grieving & responding to Ted Haggard's fall
I'm guessing by now you've heard the allegations regarding Pastor Ted Haggard of New Life Church in Colorado Springs. Ted is not only the (now resigned) President of the 30-million member National Association of Evangelicals, and founding pastor of the 14,000 member New Life Church, but he is also a man I have highly respected - a 'mentor' to me through his writings, teachings and example. Our church has close ties to New Life Church; we've taken our entire pastoral staff to their annual pastor's conference; and two of my children have completed their twentyfourseven internship program.
So, as you can imagine, I've been grieving since the story first broke this week. It seems throughout the day and even whenever we awoke during the night, my wife and I could only think of Ted, his precious wife Gayle, his children and the church family there. Until I received word this afternoon that the Overseers definitely concluded otherwise, I had chosen to believe that he was not guilty of all the allegations. However, I felt it important for me to respond to those in our congregation who may be wondering about still 'another' Christian leader falling publicly. There are several lessons for each of us:
First, let's never underestimate our frailty, or the power of sin to deceive. Ted is one of a handful of ministers that I would least expect to be embroiled in this kind of scandal. For him to be involved in any level of sexual sin tells me that (a) none of us is immune to sin; and (b) our ability to be deceived by sin is a fact, and all of us must be on guard at all times. Read what Paul had to say in 1Corinthians 10:11-12
Second, let's understand that any and all men of God are just that: men of God. Our confidence and trust must always ultimately remain on with the Lord, not the vessels He uses. Do not allow your faith to be shaken by any man's failure. The Biblical principles and truths that I've learned through Ted's ministry are still true, no matter the weakness and failure of the one who delivered them.
Thirdly, thank God for the wisdom of an independent, external Board of Overseers who now are helping New Life Church through this unbelievably sad time and difficult process. That's why I'm so thankful for our governmental structure at CLC that also places such responsibility in our Board of Directors who likewise keep us accountable, set our pastoral salaries, and protect our membership should the unthinkable ever occur here. I want that protection for this church!
Finally, can we not compassionately put ourselves in the place of that congregation, staff, and family in Colorado? I urge everyone reading this to take time to pray for our friends there at New Life and for Pastor Ted and his family - for restoration, healing, unity, and favor.
So, as you can imagine, I've been grieving since the story first broke this week. It seems throughout the day and even whenever we awoke during the night, my wife and I could only think of Ted, his precious wife Gayle, his children and the church family there. Until I received word this afternoon that the Overseers definitely concluded otherwise, I had chosen to believe that he was not guilty of all the allegations. However, I felt it important for me to respond to those in our congregation who may be wondering about still 'another' Christian leader falling publicly. There are several lessons for each of us:
First, let's never underestimate our frailty, or the power of sin to deceive. Ted is one of a handful of ministers that I would least expect to be embroiled in this kind of scandal. For him to be involved in any level of sexual sin tells me that (a) none of us is immune to sin; and (b) our ability to be deceived by sin is a fact, and all of us must be on guard at all times. Read what Paul had to say in 1Corinthians 10:11-12
Second, let's understand that any and all men of God are just that: men of God. Our confidence and trust must always ultimately remain on with the Lord, not the vessels He uses. Do not allow your faith to be shaken by any man's failure. The Biblical principles and truths that I've learned through Ted's ministry are still true, no matter the weakness and failure of the one who delivered them.
Thirdly, thank God for the wisdom of an independent, external Board of Overseers who now are helping New Life Church through this unbelievably sad time and difficult process. That's why I'm so thankful for our governmental structure at CLC that also places such responsibility in our Board of Directors who likewise keep us accountable, set our pastoral salaries, and protect our membership should the unthinkable ever occur here. I want that protection for this church!
Finally, can we not compassionately put ourselves in the place of that congregation, staff, and family in Colorado? I urge everyone reading this to take time to pray for our friends there at New Life and for Pastor Ted and his family - for restoration, healing, unity, and favor.
posted by Pastor Jerry McQuay at 3:53 PM
3 Comments:
Pastor,
My heart weeps with you also. Obviously this "fall from Grace" for Pastor Ted Haggard is sad and heart-breaking to all of us but the reality is that we (especially us men) are always one step away from sin especially in the sexual arena and need to guard ourselves from this temptation. There is no way we condone this behaviour but we need to recognize that we all have sinned (and continue to sin when we "fall from Grace" and go our own way and not God's way) and are dependent upon God's Grace and mercy for restoration. The one thing that we can learn from this is that we need to stand together to encourage one another to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. My committment to you, is that I will do my best to encourage you and to pray for you as you walk before God and Man.
Praying with you, Pastor~ I really appreciate your compassion in response to this grievious wound in the body of Christ. When a believer makes choices of such nature, succumbs to sin & then repents; it is the local pastor & those within the immediate circle of influence that restore the brother/sister. I personally thank God for His plan of restoration. But who extends such to the leader who falls? Is it the board of directors that helps the church and/or the fallen?
Pastor Jerry,
Just a note to say "Thank You for addressing the issue with your people. I applaud your openess and sensitivity to the situation. It really reminded us of our own frailty and suseptibility to failure when we underestimate our own abillity loose focus on our real source of strength. (Christ Alone). My prayer is that you as our leader always know that you have a Father that's acquainted with your weaknesses and still cares. Also, that God has someone, A safe someone, that you can go to for just some old fashion one on one, HELP! And know that you have a congregation that uphold you daily in prayer. Thank you for exhibiting integrity for those of us in the Body of Christ.
Barb
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