integrity Crisis in Ministry, Part I
by Danny Akin Vol. VII, No. 1, January 1994
Criswell College, Dallas
[Reprinted from the Southern Baptist Communicator]
"We are facing an integrity crisis. Not only is the conduct of the church in question, but so is the very character of the church" (Warren Wiersbe, The Integrity Crisis, p. 171). Amorality crisis exists in the ministry. An integrity crisis faces the man of God. Though statistical data are not readily available, few, if any, would question that immorality has reached an epidemic stage in the evangelical community both in the pulpit and in the pew. Respect for the man of God has reached an all time low. The secular media exploit every failure. The man in the street pokes fun' with jokes depicting ministers as interested only in women, money, power, and prestige. The humble saint of God reels in heartbreak, confusion, and distrust as once respected leaders are exposed in sin and shame. The contemporary diagnosis is clear: the church of the Lord Jesus Christ is in critical condition. The situation calls for quick and decisive action. It is essential therefore that we determine (1) the cause of the crisis, (2) the cost of the crisis. and finally (3) the cure for the crisis in ministry.
1. The Cause of the Integrity/Morality Crisis in Ministry
Our present problem has been in the making for many years. Without question, the root cause is simply sin and evil in the human heart (Jer. 17:9; Matt. 15:19). In this context, however, Satan, working in concert with the flesh, has utilized some effective weapons to slay numerous men of God. Tragically, our secular society, together with its values, has affected the church more than the church has affected it. As a result, we have lost the holy standard God has established in His Word not only for the man of God but also for His church as a whole.
Materialism is becoming a problem in ministry, and one would be dishonest to deny that. Many men today are driven not by God but by gold. They are motivated not by the. Saviour but by selfishness. God clearly states that He wants His ministers to receive adequate provision and that they should not be paupers (I Cor.9:7-14; I Tim.5:17-18). However, one will search the Scriptures in vain to find where God promises them personal wealth. Too many of God's anointed view themselves in the model of the corporate CEO rather than a shepherd-servant or pastor-teacher of a humble flock. In a desire to build something great for God, they lose personal perspective and usually find themselves spending less and less time with their spouses and families.
Egotism or pride is also rampant in our ranks. Personal power, position, and prestige are often justified by sanctimonious words of "reaching more through bigger and better ministries for Christ." An important question at this point would be, "to whom are people drawn as your ministry grows – the minister himself or a particular ministry or the Saviour?"
Exaggeration and even outright lying have also infested the holy pulpit. "Ministerially speaking" has become nothing more than a synonym for the speaking of falsehood. If we would regain respect, we must of necessity go the extra mile in honest speech (Proverbs 6:16-19).
Shallow theology and false ideas of spirituality have also led to failure in the ministry. Biblical exposition is the exception rather than the rule. Because of anemic biblical understanding, many overemphasize legalism on the one hand or emotionalism on the other [or liturgy or entertainment]: The sad end of all of this is an unstable doctrinal foundation that will ultimately collapse under pressure.
One might interject at this point, "I' see how these things are related to integrity, but what is their connection with immorality?" The answer is this: when a man is consumed with a desire for more in one area (materialism), it often leads to a desire for more in another area (sex). When a man deceives himself into thinking that he deserves and is entitled to the power, position. and prestige that often accompany a successful ministry, he may also deceive himself into thinking that accessibility and entitlement to a liaison with a woman other than his wife is an option. Finally and most importantly, if a man is dishonest in one area of his life (lying and exaggerating his own accomplishments), he will likely be dishonest in other areas, including faithfulness to his wife and ultimately faithfulness to his Saviour. The causes for such failures can be boiled down to three basics: (a) a loss of devotional walk with the Saviour, (b) a loss of continual meditation in the Scriptures, (c) a loss of personal intimacy with one's spouse.
[This is part one of two parts. In the next Banner Dr. Dr. Akin will deal with the "Cost and Cure of the Crisis.]
Integrity Crisis in the Ministry, Part II
by Danny Akin Vol. VII, No. 2, February 1994
[Our last issue carried Part I of this article which discussed the cause of the integrity/ morality crisis in the ministry. The root cause "is simply sin and evil in the human heart," but Satan uses as effective weapons: materialism, egotism, exaggeration, and shallow theology. The first part closed by noting three instrumental causes: loss of devotional walk with the Saviour, loss of continual meditation in the Scriptures, and loss of personal intimacy with one's spouse.]
