A reader posed the question, “Is is alright for a pastor to resume their position in the pulpit after an affair?”
Life continues on after an affair, whether the cheater was a pastor or some other profession or calling. Part of the challenge with pastors is that their ‘fall’ has physical and spiritual dimensions that each have to be dealt with and resolved.
A common problem with pastors resuming the pulpit is when they resume that position before the issues have been resolved. It’s common for cheaters to want to ‘move on with life’ before they have fully resolved the issues surrounding the affair.
They feel like after admitting it and confessing that it was wrong, that it is all over with. They often wonder why ‘you can’t get over it’.
They do not comprehend, grasp or see the damage done to the trust along with the emotional debris that has to be cleared away. The lies, deceit, and secrets have to be dealt with along with the disappointment.
If you use the Bible for examples, Moses was placed in a spiritual leadership position after being a murderer. Paul was placed in leadership role as an Apostle after his role in torturing and murdering Christians.
Samson was used in prominent role as a deliverer and judge after his peccadilloes. In each of these cases, those in leadership dealt with their prior wrongs.
You also have the negative examples of Hophni and Phineas who continued their immoral lives as priests without dealing with their adulteries. (this episode is addressed in my e-book entitled “What the Bible Says About Affairs“.) Their lives ended in disgrace and had major consequences for the whole nation as a result of them staying in the pulpit rather than stepping down.
Based on the examples pastors can return to the pulpit or a position of spiritual leadership after FULLY resolving the issues. When they return to that position without having resolved the issues, there are often disastrous consequences for them and all those around them.
It’s also important to note that their scope of ministry may be impacted by their actions. They may need to be in a different position or role, depending on what happened.
Best Regards,
Jeff
