Should a pastor step down when he commits adultery?

[Amethyst]

Should he step down from continuing his pastoral position?

a) what if they reconcile?
b) what if he remarries someone else?

Basing my question off of 1 Timothy 3:1-7

If any, what circumstances would he be allowed to re-enter his postion?

 

[JoyJoyJoy]

I thought we had a thread on this but I can't find it

 

[daygo]

Imo he should repent and step down, whilst same time seek the Lord's will on it and not do anything till he knows God's will and not twist things to your own thinking. Repeat my opinion.

 

[mphsmom]

We all sin, but I think a pastor should be held to a higher accountability while on Earth for the sake of his parish. I agree with what daygo said. He should step down and seek the Lord's Will.

 

[athenasius]

Should he step down from continuing his pastoral position?

a) what if they reconcile?
b) what if he remarries someone else?

Basing my question off of 1 Timothy 3:1-7

If any, what circumstances would he be allowed to re-enter his postion?

If we take the word QUALIFICATION seriously in that passage, Paul is talking about a standard.

The qualifying standard.

It's a pass/fail standard.

This isn't about whether the person is repentant, and forgiven. Take the example of David in adultery. He repented, he was forgiven, but the consequences remained in his life and the lives of those around him. His child with Bathsheba died, his family was troubled with incest.

You can't unring a bell or put back a smashed egg to it's previous state.

Such is the case with qualifications.

Once someone is disqualified, they no longer qualify.

So the answer is NO, they disqualified themselves for the office of pastor.

Does that mean we have a double standard-- that we refuse to forgive?

NOT AT ALL!

Forgiveness means we accept him as a repentant sinner, but it does NOT MEAN that we reinstate him.

We forgive him, he is free to be a full member in the congregation (providing he is repentant) but as to holding the office of overseer ie pastor/leader or deacon, he is now disqualified.

Note that there are many things that can disqualify us for certain jobs, positions whether in the church or the world. If you don't qualify for the physical standards for serving in the armed forces, it means you don't qualify. Not that you are a bad person or inadequate, just that you are not equipped for that particular job.

It's not about whether the person feels that they should be allowed, given extenuating circumstances.

Nor is it about restoring a person to a position they fell from.

We are NEVER given the re-qualification test in Scripture. Just the qualification.

The Standard is given in the Word of God for the protection of the flock, and also for the person who wants to be an overseer or deacon. That same flaw that led them to fall in the first place, may lead them to further sin or further personal harm to themselves and others.

The Standard in the Armed Forces is there for the protection of the other armed forces personnel who rely on each other's physical condition in a battle or other extreme circumstance.

It's not about forgiveness or restoration, it's about a qualifying standard.

We can forgive, we can restore fellowship, we CANNOT re-qualify someone once they lose their qualification.

 

[Amethyst]

The Standard is given in the Word of God for the protection of the flock, and also for the person who wants to be an overseer or deacon. That same flaw that led them to fall in the first place, may lead them to further sin or further personal harm to themselves and others.

 

[Everlasting Life]

This might give further information:


For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion. 7 For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined, 9 holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.

Titus 1:5-9

 

[Wally]

Opinion: People are not perfect.

Remember: "He who even looks upon a woman..."

Certainly there is a difference between making a mistake and rejecting truth. There may be cultural habits to overcome.
For some there is old baggage to discard, old connections to sever. New truths to learn and take effect.
Of course the Word says not to put green pastors in charge - they need mentoring, experience.

Yet how many ministers came from a disqualifying role of persecutor or blasphemer of the church only to become apostle or pastor?

It seems there is much more to the investigation in determining what happened.
The whys, the causal factors, the acceptance of judgment, and then the disciplining rod of correction are part of determining the direction to go.
Some things have to be learned and relearned-reinforced.

Of course the seriousness of the offense has its own repercussions.


But one who scorns discipline, one who when confronted with God's Word - refutes or denies it, that is an indication of a serious heart condition.
I am reminded of individuals who did just that - scorned discipline and as a result "fell from grace" and became the object of ridicule.
Even the world calls such people out and disqualifies them.

