Ministry Missteps Don’t Slow Some Leaders Down
What does it say about Christian media and/or the Christian community when within a week of two national ministry leaders announcing divorces, they both appear hosting the flagship programs of a national Christian TV network? Has our paranoia over “judgment” gotten so bad that we’re even afraid to ask these pastors and ministry leaders to step back and re-think, re-evaluate, or re-consider their roles as leaders?
During the last year or so, there have sadly been a number of pastors of very large churches who went through a divorce, and yet never missed a Sunday in the pulpit. In spite of the fact that after more than 2,000 people took our recent poll, and 70% said they should take a break from ministry in order to get their lives back together.
What do you think it is? Has divorce for Christian leaders become the normal thing to do? Has the business of ministry become so important that we can’t take the time to get our lives straightened out? I’m not trying to embarrass anyone here, I’m just curious about where we are as a faith community when it comes to accountability and leadership standards…
What do you think?
The fact that these national ministry leaders are now serious news in Christiandom, it makes sad sense that a national TV network would utilize their failures (or should I say sins) to draw a bigger crowd who have come to see what they might say for themselves. Anything for ratings!
The last days? Is this the Laodicean Church era? Wealth status is more significant than our personal fellowship with Jesus Christ? That old flesh having a field day. It is better to obey than to know. Follow Jesus and hold tight.
I think one of the problems is that congregations have put these people on high horses. It's almost like tearing down their idols. I know christians that almost worship these people. They feel that their leaders can do no wrong and when they do ,they will cover up the mistakes by saying, Don't put your mouth on the men and women of God, just pray. Please!!! I will speak the truth in love.
What’s been happening to our Christian leaders has been of great concern to me. I do not tread lightly on this subject and so I try to choose my words in order to limit misunderstanding. Here are some scriptures that come to mind, as well as some of my thoughts.
“…You claim to be rich and successful and to have everything you need. But you don’t konw how bad off you are. You are pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. Buy your gold from me. It has been refined in a fire, and it will make you rick. Buy white clothes from me. Wear them and you can cover up your shameful nakedness. Buy medicine for your eyes, so that you will be able to see…” Revelation 3:17-18
As much as certain leaders may need to step down for a while, the Body of Christ needs to pray… pray for our leaders and those who follow. But don’t stop there – then we need to take honest action. (What that action is… I’m not sure.) However, it has become politically correct “not to judge.” But when Jesus says, “Judge not, lest you be judged…” he’s not giving us free license to do whatever we want. He goes on to say, “you can see the speck in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the log in your own eye…” Matthew 7:1.3 We are to speak the truth in love (not act as if things never happened) and we deal with issues on all fronts – our leaders, our sisters and brothers and ourselves. This is the only way to truly be free.
Let us not forget what the Apostle Paul said, “Follow me as I also follow Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) When you look beyond the money and huge church buildings and large crowds… what kind of lasting fruit is there? Are our leaders in question (and anyone who says they serve Christ), who say to us “Follow me” – are they following Christ? “You will know a tree, whether it’s good or bad, by its fruit.” (Matthew 7)
Allen Paul Weaver III
author, Transition: Breaking Through the Barriers
http://www.allenpaulweaveriii.com
Allen Paul Weaver – well said! Excellent.
I think the sad reality is if these figureheads had taken time off and regroup to begin with, they probably wouldn't have ended up like this. I definitely think that ANY leader in times of family trouble should take time to step back from everything else and re-evaluate their priorities. What's driving them? What is the one motivating force behind their message? Is it a closer walk with Jesus? Is it truly to walk in love? Clarity is what is needed in these people's lives, and in my experience, career can sometimes hinder that clarity.
What do they care about slowing down. In fact, do they really want to obey the rest of the scriptures? Divorce is painful. Yet, these people go on like nothing happened. What happened to repentence and restoration? What I see as the biggest problem are those who blindly support such people. 2 Ti. 2:3, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;" This is probably a revelation to some, but to these people? I wonder.
There is way to much compromise in the church. It lacks conviction and tolerates money and fame. Unfortunately, there is no real distinction between World and the Western Church.
When will real Christians stand up and say ENOUGH!!!!!!!!
It's called a lack of Priorities of Life and Ministry. Which are:
1. Receive the Love of God
2. Love Yourself God's Way
3. Love God Back in Worship
4. Love Your Spouse or Parents with the Love of God
5. Love Your Children
6. Be Diligent at Work
7. Do the Work of the Ministry
If your getting a divorce from your spouse then that tells me that you stopped doing 1-4 a long time ago and shouldn't have been preaching for quite some time. If you don't spend time with God, then it's hard to say what He has to say. That's why we have so much persuasive words of man's wisdom but very little POWER and DEMONSTRATION of the HOLY SPIRIT. Remember the Holy Spirit's first name is HOLY!
Anyone who understands the real demands of trying to juggle a normal life with the pressures of leading a ministry while doing a daily TV program will know that without solid grounding it is nearly impossible.
Satan is looking for those he can destroy. Don't ever forget that he is just as real as God. We have to put on the armor everyday. Let me repeat – everyday. Those who mentioned to pray for our Christian leaders are correct. It is our best way of protecting them. Yes, others will fall but we keep our eyes set on Jesus. He will never fail us.
Do what you are called to do. God will take care of the rest.