What Can We Learn from Fallen Christian Leaders?

Responding to Fallen Leaders with Love, Grace and Forgiveness

When I first heard the news that Ted Haggard, the former senior pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, had resigned amidst accusations of sexual misconduct and for purchasing illegal drugs, my heart was grieved. I was so upset I didn't dare speak or even write about it. As the accusations proved to be true, I continued to grieve. I grieved for Ted, his family and his congregation of over 14,000. I grieved for the body of Christ, and for myself. I knew this scandal would affect the entire Christian community. You see, Ted Haggard was also the president of the National Association of Evangelicals. He was well-known and often quoted by the media. Christians everywhere were hard hit with the news. Fragile Christians would be devastated and certainly skeptics would turn away from Christianity.

Whenever a high-profile Christian leader falls or fails, the effects are far-reaching.

For a while I felt anger at Ted for not getting help sooner. I was angry at Satan for devouring another Christian testimony. I felt sadness for the pain this scandal would cause Ted's family and his large sphere of influence. I felt sadness for the gays, prostitutes, and drug abusers focused on by this scandal. I felt embarrassment for the name of Christ and for his church. This would be one more opportunity for mocking Christians, for pointing out the hypocrisy within the church. And then I felt ashamed for judging my brother, for overlooking my own hidden sin, my own failures and short comings.

Something like this can happen to any one of us if we do not remain vigilant in our walk with Christ.

When anger and shame subsided I felt some comfort too. For I know when sin is kept hidden in darkness, it flourishes, entangling and blinding as it grows in strength. But once exposed, once confessed and ready to be dealt with, sin loses its grip, and a prisoner goes free.

Psalm 32:3-5
When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD"—
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin. (NIV)

First, we can learn to respond with love, grace and forgiveness. But how does that look in the practical sense?

1. Pray for Fallen Leaders

When a Christian leader falls, pray that God will wholly restore, heal and rebuild the leader, their family and every person affected by the fall. Pray that through the devastation, God's purpose will be completely accomplished, that God will receive greater glory in the end, and that God's people will be strengthened.

2. Extend Forgiveness to Fallen Leaders

Romans 3:23
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (NLT)

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)

3. Guard Yourself Against Judging Fallen Leaders

Matthew 7:1-2
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged... (NIV)

4. Extend Grace to Fallen Leaders

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. (NIV)

What Else Can We Learn? - Continue to Page 2

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