However some accept reproof, and go through the refining fire.
They submitted to authority even if it means some offices could never again be held.


In the original post, even if reconciled, would the wife of this man still feel the same? No.
Could her trust be regained? Likely it will suffer from then on.
Would a congregation be much different? I would not think so.

Would that disqualify the man from the role? Certainly ignoring discipline and just forgiving-glossing over the offense would be wrong.
In the immediate timeframe, yes such a person is disqualified.

Yet repentant conduct, submission to discipline, a new fire and a new direction could take place.

Even a tree blasted by lightning, can recover, and the scar proclaim an even more powerful witness.

God is able.

Man certainly is not.

 

[Carl]

This exact sin happened to Swaggert. Does anyone know or remember how he dealt with it? And what scripture he used?

 

[athenasius]

This exact sin happened to Swaggert. Does anyone know or remember how he dealt with it? And what scripture he used?

yes. I used to watch him regularly in the pre 1988 days before the first scandal. I remember that he made a sort of confession-- George and I listened to it. Then it came out that he confessed under threat of exposure by another "evangelist" who was also caught in sex scandal- and Swaggart got him removed. But Swaggart never actually said what his own sin was or any further details despite exposing the other fellow. The other evangelist -Gorman -caught him by using a private detective so that is when the whole story leaked out. And Jimmy had to own up.

I recall he'd also pointed out Jim Bakker's sins but Jim B didn't retaliate as Gorman did. 1988 became known as the year of the Jimmies.

Swaggart stepped down. Initially for 3 months.

The Assemblies of God (American conservative Pentecostal church group) didn't feel comfortable so they removed him as a pastor in their Assemblies at first for 3 months under the local Louisiana group, then 2 years as ordered by the main AOG and Swaggart stayed out for 3 months only.

Then the AOG removed him. Their reasoning was that he wasn't fully repentant, not willing to go with the 2 year suspension, only the 3 month one. In short Swaggart was picking and choosing what he would abide by. Not particularly repentant -- just sorry he got caught, trying to minimize the damage.

Pretty good call by the AOG because in 3 years -1991-- he was caught again, this time in public by the police, with a prostitute engaging in sex. When he was confronted by his congregation, he told them it was none of their business.

Here is the wikipedia version of events which pretty much matches what I remember at that time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Swaggart

"On February 21, 1988, without giving any details regarding his transgressions, Swaggart delivered what came to be known as his "I have sinned" speech on live television. He spoke tearfully to his family, congregation, TV audience, and ended it with a prayer, "I have sinned against You, my Lord, and I would ask that Your Precious Blood ... would wash and cleanse every stain until it is in the seas of God's forgetfulness never to be remembered against me anymore."

The Louisiana presbytery of the Assemblies of God initially suspended Swaggart from the ministry for three months. The national presbytery of the Assemblies of God soon extended the suspension to their standard two-year suspension for sexual immorality. His return to the pulpit coincided with the end of a three-month suspension originally ordered by the denomination. Believing that Swaggart was not genuinely repentant in submitting to their authority, the hierarchy of the Assemblies of God defrocked him, removing his credentials and ministerial license.

Swaggart then became an independent and non-denominational Pentecostal minister, establishing Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, based at the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the Sonlife Broadcasting Network (SBN) which can be seen in the United States and other countries.

1991 scandal​

On October 11, 1991, Swaggart was found in the company of a prostitute for a second time. He was pulled over by a police officer in Indio, California, for driving on the wrong side of the road. With him in the vehicle was a woman named Rosemary Garcia. According to Garcia, Swaggart had stopped to propose sex to her on the side of the road. She later told reporters: "He asked me for sex. I mean, that's why he stopped me. That's what I do. I'm a prostitute." This time, rather than confessing his sins to his congregation, Swaggart told those at Family Worship Center, "The Lord told me it's flat none of your business." Swaggart's son Donnie then announced to the audience that his father would be temporarily stepping down as head of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries for "a time of healing and counseling". "

 

[Carl]

Thank you for the update. I have been watching SBN. I knew about his excursion into sin and thought that it was all taken care of to the Assembly of God's satisfaction.
He doesn't do much preaching mostly leaves it to the other pastors. But the program is so full of stuff not just preaching.

