BECOMING A HEALTHY LEADER: Church Leaders And Moral Scandals

In recent years, there has been a troubling increase in moral failures among church leaders globally. From the United States to Nigeria and beyond, stories of sexual immorality, financial fraud, and unholy conduct among ministers have become common news headlines. In the Orlando area of the U.S., three pastors of large churches resigned within one year due to immoral behavior.

Pastor Jack Schaap of a well-known church in Indiana was sentenced to 12 years in prison after engaging in an immoral relationship with a teenage girl he was counselling. Bishop Eddie Long was accused of immoral acts with four teenage boys, and though he denied the charges, he eventually settled the case out of court.

In the Catholic Church, repeated cases of abuse continue to make global headlines. Sadly, here in Nigeria, our newspapers regularly report cases of pastors involved in sexual immorality, rape, financial theft, and even joining criminal gangs. These actions have eroded the moral credibility of many ministers and weakened the testimony of the Church in our nation and continent.

A. THE HIGH STANDARD OF GOD’S CALL ON MINISTERS

(Hebrews 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:19-22)

Regardless of how some modern-day preachers try to water down holiness, the Word of God is clear—God requires His servants to live morally upright and holy lives. Grace does not excuse sin; it empowers holy living (Titus 2:11–13). Every minister of the Gospel is called to be a living epistle, a holy example, and a vessel unto honor.

Ministers of the Gospel must:

• Model a godly, Christlike life (2 Corinthians 6:3–10)
• Be an example of what they preach (1 John 2:6; 3:1–3)
• Live a disciplined and righteous life (Psalm 2:3–6)
• Understand that immoral leaders are disqualified from divine usefulness (1 Samuel 2:12, 22)
• Realize that only a transformed life can transform others
• Preach both with their words and their lifestyle

From Genesis to Revelation, the consistent testimony of Scripture is that God’s ministers must live to a higher standard than the world (Psalm 51:10–13; 15:1–5). History also testifies of great men and women of God like John Wesley, Adoniram Judson, Martin Luther, William Carey, and Charles Finney who lived in holiness and purity. It is only in recent times that preachers have shamelessly lowered the standard of righteousness and led others to do the same.

B. THE DANGEROUS IMPACT OF MORAL FAILURE IN MINISTRY

(Revelation 2:14–16; 2:20–23)

Our Lord Jesus Christ warned the churches in Asia Minor about the serious consequences of tolerating immorality among ministers. These warnings remain relevant today.

The consequences include:

1. The name of God is mocked among unbelievers
2. True believers become discouraged and fall away
3. Sinners find it hard to trust the Gospel
4. Spiritual and physical calamities befall the Church
5. The presence of God lifts from the Church
6. The Church loses its influence in society
7. Once-promising ministries are cut short
8. God’s resources and investments are wasted
9. Satan rejoices and takes advantage

Illustration:
A woman kept a snake as a pet. Another woman raised a lioness at home. Both women loved and cared for these wild animals. One day, the snake bit its owner, preventing anyone from helping her until she died. The lioness also turned on its owner and devoured her. What they loved eventually destroyed them.

Likewise, a fast-growing and vibrant church shut down after it was revealed that the pastor was involved in sexual immorality with members. Another church that once had 1,500 members now has fewer than 70 due to the pastor’s financial and sexual misconduct.

C. 15 TYPES OF PEOPLE TO WATCH OUT FOR IN MINISTRY

(Proverbs 23:27–28)

The Word of God admonishes us to “watch” (1 Corinthians 10:12; 16:13; 1 Peter 4:7). Ministers must be vigilant against temptation, their inner desires, and relationships that may lead them astray. The devil is actively looking for opportunities to ruin your ministry (1 Peter 5:8). Don’t give him that chance.

15 Types of Women Male Ministers Must Avoid:

1. A woman who wants to marry you, though you’re already married
2. A woman who wants to be your “ministry mother” through financial support
3. An ex-girlfriend who is now unhappily married
4. A female member from your former church
5. A sincere widow in your congregation
6. A Jezebel-like boss or co-worker who flirts with you
7. Single parents, divorcees, and mature single ladies
8. Women who work closely with you (P.A., deaconess, etc.)
9. Spiritual daughters you counsel frequently
10. A woman you secretly desire or love
11. A female admirer who constantly flatters you (Judges 16:4)
12. An old classmate or a social media fantasy
13. A woman who complains constantly about your wife
14. Your grown daughters, nieces, or foster children (Genesis 19:30–38)
15. Housemaids or female members living under your roof or whom you visit alone (Genesis 16:1–4)

15 Types of Men Female Ministers Must Avoid:

1. An ex-boyfriend who is now happily married
2. A spiritual father or mentor who lusts after you
3. A minister you frequently dream about
4. A close teacher or lecturer
5. Male members who shower you with gifts
6. A man who jokes with you using vulgar words
7. A fellow minister who flatters and compliments you often
8. A counselor or helper who winks or makes suggestive gestures
9. So-called prophets or deliverance ministers who seduce women
10. The man who first introduced you to sex
11. A widower or divorcee who lusts after you
12. A man you secretly admire who has a crush on you
13. A church worker who is “too free” with you
14. Your personal assistant, your husband’s driver, or any man who shares personal matters with you
15. Your husband’s boss or male friend (2 Samuel 11:1–5)

The progression to sexual sin often follows these six stages:

1. A look
2. A casual or ‘platonic’ relationship
3. Deep sharing and emotional bonding
4. Physical touching or hugging
5. Sharing secrets
6. Sexual sin

Unless stopped early, this progression leads to moral failure. No minister who continues in immorality succeeds for long. They eventually fall, and their ministry is destroyed.

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D. PRACTICAL STEPS TO GUARD YOURSELF FROM MORAL FAILURE

(1 Corinthians 9:27; Proverbs 7:23–25)

1. Avoid compromising situations—never be alone in a room with someone of the opposite sex.
2. Guard your thought life; don’t fantasize about the opposite sex.
3. Be accountable—have a mentor or spiritual partner you report to regularly.
4. Walk in the fear of God daily.
5. Flee youthful lusts—have “fire drills” ready to reject temptation (2 Timothy 2:22).
6. Don’t isolate yourself—stay surrounded by godly family, friends, and accountability structures.
7. Remain faithful in spiritual disciplines—prayer, fasting, Bible study, and fellowship. “Prayer will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from prayer.”
8. Be ruthless with temptation—discipline yourself (1 Corinthians 9:27).
9. Regularly confess your struggles—transparency brings freedom. Hidden sin is fuel for the enemy.
10. Rekindle the fire in your marriage—if it’s gone cold, seek counsel and support.
11. Get regular spiritual checkups—just as people see doctors to prevent illness, ministers must open up to godly mentors and receive input.

Don’t wait until the devil strikes to cry out for help. If you notice weakness or temptation in any area, don’t delay. Ask for prayer and counsel today. It’s better to prevent a fall than to recover from one.

Let this be a trumpet call to ministers everywhere—God is calling us back to purity, integrity, and the fear of the Lord. Let us rise and answer that call, for the glory of His Church and the salvation of many.