Ted Haggard had a spectacular fall from his position as a pastor and an evangelical leader for living a lie.
Now he is seeking to plant another church.
There are those who would contend that someone who has behaved so deceitfully and unfaithfully is not qualified to lead a church, though they can be forgiven and restored to fellowship.
There are others who contend that the Christian ethos of forgiveness and restoration mean that those who have fallen can, in certain circumstances, be restored to leadership.
There are others again who have a particular slant on Romans 11:29, about the gifts and callings of God being irrevocable, and that someone who has served in leadership has a right to return if they have demonstrated certain characteristics.
I don’t think it is wise to generalise, but I don’t think the context of restoring fallen leaders is what Romans 11:29 is on about.
This is relevant to all Christians, because we all sin, and yet we’re all called to turn from sin and serve one another.
The issue of what to do with fallen leaders is a more prevalent issue that we’d like to think.
We need to transparently show that we take integrity seriously.
We also need to show that we are compassionate and caring, not the army that shoots its own wounded.
When I hear a report such as this, I’m not so much moved to give an opinion of Haggard’s situation, because it isn’t my business.
My thoughts turn to what I can learn for dealing with similar situations that I may encounter.
That being written:
I hope Ted Haggard will now live a life consistent with what he teaches and be honest with those he loves most dearly.
I hope what he does will help others know Jesus more clearly.
I hope he will have accountability in his life and work.
Here’s his press conference from CNN.
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