If you know your pastor is having an affair, there are many questions you may have. When the person who is responsible for your spiritual guidance has an affair it is a concern.
Flaws in their character are echoed in the direction they give to you and others. When they’re having an affair, there will be a blind spot regarding infidelity in their theology and preaching.
It presents a hypocritical situation for them to present how you need to have loyalty and fidelity to God, when they are not retaining their fidelity themselves.
The flock always suffers when pastors have affairs, regardless of denomination.
Some pastors will tell you ‘they’re human’. They are. They have to face the same temptations as you face on a daily basis.
They may tell you that it is a ‘private matter between two adults’. That’s not true. There may only be two people engaging in active infidelity, yet the effects of their acts and thinking impact their families, their flock and their community.
Being in the special position they are in often magnifies the impact of the affair. When anyone in a position of helping your family has an affair, be it your doctor, teachers, political leaders or police, it weakens the moral fabric of the community. Since pastors have more influence on the moral state of the community, their impact is greater.
Infidelity always impacts families and communities, yet those with ‘adulterous intentions’ often dismiss or downplay that impact. They want to promote the myth that it is just between two adults.
Those who have this mindset don’t realize the ripple effect their affair has on communities and across generations within their own families.
Although the impact is lessened when a member of the pastor’s family has an affair, the impact remains wide.
The impact of affairs on communities and churches are easier to see with pastors. Once they are ‘compromised’ on their values in the area of adultery, they loose the spiritual and moral authority they once had.
If you know your pastor is having an affair, it will impact you and your family. You will need to initially address the issue with them privately.
They need your prayers in getting extricated from the affair situation. The problems that come from pastors having an affair will not go away on their own. The longer you wait to act, the greater the damage will be done.
Best Regards,
Jeff
