearly 12 years ago while I was in college.
I am now a divorced pastor of a small but growing methodist church and although I struggle with issues of immorality that is presented in the world today, I have yet to succumb to them. I do however find it very disconcerting when pastors who are caught in such immorality (not just sexual) attempt to maintain power and spiritual authority over a fleecing flock. I think when a pastor or any minister is getting overwhelmed by immorality of any kind, that he/she must take the initiative for intervention as soon as possible. This may include inviting the shame of the problem before it becomes public or just doing the old fashion thing of stepping aside for spiritual restoration.
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