‘Regardless of one’s stance on female pastors, the notion that increasing their numbers would resolve church scandals is misguided. Women’s hearts are no less prone to sin than men’s, even if the manifestation of that sin may differ,’ says Ann Louise Graham.
Reviewing the numerous headlines about pastors and church leaders who have resigned due to sexual misconduct scandals is deeply disheartening. It is tragic to consider how these men have failed in their responsibility to model Christ-like behaviour, and the incalculable harm this has caused to the lives of those impacted, as well as the damage inflicted upon the church’s witness.
Several high-profile cases have emerged involving allegations of misconduct against prominent Christian figures.
Several high-profile cases have emerged involving allegations of misconduct against prominent Christian figures. Brian Houston, the founder of Hillsong Church, resigned following investigations into inappropriate behaviour with female staff. Mike Bickle, the leader of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, was dismissed after allegations surfaced of grooming and abuse dating back to the 1980s. Additionally, posthumous details of sexual misconduct spanning more than a decade were reported regarding Ravi Zacharias, a renowned Christian apologist, but not a church leader.
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The involvement of men in church scandals raises the question of whether having more female pastors could reduce such incidents. According to the Bible, pastors and other church leaders are appointed “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:11-12, NIV). Additionally, 1 Timothy 3:2-3 states that a church leader must be “above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.”
When examining church denominations that appoint women as pastors, such as the Church of England, we find they are not immune to scandals. Similarly, denominations that do not permit women to become pastors are also not free from such issues. However, the term “scandal” must be carefully defined in this context - one dictionary defines it as an action or event regarded as morally or legally wrong and causing public outrage. And while it could be argued that women pastors are not the primary instigators of sexual scandals, we cannot conclude that female leaders are less likely to commit sexual sin or that women sin less than men.
The moral conduct of all church leaders, regardless of gender, is paramount in upholding the integrity of the church, as scriptural guidelines suggest - the character and behaviour of church leaders are crucial in preventing misconduct.
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However, the biblical principles surrounding leadership, combined with anecdotal evidence, suggest that the gender of church leaders may not be the primary factor in preventing such scandals. If gender is not the primary cause - then what is?
The Bible teaches that the human heart, representing the inner person, is wicked
The Bible teaches that the human heart, representing the inner person, is wicked (Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV). Some translations describe the heart as “incurably sick.” Our hearts are inherently sinful, “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” This is literally the heart of the matter and what needs to be cured.
The solution is a contrite heart, as Scripture states in Psalm 51:17. Humility must replace pride, the lust for power, and deception. Biblically, we are called to renew our minds according to Scripture and be transformed in the process (Romans 12:1-2). Most importantly, we are to guard our hearts, for they are the wellspring of our lives, the source from which all that we are flows (Proverbs 4:23). The war against our flesh is difficult, but we can fix our eyes on the truth and the Truth-giver, Jesus. (Hebrews 12:2)
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Regardless of one’s stance on female pastors, the notion that increasing their numbers would resolve church scandals is misguided. Women’s hearts are no less prone to sin than men’s, even if the manifestation of that sin may differ.
The greatest scandal of our generation may be the failure to faithfully share the true gospel of Christ and to die to ourselves in the process. This calling is not exclusive to men; women, regardless of their position in the body of Christ, must also embrace it.
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