Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 85:1 (Spring 2023)
Article: Above Reproach? Moral Failure And Godly Character In Pastoral Leadership
Author: Daniel Doriani

WTJ 85:1 (Spring 2023) p. 53

Above Reproach? Moral Failure And Godly Character In Pastoral Leadership

Daniel M. Doriani

Daniel M. Doriani is Professor of Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO.

This article examines the connection between the moral and spiritual qualifications for pastors and the tragic accounts of leading pastors who so manifestly failed to meet those standards. We especially survey Paul’s teaching and ask if the church selects, trains, and sustains leaders who ought to meet Paul’s criteria.1

For heuristic purposes, the essay will ask, “Is moral failure a chronic problem among pastors? If so, why?” We will consider four answers to the question: First, there is no problem; inaccurate reporting in the press and social media foster the illusion of chronic moral failure. Second, the church invites moral failure because it attracts flawed men, especially the power-hungry and narcissistic, to the ministry. Third, the church invites moral failure when it gives priority to capacity, skill, or talent, instead of character, as it selects and promotes leaders. Fourth, the church recruits qualified men, but fails to nurture lifelong fidelity. I propose that the last two explanations are more significant and that the current discussion of fallen pastors overlooks aspects of the issue. Specifically, while churches do ignore, excuse, deny, and hide the sins of fallen pastors, they also cause the moral and spiritual decline of church leaders. This can occur through misguided kindness, through honest but sharp opposition to pastors, and through overt malice. For this article I will draw on biblical exegesis and on forty-three years as a seminary professor or lead pastor.

Option 1. Pastors Do Not Fail In Great Number; The Press And Social Media Foster The Illusion Of A Problem.

In recent years, the church has suffered numerous reports of catastrophic moral failure by its most talented and visible leaders. Many high-profile

WTJ 85:1 (Spring 2023) p. 54

Christian leaders have seen their ministries end prematurely, often in disgrace. It is tempting to list celebrated leaders—Driscoll, Hybels, Zacharias—and focus on their singular sins. We should learn from detailed investigations of these cases, starting with the singular Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast of 2021–2022.2 But all sorts of pastors falter, from churches large, small, and mid-sized. And they hail from every nation and every branch of Christendom. Their sins violate all sorts of biblical standards, not just abuse of power and sexual sin. They leave the faith, dishonor authorities, take life (by ...