A pastor has served a local church for 10 years. However, he developed an immoral relationship with the young lady serving as his administrative assistant. The associate pastor of the church learns of this affair and struggles with what to do.
The associate pastor comes to you for counsel.
- As you studied the topics discussed in the doctrine of the church, what issues are involved?
- What counsel do you provide the associate pastor?
Response
Three issues pertaining to the doctrine of the church relate to an associate pastor discovering an immoral relationship between a senior pastor and an administrative assistant: the definition of church, the role of church leadership, and the role of the church community. From the time Constantine conjoined the church and state, to the mega-church performances on Sunday mornings, the definition of church has become blurred. Millard Erickson (1998) contends that the definition of the New Testament church must be determined considering the backdrop of both the Greek and Hebrew culture, which suggests that the church is God’s people indwelt by the Spirit assembling in a given city as the center of Christ’s activity (pp. 1041-1049).
A Theology of Biblical Counseling: The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry
Regarding the role of church leadership, Heath Lambert (2016) asserts that “elders are responsible to fill the roles of teaching and leading” (p. 306). Paul highlights the role of elders by stating, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17, English Standard Version). Lambert (2016) explains that the role of teaching in the local church must not be constrained to the pulpit, but also extended to congregants at a personal level (pp. 306-307). Furthermore, the function of elders must include leading the congregation in growing and ministering to others in various ways, including the ministry of counseling (Lambert, 2016, pp. 307-308).
Finally, regarding the role of the church community, Lambert (2016) identifies four areas where the community can assist. The church community can create an environment of worship and provide fellowship for people who are struggling. Furthermore, the church community can meet regularly with congregants to teach them various skills and create an environment for congregants to be held accountable (pp. 309-311).
The doctrine of the church provides much guidance to an associate pastor regarding a situation where he discovers his senior pastor having an immoral relationship. First, a mega-church institutional culture risks the temptation to cover up potential scandals for fear of financial destruction or loss of power; however, when the church is defined properly as a community of God’s people, the temptation need not exist. Accordingly, I would first explain to the associate pastor that a cover-up is not wise. Second, I would encourage the associate pastor to address the issue with the elders of the church. In a healthy church environment, the elders will confront the senior pastor in love and attempt to understand the situation. Often senior pastors succumb to such sinful behavior as a way of dealing with their own unresolved issues, such as finding their value and worth outside of Christ or coping with emotional issues they have kept hidden. Wise elders will also determine whether the senior pastor should stay in his current position, and institute a plan to support the pastor through recovery. Finally, the elders should lead the entire church community by encouraging them to come alongside all effected parties and offer worship, fellowship, teaching, accountability, and if possible, reconciliation.
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References
- Erickson, M. J. (1998). Christian theology (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.
- Lambert, H. (2016). A theology of biblical counseling: The doctrinal foundations of counseling ministry. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