 

[GotGrace]

If we take the word QUALIFICATION seriously in that passage, Paul is talking about a standard.

The qualifying standard.

It's a pass/fail standard.

This isn't about whether the person is repentant, and forgiven. Take the example of David in adultery. He repented, he was forgiven, but the consequences remained in his life and the lives of those around him. His child with Bathsheba died, his family was troubled with incest.

You can't unring a bell or put back a smashed egg to it's previous state.

Such is the case with qualifications.

Once someone is disqualified, they no longer qualify.

So the answer is NO, they disqualified themselves for the office of pastor.

Does that mean we have a double standard-- that we refuse to forgive?

NOT AT ALL!

Forgiveness means we accept him as a repentant sinner, but it does NOT MEAN that we reinstate him.

We forgive him, he is free to be a full member in the congregation (providing he is repentant) but as to holding the office of overseer ie pastor/leader or deacon, he is now disqualified.

Note that there are many things that can disqualify us for certain jobs, positions whether in the church or the world. If you don't qualify for the physical standards for serving in the armed forces, it means you don't qualify. Not that you are a bad person or inadequate, just that you are not equipped for that particular job.

It's not about whether the person feels that they should be allowed, given extenuating circumstances.

Nor is it about restoring a person to a position they fell from.

We are NEVER given the re-qualification test in Scripture. Just the qualification.

The Standard is given in the Word of God for the protection of the flock, and also for the person who wants to be an overseer or deacon. That same flaw that led them to fall in the first place, may lead them to further sin or further personal harm to themselves and others.

The Standard in the Armed Forces is there for the protection of the other armed forces personnel who rely on each other's physical condition in a battle or other extreme circumstance.

It's not about forgiveness or restoration, it's about a qualifying standard.

We can forgive, we can restore fellowship, we CANNOT re-qualify someone once they lose their qualification.

Pretend I’m ringing a bell that you are absolutely right on target. The qualifications part is extremely serious.

The erring pastor must leave the church asap so that the body of Christ can begin healing because it has such a profound effect on the members. I think of the young people that look up to the pastor and how awful it is for them besides being a spiritual set back for them.

Some churches take years trying to recover. Some people leave and some stay and weather the storm.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Pastors are held to higher standards. By extension, so are their families.

Beyond reproach is not only the Ten Commandments, loving God with all his might, and loving one's neighbor as himself, but also loving his wife as Jesus loved the Church (which means denying himself and giving of himself unto death), and being salt and light. So if the Pastor commits adultery, commits domestic violence, has disobedient or unbelieving wife or children, or does any other unseemly thing, or his household (including servants) does anything unseemly, he is disqualified from being a Pastor, Deacon, Elder.

Even if the adulterous Pastor repents, his wife and children forgive him, the congregation forgives him and is willing that he remain as Pastor, he is disqualified because his reputation outside of the church is damaged. Therefore, his public veracity and witness will suffer, and his reproach casts aspersions upon and besmirches the witness of The Church. Worse still, is if the Pastor's conduct is used against him to co-opt his ministry or back him down standing against sin. Worst of all is if t he Pastor hides his sin and is subject to blackmail and extortion . . .

Within the church, church discipline could become problematic if the Pastor and his family are not above reproach. Pastors are supposed to lead and shepherd their flocks. Pastors are supposed to lead by example and use the Bible as the standard, and not say, "Do as I say, not as I do."

Disgraced men simply cannot be part of public ministry. That doesn't mean God can't and won't use them in some other capacity. Just not as a Pastor, Deacon, Elder . . . Yes, losing one's livelihood is terrible, but how much worse if people won't listen or accept The Gospel shared by anyone in the church because a Pastor, and by extension, the whole church, has a stained reputation for sin/wrongdoing and therefore, little or no credibility?

