Is it possible to restore a pastor who has sinned sexually?

[katzndogs1]

My observation has been that most pastors/preist/clergy caught in sexual sin do NOT understand the gravity of how they have hurt others by their actions, as John points out...and most DO NOT have the humility to step down or away from the pulpit long enough to allow others to heal....Thank You John Piper for a well thought out Biblical response !

[joetrainer31]

James 3:1

[JunkmanJim]

God doesn't ever consult or heal victim but seems mightily concerned with forgiving the perpetrator of the act. Apparently it is more important to seek God's forgiveness than making amends to victims.

Mr. Piper doesn't qualify any of the wide spectrum of possibilities of what might qualify as sexually sinning. Perhaps the man's wife is brain dead but he doesn't want to divorce her, has he sinned if he seeks comfort from another?

What about sinning by thought?

Judgment is a tricky business.

[trispytreems]

@JunkmanJim thats a really worldly perspective. A man should stay faithful to his wife, and a MINISTER should be judged by his deeds. Thought matters, but that alone doesn't disqualify a pastor or a minister (unless the pastor/minister thinks so).

Also, about the "God doesn't ever concult or heal victim" thing, actually He does, allot.

[trispytreems]

@trispytreems p.s, wasn't trying to offend if that sounded harsh

[atlasshrugged2u]

He is no longer worthy of Pastoring right now. Go get an honest job and work for a while instead of having the privaledge of the Church paying your bills; that is part of the punishment, you have to reap the consequences. Later on God "may" give it back or He "may not" you have to be ready for whatever answer you get and trust that the punishment won't be more than you can bear. Too many Pastors, they can't ALL be Pastors; for He gave some to be other things mainly "less notable" positions

[k0smon]

Yes, get him away from the 'foolishness of preaching' and have him do something useful with his life.

[imremogheri]

...THAT PASTOR MUST STEP BACK...if he sinned,even if he repents...step back and not teach for awhille.

[majockus]

Remember that Jesus said after asking "how many times should I forgive my brother"...it was repetitive..."seventy times seven!" We should be quick to forgive but also to discipline with the humility of those who have been forgiven REPEATEDLY! Remember the parable of the wicked servant.

[BrothaMinister]

wow we would restore a pastor who commits adultry on wife and betrays his congregation, but yet this man would say DIVORCE and REMARRIAGE is wrong for the person WHO COMMITTED NO SIN in the first marriage. BUT I DO AGREE WITH HIM 100% bout the pastor SHOULD STEP DOWN AND AWAY ON HIS OWN AND NOT TRY TO CLAIM NO HOLD TO THE POSITION.. then if church calls back then MAYBE AFTER A WHILE.. BUT SHOULD STEP AWAY.. but like TODD BENTLY.. WOW that means we must accept him back.. that hurts church

[4570sharps]

This is the best advice- explanation- & teaching I've ever heard before on this difficult issue. A+++ Mr.Piper

[TruthinTension]

Good Word John. I agree with what was said here. I believe in restoration, their is a truth in balance. Grace with truth and love with discipline. To often I have seen a form of greasy grace and at other times a form of over-bearing legalism with no love or mercy in it.

Again good word, and very well balanced.

[stoney490]

Wow. Wonderful explanation.