When pastors fall: 3 things we can learn

In the past year, several high-profile Texas megachurch pastors have either stepped down or been dismissed due to what's been labeled as “immoral behavior” or “conduct unbecoming of a pastor.” These terms may sound vague, but they point to a troubling pattern of persistent wrongdoing, ranging from sexual misconduct to financial dishonesty and abuses of power.

• Tony Evans resigned from his pastoral duties at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas, in June 2024 due to “past sins.” While he clarified that he had not committed a crime, he admitted to a failure to exercise righteous judgment. The specifics of the sin were not disclosed, but the pastor emphasized that the decision was made after extensive prayer and consultation with church elders.
• Robert Morris, the founding pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, resigned in June after being accused of sexually abusing a girl in the 1980s. An internal investigation is underway, and the church faces further scrutiny due to related lawsuits.
• Tony Cammarota, an associate pastor at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, was dismissed after confessing to a “moral failure.” Although the specifics were not disclosed, the church urged its members to avoid speculation.
• Luke Cunningham, formerly of Lakeside Baptist Church in Granbury, was arrested and charged with sexual assault of a minor. The incidents allegedly occurred while he was a youth pastor at another church.

It can be truly overwhelming for Christians when the leaders we trust and rely on for spiritual guidance end up falling from grace. The shock of betrayal can hit us hard. However, this isn’t just about personal failures or public relations disasters. The Bible speaks clearly about sin among leaders — those called to shepherd the flock, and when those standards are compromised, the consequences ripple through the entire body of Christ.

When a pastor falls, it shakes the faith of congregants, sows division, and can lead to spiritual disillusionment. The church is left grappling with feelings of betrayal, confusion, and hurt. It’s critical to recognize that these scandals don’t just affect the leader — they affect the entire flock. Ezekiel 34 speaks of shepherds who fail to care for their sheep, leading to their scattering.

Empathy is crucial for the congregation, victims, and even fallen leaders. However, it's essential to understand that empathy doesn't mean excusing or overlooking wrongdoing. We cannot compromise the truth of God's Word and cannot sweep egregious sin under the rug, hoping it will disappear.

The Scripture provides a guide for discipline and restoration and warns us about the seriousness of leading others astray. James 3:1 reminds us, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” There are weighty consequences when a leader is discovered engaging in sinful behavior, especially if it is habitual.

Scripture sets such high standards for those entrusted with spiritual authority. In his letter to the young pastor, Timothy, Paul speaks clearly about the qualifications of church leaders.

An overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil (1 Timothy 3:2-7).

When a pastor is caught or confesses to persistent sin, the church elders must take decisive action. This may involve the individual stepping down from any leadership roles they hold, undergoing a process of discipline and restoration, and implementing measures to ensure the safety and well-being of both the individual and the congregation.

Many pastors, under the pressure of ministry and the weight of leadership, find themselves isolated — without trusted counsel or support systems. This isolation makes them vulnerable to temptation and sin. Add this to what many pastors I've counseled have openly admitted to struggling with addictions like pornography, gambling, and excessive spending.

When we hear of another pastor falling, each occurrence serves as a poignant reminder that no one is exempt from the lure of temptation. Therefore, all of us must be vigilant in guarding our hearts, remaining close to the teachings of the Word of God, and holding ourselves accountable to our fellow believers.

What we can learn from this

First, we must speak out. The Church is called to be a place of truth and righteousness, and we cannot look the other way to sin within our leadership. In Ephesians 5:11, Paul commands us to “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ignoring or covering up moral failures only compounds the damage and harms the church’s witness.

Second, it's important to highlight the need for leaders to be accountable. Pastors should not be seen as perfect and should have oversight. Like how Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs, it's wise to have shared leadership and mutual accountability. Churches should encourage pastors to seek advice, be open about their challenges, and have close relationships with other mature believers who can help them. Leaders need a support system to be honest about their struggles before they become big problems. Also, the church should prioritize a pastor's character over their charisma. It's easy to be impressed by a pastor's powerful preaching or ability to grow a congregation, but their relationship with Christ is more important.

Finally, as believers, we need to extend grace to one another. We do not excuse sin but recognize that we all fall short of God's glory. We can call sin what it is while offering a path toward repentance and healing.

In these challenging times, we are reminded that Christ remains faithful to His Church, guiding and building it even in turbulent times. It is important for us to move forward with discernment and a renewed sense of purpose, coming together to uphold the sanctity of our church and its leadership.