2. The cost of the Integrity/Morality Crisis in Ministry
All would agree that the cost of sexual immorality is high, especially for those whose sin has been exposed. The cause of Christ is harmed and the purity of the gospel veiled. One' s reputation is permanently soiled and in some sense irreparably damaged. In most instances the fallen one's position is lost, and he can be assured of never again flying as high as he once did, if he ever flies again at all. Indeed, many believe, based upon the qualifications for ministry laid down in I Timothy 3:1-7, that such a one is forever disqualified from the office of pastor. While without question one who has sinned and repented can and should be restored to fellowship, there is good scriptural evidence leading us to conclude that this does not necessarily include restoration to a leadership position. Forgiveness from the Saviour and the saints is not the same as fitness for service! Unfortunately, the lost world seems to understand this better than the church. Could it be, incredible as it sounds, that the lost world has a higher and more biblically based standard than the saints?
In addition, there is the certain loss of God's anointing and the potential loss of his God-given family. These are the harsh reali ties of the cost of sin. Such observations are not intended to be unkind or judgmental but rather to be an urgent warning about the wages of sin. Sin extracts a tremendous toll. A few moments of physical pleasure may indeed bring a lifetime debt of shame and heartbreak. The cost is too great, the pain not worth it. We must never forget the terrible cost of sin (Romans 6:33).
3. The Cure for the Integrity/Morality Crisis in Ministry
The best cure is always a preventive one, and that is the focus here. What can we do to maintain our marriage vows to our spouses and to keep our ministerial commitments to our Saviour? It would seem that we can formulate a solution in both the theological and the practical areas.
A. Theologically, we must regain the biblical standard for the man in ministry. Four major texts address God's qualifications for service: Acts 20:28-35; I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; and I Peter 5:1-4. God's servants would do well to examine diligently and to meditate consistently over these texts. Studying them expositionally and devotionally will help us once again to understand the biblical model as opposed to the secular model for ministry. From that vantage point spiritual leaders must personally and corporately repent of our sins of failure to follow the biblical pattern of a shepherd-leader and pastor-teacher, and then determine deep within ourselves with fervent conviction and courage never again to deviate from the divine pattern. This will mean taking very seriously the charge to be a "one woman kind of man" in thought and life, to be one "who manages his own household well," and to be one who has "a good testimony among those who are outside" the church (I Timothy 3:1-7). It will mean pursuing diligently God's call to holiness and sexual purity (I Peter 1:15-16).
B. In the practical area, Paige Patterson says a man commits adultery because he loses his walk with God and his intimacy with his spouse. This doesn't just happen in a day but grows gradually over a period of time, beginning perhaps with an almost imperceptible slide into an environment in which adultery can occur. Therefore, what must we do practically to see that this never happens to us?
First, carefully guard your thought life. Ultimately the battle for sexual purity is won or lost in the mind. Those things which could erode the thought life must be avoided.
Second, make sure that your best time goes to your wife and family. To say that one cannot be a great pastor as well as a great husband and father is to perpetuate a lie from hell. Indeed, only great husbands and fathers are truly great pastors in the sight of God.
Third, resolve never to be alone personally or to be involved emotionally with a woman who is not your wife, sister, mother, or grandmother (or at least old enough to be your grandmother!). Simply stated, if you are never alone with another woman, it is going to be pretty difficult to have an adulterous affair with one. This principle would include personal counseling and private conversations, even on the telephone. Emotionally you are to bond with only one woman and that is your wife. One might say this is too restrictive, too legislative, too narrow. So be it! It is better to be accused of legalistic puritanism and maintain marital purity than to be guilty of sexual sin and suffer the embarrassment of adultery.
Fourth, remember the cost of sin. A big beautiful home may attract my eye, but reflection upon its long term cost will cause me to continue down the road. Likewise, I can appreciate an attractive woman, but knowing the cost of getting involved with her will send me on my way to my own house!
Finally, recognize your own vulnerability. No one of us is above sexual temptation. The wrong person in the wrong place at the wrong time will inevitably result in the wrong action: adultery. Anyone can fall to this temptation. All of us are capable of any sin. Therefore, beware of yourself and take the necessary steps to prevent adultery from even being in your path. "Flee sexual immorality" (I Corinthians 6:18).
In the midst of all we are experiencing, I do find a comforting word in I Peter 4:17, "For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God." God's church is in need of discipline – yea, of judgment. She is sick and dirty, weak and sinful. Her genuine impact on society is basically nil. Perhaps God has decided it is time to clean her up so she will be as she ought (Ephesians 5:22-23). If this is so, what better place for Him to begin than at the top with His ministers, His undershepherds? I find this encouraging because God's intervention could well be the prelude to His plans once again to do a mighty work, perhaps even a climactic work, before the consummation of the age. An effective minister must be a holy minister. An effective church must be a holy, consecrated church. Our God is able and working. We must be ready and willing. May our marvelous Lord save us in this needful hour and once again restore integrity and respect to His prophetic voices in these challenging days.