You’d have to be hiding under a rock to not be aware of the implications of what seems like a never-ending free fall of faith leaders due to sexual indiscretions or immoral,  unethical decisions. Today’s buzz feed is about faith leaders and the restoration process.  

Many people point to the Christianity Today podcast series The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill as one of the tipping points for such sharp critique and analysis. Kellee and I have listened to every episode of that podcast series. It has sparked much-needed deep, raw discussion about power, fame, the Church, Jesus, and faith.  

In Bonus Episode 16, podcast host Mike Cosper interviews Tim Keller for reflections on leadership, the trouble with networks, and the essential need for communion with God.  Keller tells a story in the interview about a well-known pastor who had an affair that lasted months if not years. Keller had breakfast with that pastor after the affair became public and the pastor was disgraced. 

Keller asked him an interesting question: How could you get up and speak every  Sunday while you were having an affair? The pastor’s answer is a truth bomb. 

The pastor said that he’d start studying during the week for his Sunday morning sermon and would be so convicted, feeling incredibly guilty about what he was doing (the affair).  He’d promise himself “I’m going to break it off on Monday”  but because Sunday was coming, he’d need to finish his sermon prep. 

And then Sunday would get there.  

He’d get up on Sunday morning to speak and because he was so gifted, because people would be weeping, moving, confessing, responding — he’d think “God is still moving. God hasn’t forgotten me. My deal must not be that bad. I’m ok.” 

And it kept going like that for months, years. 

My friends. Do not get it twisted. This is not a subtweet. I don’t suspect anything of anyone. This is intended to be proactive and not reactive. 

I love each of you more than you’ll ever know. I am not afraid to hurt your feelings or piss you off. If this note does that, so be it. Let’s work it out. But let me be crystal clear… 

Your gifting is not anointing. 

That is straight-up bull&#%$ thinking and theology.  

Tagging something a God thing doesn’t make your private thing some small thing. 

Your ability to sway people is exactly that: an amoral gift that can be weaponized for incredible harm or used to serve others in love. 

Your gifting can become a very convenient place to hide. 

People responding to something you said does not excuse your character flaws or selfish whims. 

Because when your truth comes out, what was thought to be living water becomes toxic poison. People choke on the brine. 

You and I are always going to wind up at the truth. So why not start there? 

Your spouse and kids and friends and family and the world needs you to finish well and strong. So do I. 

I am here if you need to talk. 

Between us. 

No questions asked.  

Because I care.