What Sins Disqualify a Pastor for Life?

Ask Pastor John
Episode: 1464

[greenje]

I love Pastor John. Such wisdom and counsel.

[miguelprotv]

This topic is my story. I was in ministry for almost 20 years, its sad that i Just had the opportunity to head a church somewhere in the middle east for 3 years, but then i failed. I discpilined myself nobody told me to do so. But i know the truths of the bible. So im out of formal ministry for 2 years now, doing other work. I dont know if i can still can back, its depressing at the same timw im thankful that God did not let me to live a life of sin but instead discplined me and show me more of His love.

[ryanallison]

“There’s a vast difference between being forgiven and being trusted.” Man, that hits hard and rings true.

[markpospisil]

Thank you Pastor John for this wisdom and truth that is much needed today in our world of superstars and gifting that is lifted above character and devotion to Christ.

[HearGodsWord]

Having seen a lot of pastors walk away from the church I'd say the only thing that disqualifies a pastor is lack of repentance of their sins. They are fallen sinners just like the rest of us.

[colomtnhigh]

I agree that "he should look for other work, and go about his life

[simbamusonza]

This is awesomely a true and good word!

[Qui_Gon_Jinn_]

Pastor John Hagge had an affair with a member of his church, was found out, divorced his wife of whom he had two children, then married the woman he had an affair with and started Cornerstone church a year later. He now has 5 children and a nearly 8, 000 acre ranch with multiple multi million dollar homes and several million dollars in the bank while preaching to others how adultery is wrong. He was one of my favorite pastors for years until earlier this year when I found out about him. I was heartbroken but unshaken in my faith, however I believe he is certainly unqualified to preach again. A pastor is to be beyond reproach 1 Timothy 3:2. Almighty God was very clear in this verse. John Hagee has his cake and has eaten it his entire life. The souls that have been eternally lost due to his selfish and reckless behavior is probably staggering. He knew better, and if he wanted that life and to commit that violation of his office then he should have stepped down and received his reward and never preached again.

[seanmick]

If we confess our sins, he is faithful, and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

[vanessaacostakim]

Thank you for working through this question. It gave me many things to think about in regards to 1 Timothy 3 and the responsibility of the church to be proactive on this topic.

[matthewch]

Thank you, Pastor John. "Profound unfitness"...thank you for marking those words.

[sarahlynn]

The Bible says that we are to live lives worthy of our calling! A pastor is to be a leader, a role model, a shepherd, an instructor.
If he can not beat his flesh into submission and control his carnality, then he should not be in a leadership role.
Forgiveness is something completely different. My grandfather molested me. I forgave him. It does not mean I trust him with my children.

A pastor who commits adultery while leading a congregation is not living a life worthy of his calling. He should not be ousted from the church. If he is truly repentant, he should come back to the church as a member of the congregation not a leader.

Pastor John you've nailed this one perfectly!

[Mr.Boddie]

I think any pastor who touches or molest children or sleeps around shouldn't be allowed to pastor ever again just my opinion

[calebconleymusic]

I’m the light of the allegations on Pastor Johnny Hunt I am eternally grateful for your wisdom John.

[gospelforafrica]

The man doesn't loose his gift, but may no longer qualify for the "office" ~ 1 Tim 3:1-7, Tit 1:5-9

[williamcopeland]

Sounds like he has not truly thought of anyone else but still thinking of himself.. I pray the council has tremendous wisdom to handle him with grace and protect the flock

[maxaplin]

Excellent teaching full of good insights. John Piper really understands how serious it is when a pastor commits adultery.
Here are a few thoughts of my own on this subject:


(1) There shouldn't be a rule set in stone for how to treat a pastor who has sinned and wants to get back into Christian leadership. There will be a certain amount of variety from case to case.


(2) We mustn't forget that the gospel is all about forgiveness. So it is wrong to say simply that every pastor who commits adultery should never, ever under any circumstances be allowed to be a Christian leader again. For example, if a man is 30 years old when he sins, to say that even when he is 60 he should be automatically barred from leadership is to go too far. It doesn't appreciate either God's forgiveness or his ability to change people.


(3) Almost always it will be wrong for a man to be allowed to get back into ministry within a matter of months of repenting of his sins. As Piper says, he should typically aim to get another job and spend years demonstrating that he is a changed character.

[ritarealr]

Reading 1 Corinthians 5 seems to answer these questions pretty directly and boldly in Paul's letter to Corinth. It is not specifying pastor but anyone who commits sexual immorality in the body of Messiah. Jesus/Yeshua blessings.

[samuelkimani]

Great wisdom has been dispensed here. God help us.

[cynthianelson]

This topic was very informative! I wondered about this specific topic before. Thanks and God bless you Pastor John.