How to React When a Pastor or Other Leader Experiences a Serious Failing

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Moral failure
Has your church been forced to deal with some sort of moral failure? How did it handle it? (iStock photo)

During my career, I’ve dealt with many crisis situations with churches and ministries. Pastors who experience moral failings, staff members embezzling money, leaders who turn out to be pedophiles, serial adulterers, incompetent and much more.

Every situation is different, and the goals include healing the hurt, restoring the leader according to biblical principles and keeping the church healthy. Seeking God is critical, but along with that process, there are some immediate practical choices that have to be made. If you’re a church leader, elder, board member or know someone who is, this is a critical list you should share and keep handy just in case a crisis happens in your church:

1. Prepare for a crisis ahead of time. Research shows that organizations that have a crisis plan recover much more quickly (and with less cost) than those who don’t. And don’t think a crisis can’t happen to you. In today’s complex, Internet-driven world, the chances your church or ministry will have problems has only increased. Pray and hope for the best, but always have a plan if something goes wrong.


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