Why are so many evangelical Christian leaders caught in scandals?
First, it is important to point out that “so many” is not an accurate characterization. It may seem like many evangelical Christian leaders are caught in scandals, but this is due to the vast amount of attention such scandals are given. There are thousands of evangelical Christian leaders, pastors, professors, missionaries, writers, and evangelists who have never participated in anything “scandalous.” The vast majority of evangelical Christian leaders are men and women who love God, are faithful to their spouses and families, and handle their activities with the utmost honesty and integrity. The failures of a few should not be used to attack the character of all.
With that said, there is still the problem that scandals do sometimes occur among those claiming to be evangelical Christians. Prominent Christian leaders have been exposed for committing adultery or participating in prostitution. Some evangelical Christians have been convicted of tax fraud and other financial illegalities. Why does this occur? There are at least three primary explanations: 1) Some of those claiming to be evangelical Christians are unbelieving charlatans, 2) some evangelical Christian leaders allow their position to result in pride, and 3) Satan and his demons more aggressively attack and tempt those in Christian leadership because they know that a scandal involving a leader can have devastating results, on both Christians and non-Christians.
1) Some “evangelical Christians” who are caught in scandals are unredeemed charlatans and false prophets. Jesus warned, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves … Therefore by their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:15-20). False prophets pretend to be godly men and women and appear to be solid evangelical leaders. However, their “fruit” (scandals) eventually reveals them to be the opposite of what they claimed to be. In this, they follow the example of Satan, “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
2) The Bible makes it clear that “pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). James 4:6 reminds us that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” The Bible repeatedly warns against pride. Many Christian leaders begin a ministry in a spirit of humility and reliance upon God, but as the ministry grows and thrives, they are tempted to take some of this glory for themselves. Some evangelical Christian leaders, while paying lip-service to God, actually attempt to manage and build the ministry in their own strength and wisdom. This type of pride leads to a fall. God, through the prophet Hosea, warned, “When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me” (Hosea 13:6).
3) Satan knows that by instigating a scandal with an evangelical Christian leader, he can have a powerful impact. Just as King David’s adultery with Bathsheba and arranged murder of Uriah caused great damage to David’s family and the entire nation of Israel, so has many a church or ministry been damaged or destroyed by the moral failure of its leader. Many Christians have had their faith weakened as a result of seeing a leader fall. Non-Christians use the failure of “Christian” leaders as a reason to reject Christianity. Satan and his demons know this, and therefore direct more of their attacks against those in leadership roles. The Bible warns us all, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
How are we to respond when an evangelical Christian leader is accused of or caught in a scandal? 1) Do not listen to or accept baseless and unfounded accusations (Proverbs 18:8, 17; 1 Timothy 5:19). 2) Take appropriate biblical measures to rebuke those who sin (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Timothy 5:20). If the sin is proven and severe, permanent removal from ministry leadership should be enforced (1 Timothy 3:1-13). 3) Forgive those who sin (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13), and when repentance is proven, restore them to fellowship (Galatians 6:1; 1 Peter 4:8) but not to leadership. 4) Be faithful in praying for our leaders. Knowing the problems they deal with, the temptations they suffer, and the stress they must endure, we should be praying for our leaders, asking God to strengthen them, protect them, and encourage them. 5) Most importantly, take the failure of an evangelical Christian leader as a reminder to put your ultimate faith in God and God alone. God never fails, never sins, and never lies. “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3).
All three of your threads lately seem to just be "blah blah blah I am going to think of elaborate ways to pretend stuff I disagree with don't count blah blah blah"
Gender: Male Location: Southern Oregon,
Looking at you.
I guess, if they are a true Christian, then they have been changed by the holy spirit, and once they have done something wrong, then they show themselves as never having been a true Christian, in the first place.
It hurts my head to think like that.
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this, and maybe because they're not really real Christians or something? ugly testimony though, that's for sure.
__________________
Ben Gates: I'm going to steal the Declaration of Independence. Han: I'm out of it for a little while and everybody gets delusions of grandeur. HIS force be with you.
For a former so-called "Christian" to make such elementary statements escapes my mind. I honestly don't understand your angle. If the teachings of Buddha have brought peace into your life, why do you bicker over trivial issues regarding Christianity -- things that Christians know and have confirmed? Where is your wisdom? You should be teaching and sharing your experiences with Buddhism, not attacking other religions! Are you trying to reason or argue?
incorrect. The first christians made a multitude of sins and had scandals. did this void them from christianity just because they missed the mark once or twice? no. I don't think that god would expect us to be too much better than the original 12.
Gender: Male Location: Southern Oregon,
Looking at you.
What King Kandy said. But you have a good point. Didn't the disciples turn their back on Jesus when he was taken by the Romans? According to ushomefree's logic, they were never Christians in the first place.
__________________ I play guitar, sing & write songs. Listen to my music HERE Or my new CD HERE
Last edited by Shakyamunison on Sep 25th, 2009 at 05:32 AM
C'mon... let's be fair. The disciples feared the Romans, and they fled for their lives. They never renounced the teaches of Jesus and re-subscribed to Jewish teachings/laws. In fact, they later rejoined and lead the Christian movement while experiencing persecution and death.
every other individual wonders what gay sex on meth feels like?
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Sep 24th, 2009 07:06 PM
I play guitar, sing & write songs. Listen to my music 
