I remember vividly sitting in Dr. Patricia Gould-Champ’s class at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. Dr. Gould-Champ is an exemplary professor with a very “familiar” style of teaching and interacting with students. Familiar in the sense that she made you feel as if you’d known each other for a long time. I loved her class, but I remember one night being disappointed when Dr. Gould-Champ said that we would be talking about the sad reality of manipulation, abuse, and molestation that occurs in far too many pulpits in America. She spoke in very grave terms about the practice of some ministers to prey on the congregation or mishandle their influence by using it for selfish, sinful, and even criminal pleasures. At that time, I felt like I didn’t need to hear about such things because I concluded that I would never do anything near the nightmarish stories of abuse that I’d heard other ministers involved in.
Five years later, I’m so glad that Dr. Gould-Champ forced the class to engage this sometimes uncomfortable issue. The reality is that the issue of unethical and even criminal behavior in the Black church is still an extremely taboo topic. While many improprieties have occurred in Black congregations across the nation; it would seem at times that more energy is devoted to covering up what happened as opposed to dealing with what happened and moving forward in a healthy way. Also unfortunate is the practice of protecting the perpetrator even at the expense of the wellbeing of the victim. Let me also say that as it pertains to Pastors I believe that even if consensual sexual relations occur – especially in a situation of infidelity – the Pastor is still the perpetrator. The Pastor in the Black Church enjoys enormous amounts of influence over the congregation. It behooves them (whether male or female) to be humbly aware of that reality and rely on God entirely so that they will be found faithful in executing the office of UnderShepherd.
So much confusion happens when Pastors forsake the sanctity of their office. Some members defend their UnderShepherd at all cost – no matter the allegation. Other members become disillusioned and walk away from the church and sometimes even God. Moreover, the Pastor’s family – a family that already struggles with the unique (and sometimes unrealistic) demands placed upon them – is hurt deeply to say the least. I know of ex-spouses and PKs (preacher’s kid) that have never fully recovered from poor decisions made by their clergy husband/wife/father/mother. In the bigger picture, the Body of Christ is negatively impacted by a Pastor’s lapse of judgment as well. There are some in the surrounding community that readily jump at the opportunity to say “I told you so” – those preachers are nothing, but pimps, profiteers, and opportunists. Those that are faithful to God, their spouses, their children, and their congregation quickly become guilty by association.
The writer of the Book of James suggests that Teachers of the Gospel will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1) Those that teach one thing and do something else will meet judgment. That should be a grave warning to anyone who would attempt to pimp the pulpit, fleece the flock, or prey on parishioners. So many souls are impacted by the example and standard of living that is set by the Pastor/minister. As an ordained reverend in the Baptist Church; I know first hand that we are not perfect. All have sinned – including the Bishops, Pastors, Apostles, Reverends, and Ministers and I thank God that forgiveness is available even to us if we would but confess our sins, repent, and turn from our wicked ways.
However while forgiveness is available to religious leaders, we should not escape correction and accountability. Thee Judgment will come in the Day of the Lord, but in the meantime correction on earth must come for the sake of credibility. Religious leaders must recognize the standard of leadership outlined in the Bible and taught in seminaries. If it is our desire to be treated (and even compensated) like other professionals (i.e. doctors, lawyers, etc.) then we must act like professionals and face penalty if we compromise the agreed upon standard of service. Clergy must ascribe to some clearly defined, thorough, and assessable Code of Ethics for Ministers like this one provided by Christian Ethics Today magazine. Aspiring ministers must be examined thoroughly about their “Call” and instructed in appropriate and ethical behavior. Advice about how to avoid potentially problematic situations should also be shared and understood by the ministerial staff. (For example if a male minister is counseling a female, the physical door to the room should be left cracked and/or another female should be present or in the adjacent room. Having female counselors on staff or being able to direct females to professionals outside of the church is another option especially if you know that you have difficulty controlling youself in the presence of vulnerable women – and ladies only “vulnerable” in the sense that the woman is opening up to a man who is not her husband.)
Clergy must be accountable to someone – preferably someone who will pray for you, challenge you without hesitation, and if need be take you to another respected Elder who can point out the error and suggest a Christ-like course of action. (including the possibility of being relieved of your duties as Pastor) Beyond unethical behavior; if a crime has occurred, the proper authorities need to be notified and that person should face their day in court. (I know that some would prefer that legal matters be worked out in the church and that we should avoid the so-called “secular” legal system; however, the church does not have a strong track record of penalizing offenders, providing reparations, and/or securing justice for victims. Until churches demonstrate that it can do that consistently without partiality or discrimination; we must work with the admittedly flawed legal system that we have.)
Finally, a major theme in the Gospel revolves around the issue of redemption. Those who have sinned are not damned, but are provided with an opportunity to experience the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of God if they but, confess, humble themselves, ask for forgiveness from God (and others intimately involved) and repent of their ways. No one should ever revel in the poor choices of another or relish hearing news of another’s sin for all of us are liable to either fall in that same pit or take up residence in a sinful pit of our own.
As an unfortunate occurrence in the Body of Christ has served as the catalyst for this post; I pray that the congregation of Believers would utilize this tragic situation as an opportunity to learn, grow, and pray that God would order all of our steps in ways that would encourage increased levels of faithfulness, integrity, character, and wisdom.
Let us pray one for another.
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