Although you may admire and respect those in the office of minister and pastor you may wonder if they are immune from affairs? Although they may have a respected office, they are not immune from falling to affairs. Even in Biblical accounts, many fell to fleshly lusts. The first chief priest, Aaron, presided over an orgy and helped the people erect idols to their passions. Several generations later, the two priests, Hophni and Phineas slept with many of the women they were supposed to minister to. In many ancient cultures, there were temple prostitutes. Almost as soon as there were ministerial positions, there were those who exploited those positions for their own sexual gratification. Even some priests who were to remain celibate often had ‘secret’ wives.
The history of such ministers makes it clear that ministers are not immune from affairs. Holding a respected position brings with it some unique dangers. Being human, when others bear their souls to them, they often succumb to their fleshly side and mistake admiration of a parishioner/congregant for love and soon find themselves in compromised positions. When the congregant/parishioner makes themselves vulnerable to them, they can not always resist the temptation to exploit it.
This means that you need to be careful about who you talk with about the affair that you are dealing with. Even though someone may be in a position of respect, whether as a pastor, counselor or doctor, you still need to be careful before opening up your heart to them. Whoever you open up to, you will be vulnerable with. Ministers are not immune from affairs.
Best Regards,
Jeff Murrah
