When it Comes to Dealing with Scandals, the Church Must Do Better Than the National Enquirer
By Michael Brown
Published on August 26, 2019
https://stream.org/comes-dealing-sca...onal-enquirer/
The internet is burning up with news of yet another scandal in the church, this time with serious accusations against Charismatic evangelist Todd Bentley. What is God saying to His people through this current crisis?
Regarding Todd's situation, I have no specific comment, since: 1) I have not supported him being in ministry since his divorce and remarriage in 2008, and I am on public record to that effect. 2) I have no connection of any kind to Todd and his ministry. (I also disagreed publicly with the way other leaders handled things in Lakeland, where Todd became prominent.)
But, after prayer and reflection, I do believe there are important things to share that are applicable beyond this current, alleged scandal....
...A Poor Job of Self-Policing
First, this is not the time to throw stones at Charismatics, as some non-charismatic critics have been quick to do. To be sure, we Charismatics have done a very poor job of self-policing, which is a major reason I wrote the book Playing with Holy Fire. And, to be sure, we have had more than our share of sexual scandals. ...
...God Gives Us Opportunities to Repent Before Allowing Us to be Exposed
Second, when we fail to address sin in private, it will explode publicly....
...Rallying to Protect Reputation of Abusive Church Leader is Totally Unbiblical
Third, it is absolutely inexcusable and totally unbiblical for church leaders to put the reputation of an abusive leader before the real needs of the victims of that abuser, along with the needs of those will be abused should that leader stay in position. This is one of the biggest reasons for outrage in the current situation as well as in similar situations that have been well-documented in recent years....
...Excusing Sin in Church Leaders Makes Mockery of God's High Standards
Fourth, Church leaders are expected to live differently. God expects it and the church expects it. That doesn't mean we're perfect, but we are called to be above reproach, to be disciplined, godly, and with a good reputation with outsiders (see 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)....
...Don't Use the Internet Like the World Does, to Attack
Fifth, the internet is not the place to settle private scores with leaders or bring accusations about the personal lives of others. When we do so, we open up a Pandora's box where disgruntled believers can say anything about anyone, damaging (or even destroying) the lives of good men and women. (It is equally wrong when we spread unverified accusations against non-believers.)...
...Make Things Right Now...