Why Would a Pastor Fall into Adultery After Preaching Against It?

It certainly seems that the flesh is so weak. As Jesus told us, no one can fight it alone. With adultery, the sin can begin so subtly and innocently. It might start with a simple compliment. Someone tells you that they love the shirt you're wearing today. You find yourself wearing the shirt more often. Then, let's say your secretary and you need to go out of town for a business meeting. You've done it before—you have separate rooms, no problem. The meeting is long, and you decide to finalize paperwork in her room. Yeah, no problem—you've done that before too. She offers a little wine after a long day. A little wine, a big deal. You sit closer together, both looking at paperwork. She looks up into your eyes, and you look into hers. Suddenly, no one is looking at paperwork anymore. A kiss. And boom! It's on! All beginning with a compliment a week ago on that stupid shirt. No one wakes up one morning saying, 'I'm going to sin today.' It happens ever so gradually. Sort of pulls you down slowly.

For a preacher, it could happen the same way. Even knowing full well all the powers of seduction and the ways it displeases God, he is no more protected than you or I. It would seem he ought to be preaching and praying all the time. But let's face it—he is as popular as a rock star. Everyone wants to be talking to him. After the service, you see the line of people who “want a word.” I never thought it possible, even with my teacher Ravi Zacharias. I have read his books, and he has brought many closer to our Lord Jesus. Through his fall from grace, I am convinced that the sin of adultery has to be the hardest to fight. Hard to fight as an addiction to drugs it seems. You've seen it yourself how people have lost it all behind adultery. Look at Tiger: nice family, beautiful wife, position—all for a pleasure. Nope, the preacher is not more protected.

Common Factors for a Pastor to Fall into Adultery

There are a couple of things that can make some preachers more likely to give into this kind of temptation than we would expect. First, a few men have the mistaken idea that if they go into ministry, they will be supernaturally protected from their own sinful desires. But such protection is not automatic or bestowed by divine intervention alone. Second, when a pastor counsels with a member of his church, that person often opens up on a very deep level. This can create an intimate relationship. If the pastor has not been properly trained, he can mistake this artificial intimacy for something it isn't, leading to dangerous situations.

The Role of Training and Preparation

Pastors need to be thoroughly trained and prepared for the challenges they will face in their ministries. This includes understanding the complex ethical and moral issues they will encounter, including the temptations that come with their roles. Regular training, both in ethics and in counseling, can help preachers recognize the signs and stay vigilant against such temptations. It's essential for churches to provide ongoing support and resources to their pastoral staff, including counseling and support services.

The Importance of Community and Support

Communities of faith, whether churches or religious groups, play a crucial role in supporting their leaders. Churches should provide an environment where pastors can confide in trusted colleagues and receive regular oversight and accountability. Regular group sessions or counseling could be beneficial. Churches should also emphasize the importance of accountability and vigilance in their pastoral leadership. Remembering that even the most well-intentioned and pious individuals can fall into this sin, the community must remain vigilant and supportive.

Conclusion

The vulnerability of a pastor to adultery is a complex issue rooted in human nature and the demands of ministry. While it is true that ministers are called to a level of purity and holiness, the struggles of the flesh are real and persistent. It is important to acknowledge these struggles and to support, train, and protect our spiritual leaders. By providing the necessary resources and creating a supportive community, we can help ensure that pastors remain strong and on the path of righteousness.