A Letter to the Church: The Problems of Moral Failure and Misconduct Are Real and Must Be Addressed. Now.

By amazon Wednesday, September 5, 2018 Comment Edit

This is a very hard season for the church in America, and frankly, a season in which many cannot yet see the end in sight.

I regularly receive notes from pastors and church members around the country on how to deal with the moral failures and abuses of so many leaders in the church today.

A few quick notes of clarification are needed here: the rash of leaders that we have seen fall within the past year and a half or so have nearly all engaged in moral failure. They have made wrong decisions regarding the proper and biblical way to act as leaders.

But, some have also abused power, which I’ve addressed quite often. There is a difference. It’s important to note this, even though my focus in this article is on how we might respond. YOu see, people are hurting in many churches, and leaders either often don’t know or aren’t responding as they ought to those who have serious questions and concerns.

This is unacceptable, and it’s time for change.

So in this article I am addressing both how to deal with moral failures, as well as how to respond when those include abuse and victimization.

I am seeing two extremes happening as a response to this continual stream of news: Camp one is placing their proverbial fingers in their ears in denial over the serious and deeply troubling condition of many in the church today and camp two is standing with one foot out the door of the church, ready to shake the dust off their feet and walk out, unable to deal with so much silent sin.

I understand both sides. This is a very hard season for many churches, and frankly, a season in which many cannot yet see the end in sight.

It’s a time of lament.

As a Christian leader who has sought to live in a way that brings honor to God (though too many times I fail), it pains me over and over as I see colleagues fall as a result of unaccountability, pride, ...