Pastors, Congregations, and Sexual Misconduct

Thabiti Anyabwile:

While working on a chapter for an upcoming book, I had the blessing of researching the moral failures of several prominent church pastors. I say “blessing” because it was enlightening to observe some common dynamics and failures in the scandals. In most cases, men who should have been disqualified were back in their pulpits or establishing new ministries within months. In most cases, churches were seriously injured by the transgressions and hurt further by the inadequate efforts at redress. In all the cases, the offending pastor received more attention and support than the victims of his abuse or deceit. It was a sobering exercise.

The effects are devastating. Two researchers at Baylor University have summarized the social and psychological effects of clergy sexual misconduct on congregations.

Read the rest for the results of the survey.