Ted Haggard Free of Homosexual Impulses

I have deep sympathy for my brother in Christ Ted Haggard. There is no amount of words or space to list how I hope he is truly restored spiritually and finds joy in life.



But he has no business near a pulpit in the role of a pastor. I heard Ted talk about several months ago and heard a person who has gone through a very difficult time, because of personal sin. I also heard a person who is still angry with people. His transgressions and deep sin while in ministry should necessitate years, not months, away from ministry so he might be fully restored. He has refused to take this council. It is only wise to be careful with the ministry God gives us. If we, pastor under-shepherds, hurt the sheep we need to consider taking significant time away in order to find reconciliation and permit peace to reign.

 

I was not going to post before I got over this operation, but this subject has been a pet peeve of mine for years. First of all, I pray that God has completely restored the man and his ministry.

Actually, this is probably none of my business, as my vocation is not the ministry. However, I have seen over and over again, those in postions of power or decision making, take it upon themselves to select their pet bad sins, and if someone in the ministry is caught in one of them, they are unfit to fill that roll for either many years or the rest of their lives. That mindset is at odds with Scripture and the Gospel. No where in the Bible is there time limits or types of sins to judge someone.

I certainly agree with the point that no one should be in a leadership position while the sin is active, or God is restoring the person, but I have known many individuals to pronounce a life sentence against the offender. I have always wondered what was in the past of those passing judgement, no doubt they patterned their list of disqualifying sins off sins that do not tempt them.

Of course, since our churches are autonomous, it would be up to each local congregation on a case by case basis.

 

actually I think perspectives from those not in the biz are important...

I'll address the point about eventual restoration later, but I don't think sexual sins are "pet sins."

As a leader Luke 12:48 applies very directly. As a pastor when you take a member of your flock and do acts that are sinful and deeply wounding to him and you, the amount of damage you cause is so tremendous that it obligates significant time away from ministry.

The ministry is such a precious trust that such damage mandates distance and healing.

Whenever Ted talks we hear all about his problems and that which damaged him, but we never hear him talk about the two men he abused, we never hear about 20,000 members he betrayed, we never hear about the 45 staff members who lost their jobs because the church is declining. No we only hear about him. That is more telling than anything.

Now I'm not, nor have I ever said, that Ted (or someone like him) should never be allowed back in ministry. I don't believe that. I do believe that if he so desired to enter ministry after a time, set by elders and spiritual leaders around him, that he should be able to do so.

Specifically for his instance, the degree of sin and the damage he brought is so severe I can't see him turning around 18 months later and just walking back into a pulpit. I can see a very clear case for a time, maybe 4 or 5 years, of biblical restoration and discipleship done with several mentors and peers. Then after a time of serving in a non-staff basis he can be reconsidered by the church elders and the church as a whole. I can buy that...because that is exactly what happened with a major evangelical leader that I know who has been restored to ministry after a process like this. The man went and had an extra-marital affair with a college student and it all came to light. He is serving wonderfully and has a powerful ministry today because of wise leaders.

Let me ask this: should someone who violates a child or teen ever be let back into children's or student ministry? What is the basis?

This is an interesting point, because while I love and believe in local autonomy this is one of two instances where it drives me bonkers.

 

Autonomous or not, all churches are held to the same standard. The man is not blameless—yet. Dr. Bob is right. It will take more than a year or two before any rational man could even begin to think that he has truly been delivered of his deviant lusts.

 

==I agree 100%. As I have said before, he needs to stop doing interviews and he needs to find a quiet place to straighten his life out. His pulpit ministry is most likely over. However he might still have a future in some type of ministry, but only if he truly gets right with the Lord. Until then, he is little more than another Jimmy Swaggart (sorry Jimmy!).

 

I believe if the truth were known we would seem many more who are in need of a hospital of God's grace. When I read scripture I see many who failed. The Bible declares, "The righteous fall seven times and rise again."

 

Although speculation, I must concur with pinoybaptist. I can't imagine that Haggard just woke up one day and said "I' think I'll try being sexually involved with a man".

Just my $.02 there.

 

how does his wife know about his desires and wether or not he still has them?

 

I'm sure it does, and I'm sure she has no real idea. But she'll make all kinds of money by saying it, and people will buy the book and buy the garbage.