Sunday
Aug292004
Sad day
Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 11:29PM
In 1998, I left a church and moved to Richview. Within a couple of years, the old church called a pastor, a casual acquaintance of mine. Today, that pastor resigned due to an affair. I should be past the surprise. This happens so often. It's that it happens to the people you wouldn't expect. I feel discouraged. I feel for the church, for his family, even for him. I used to think this happened only to the weak. Sometimes I fear for us all. How many more have to go like this?
Reader Comments (8)
I know how you feel, and wonder the same things. I learned during my first pastorate in the States that "casual acquaintances" weren't going to be enough protection, support or accountability for me. So three of us became the "Ironmen" (Prov.27:17). I don't know where I would be today were it not for them. Sadly, most pastors never get beyond "casual" and go it alone.
You're right that it only happens to the weak. Too bad we're all weak. :( Praying with you and your acquaintance.
I agree with Kevin that we are all weak and capable of doing this. My wife was a Sunday school teacher and special music singer at our church during her affair. I found out about it during my third week at seminary. It is tough but redemption is possible in the marriage. I have some some pastors though who refuse to give up the pulpit for any length of time to heal and recover. That is painful for so many. Gordon McDonald quoted Oswald Chambers, 'An unguarded strength is a double weakness'. Most men or women fall when they believe there is no way they ever could. My heart goes out to you as you grieve the chaos in your former church and hurt for the people you know there.
Darryl: What a time you've had...talk about trial by fire, you wonder if there is anything left of your heart to break. Hug your wife and kids, talk to your friends, grieve, talk to us. I am so sorry.
Kevin is right...we are all weak. Thank God for both the strength and healing He can provide.
Recently I heard a pastor say...when it comes to sin, God will always try to deal with you personally first, but if you don't listen he'll deal with you publicly. No, judgement there. My heart breaks for him, the church, his family the recovery of the same - at the end of the day God wants to bring us to reconciliation - and he's willing to go to whatever means to get us there. May God restore him fully as he has done to so many before him, just like he did with Peter on the beach.
That sucks. It happened to my former church twice in the last two years. The last time was a month ago... the pastor was a friend of mine. Sorry Darryl.
Good thing he resigned though.