FWIW, some of the best evangelists have less-than-perfect pasts/reputations, but they're not Pastors of churches. So not held to the higher standard. Many of those, who have repented, not hidden their sin, and always give glory to God for His boundless grace, do have effective and blessed ministries because God is using them in that capacity.


1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
James 3:1, KJV

1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:1-7, KJV

1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, the Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 1, KJV

1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
1 Peter 3:1-18, KJV

1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Ephesians 5, KJV

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Matthew 22:37-40, KJV

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:10-16, KJV

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephsians 6:1-20, KJV

 

[Wally]

Pastors are held to higher standards. By extension, so are their families.

***********

FWIW, some of the best evangelists have less-than-perfect pasts/reputations, but they're not Pastors of churches. So not held to the higher standard. Many of those, who have repented, not hidden their sin, and always give glory to God for His boundless grace, do have effective and blessed ministries because God is using them in that capacity.

***********

IF I understand correctly:

A Pastor has an obligation of leading by example,

An Evangelist claims to be nothing, and Christ - Everything.

One says follow me as I follow Christ, the other points to Christ the Example.


Perhaps that is why so many unqualified pastors sit in pulpits today, few want the job nor are they able to fulfil the obligations, so compromise is predominant.

But then its the Spirit that creates and gifts Pastors. man cannot make them.

 

[Reunionroundthecorner]

Pastors are held to higher standards. By extension, so are their families.

Beyond reproach is not only the Ten Commandments, loving God with all his might, and loving one's neighbor as himself, but also loving his wife as Jesus loved the Church (which means denying himself and giving of himself unto death), and being salt and light. So if the Pastor commits adultery, commits domestic violence, has disobedient or unbelieving wife or children, or does any other unseemly thing, or his household (including servants) does anything unseemly, he is disqualified from being a Pastor, Deacon, Elder.

Even if the adulterous Pastor repents, his wife and children forgive him, the congregation forgives him and is willing that he remain as Pastor, he is disqualified because his reputation outside of the church is damaged. Therefore, his public veracity and witness will suffer, and his reproach casts aspersions upon and besmirches the witness of The Church. Worse still, is if the Pastor's conduct is used against him to co-opt his ministry or back him down standing against sin. Worst of all is if t he Pastor hides his sin and is subject to blackmail and extortion . . .

Within the church, church discipline could become problematic if the Pastor and his family are not above reproach. Pastors are supposed to lead and shepherd their flocks. Pastors are supposed to lead by example and use the Bible as the standard, and not say, "Do as I say, not as I do."

Disgraced men simply cannot be part of public ministry. That doesn't mean God can't and won't use them in some other capacity. Just not as a Pastor, Deacon, Elder . . . Yes, losing one's livelihood is terrible, but how much worse if people won't listen or accept The Gospel shared by anyone in the church because a Pastor, and by extension, the whole church, has a stained reputation for sin/wrongdoing and therefore, little or no credibility?

FWIW, some of the best evangelists have less-than-perfect pasts/reputations, but they're not Pastors of churches. So not held to the higher standard. Many of those, who have repented, not hidden their sin, and always give glory to God for His boundless grace, do have effective and blessed ministries because God is using them in that capacity.


1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
James 3:1, KJV

1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:1-7, KJV

1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, the Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 1, KJV

1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
1 Peter 3:1-18, KJV

1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Ephesians 5, KJV

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Matthew 22:37-40, KJV

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:10-16, KJV

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephsians 6:1-20, KJV

"Pastors are held to higher standards." That is the key.

 

[Bethlehem57]

We all sin, but I think a pastor should be held to a higher accountability while on Earth for the sake of his parish. I agree with what daygo said. He should step down and seek the Lord's Will.

Agree! He will held more accountable in front of the Lord, at the Bema Seat, according to the Bible. He’s shepherding a flock and we are reminded, quite often by our pastor, that he is held to a higher accounting because he teaches.