On the Sin of Pastors

Sin is the sad reality of life on earth. It is rebellion against God and destructive to its core. It is never excusable or acceptable. Nor is it ever to be taken lightly. It is always destructive whenever it is committed. When pastors sin, it is even more so destructive and egregious, often accompanied by far-reaching consequences.

In January 2016 it was discovered that an elder at Hope Baptist Church had committed sins of adultery. It was discovered that it happened multiple times up to that point. This elder was immediately confronted, removed from office, and put under church discipline. Often, in these situations, pastors will run and hide, or they will leave the church and move away, only to reappear in ministry somewhere else. But by God’s grace this pastor showed repentance and submitted to church discipline. He continues to walk in that repentance at the time of writing this and has remained out of the pastoral office.

In early 2017 it was discovered that another elder at Hope Baptist Church committed a single act of sexual sin. This incident happened several years earlier while in the office of pastor. He was also immediately removed from office upon its discovery. By God’s grace, he too displayed repentance of his sin and continues to walk in that repentance at the time of writing this. After two years of faithful church membership and exemplifying pastoral qualification to those who observed him, this former pastor was reinstated to the pastoral office in 2019. This was due to the conviction that pastors who fall into disqualifying sin are not necessarily disqualified forever, but may become qualified again and fulfill that office.

In March of 2023, this pastor resigned from the pastorate. He, along with the church, believed that this was a wise decision. Since his reinstatement in 2019, his past sin continued to invite controversy as he was in the pastoral office. Desiring not to bring reproach upon the name of Christ, or the church, by maintaining the office of pastor, he resigned. Now seeing the wisdom in it, there is no plan for these former pastors to return to the office.

Over the years, these sins from 2016 and earlier have been brought into the public sphere of social media and word of mouth. Not only the fact of these sins, but also much false information. Many things have been said about these situations that are simply not true. This is why we have decided to make a public statement. For so long, as far as the desires of those involved can be known, the desire was always to deal with sin in a biblical manner. Which is to say that sin is to be dealt with by only the parties involved. To some it may look like an attempt to cover up and hide sins, but this is not true. Outside counsel had been sought at various times in dealing with these issues. We still believe that sin is to be dealt with by only the parties involved, and those that need to be involved. However, when sins of this nature are brought to public knowledge, we have learned that there is wisdom in stating them publicly, where they have been brought, while maintaining propriety.

We hate that these sins have happened. We have never approved of them or condoned them. It was not sought to cover these sins up, but to deal with them biblically. We are incredibly sorrowful, saddened, and sorry for the hurt that these sins have caused. We desire nothing but restoration and healing in Christ for all those involved, and have sought to do all that depends upon us in doing right.

The life, death, and resurrection of God’s Son brings about total forgiveness for the worst of sinners. And the mercy and healing of Jesus is not just for those who commit sin, but also for those sinned against. Christ understands and is the only one who can heal. While sinners may be totally forgiven by Jesus and live forever with Him no matter what they have done, or what has been done to them, we understand that there remain earthly consequences for sin. We have nothing to do but accept them and look to Jesus, where one day, they will be no more.

Not everyone who reads this will accept this statement, and that is one such consequence. But the Judge of all the earth will do what is right as nothing is hidden from His eyes. He will be glorified in His righteous judgments and in His benevolent mercy. Glory be to God.

Signed,

Joshua Jenkins, Pastor Zack Stargell, Deacon Marc Falmer, Deacon

March 2023 AD