How to Handle Fallen Church Leaders

When a Christian leader has a great fall, what should be the response of believers? In world that readily desires to condemn God’s people (and especially her leaders), should local churches respond differently since their lives should reflect that of The Way?[1] God’s call is not purely a vocation (although it could be) but (more) a holy charge by God himself. Collectively, pastors are an extension of the Jesus’ ministry so they are to live disparate lives from even those of the people they lead. Thus, such matters are vital to an appropriate witness for Jesus Christ so here three considerations will be discussed.

1.      Immediate actions

2.      Community and personal response

3.      The contrast to the ways of the world

[1] Here it should be understood as not minor or miniscule mistakes but rather sin-specific actions that cause severe mistrust and pain and primarily by those in local church leadership (i.e., pastoral ministry).