I have been reading a lot about how the Catholic Church has failed us and about how promising ministers/Pastors have fallen into sin.  Yes, church leaders are called to a higher standard, but they are men, not Jesus (James 3:1). Sadly, some Church leaders are thieves, fornicators, adulterers, idolaters, false teachers; all the attributes that Jesus warn us against.  Spiritual leaders that are serving two masters, need to decide who they will follow.  If they want to maintain or return to their position of leadership, they need to repent and spend time renewing their commitment to the Lord. Sometimes removal (temporary or permanent) is necessary for the sake of the Church and for the purging of the sin in the individual’s life.

I hear people make excuses for the sin or completing ignore by blaming others; sometimes exalting the church leader as a pagan “rock star”.  Many times, when a church accepts sin, the church will lose members or the church splits, pitting member again member.  The bible clearly defines how to deal with sin in church elders (1Tim 5:19-21). Paul says that we are to do nothing in a “spirit of partiality”; it is all too easy to show partiality toward a man because of his wealth, position in the community, or his personality.

So, what are you to do if this happens to your church? Ultimately that is a decision one must make being led by the spirit. But after personally witnessing what happens to a church that does not promptly deal with sin of a Pastor, I will always find another church home if the church elder is not removed from the position.  Religion for me is not about a church, Pastor or Priest; it is about my relationship with the Lord.  Yes, we are supposed to seek fellowship in the church for many reasons, but there are many other men and women church leaders that refrain from sin. I have a difficult time believing a church led by sin will be blessed by the Lord.