Restored Fallen Pastors

[illinoisguy]

Another sex scandal at Ted Haggard's old church, New Life Church in Colorado Springs. Yet another fallen pastor who was "restored" and recycled back into the ministry:

"In the early stages of Rozier's service at Harvest, the church removed him from ministry for moral reasons before being reinstated after counseling, discipleship and confession, former Harvest Bible Chapel Pastor James MacDonald told The Roys Report. Rozier was featured on several Vertical Worship albums. 'It was discovered he had been in a sexual relationship with a young woman,' Josh Caterer, a former Harvest worship leader, told The Roys Report, adding that he was subject to church discipline in 2002.

"New Life Church has also faced controversy over the years. In 2006, its former Pastor Ted Haggard was forced to resign after confessing to "sexual immorality" with a male escort in a scandal involving illicit drug use. Haggard, who formerly served as the National Association of Evangelicals president, launched a new church, the Colorado-based St. James Church, in 2010. Last year, Haggard was accused of inappropriately touching at least two young men and illicit drug use."

It's amazing how these bozos keep coming back into the ministry.

Megachurch fires worship artist over extramarital affair with woman from another city

New Life Church in Colorado Springs has fired former Vertical Worship band member and songwriter Andi Rozier for an alleged extramarital relationship, according to Executive Pastor Brian Newberg

www.christianpost.com

 

[Baptist Renegade]

Hmmm.... I looked through this thread and really haven't seen anything at all pertaining to RESTORED pastors! Only scandals of fallen pastors and that many are unrepentant and are serial offenders!

What about the grace of God where he truly restores one who is erring? I am encouraged when I hear of men God has restored and allowed them to glorify God in whatever he has called them to! I am personally thankful for what God has done and is doing in MY life!

You want to hear a Christ-Honoring story about a Pastor who has been restored and spent several years in ministry, take a look at the testimony of Pastor Mark Anderson, the husband of Marji Jones Anderson who was known several years on the FFF as "Pastor's Wife!" ACaines posted a YouTube video of his testimony and I highly recommend listening if you want to hear something edifying for a change!

 

[ALAYMAN]

Hmmm.... I looked through this thread and really haven't seen anything at all pertaining to RESTORED pastors! Only scandals of fallen pastors and that many are unrepentant and are serial offenders!

What about the grace of God where he truly restores one who is erring? I am encouraged when I hear of men God has restored and allowed them to glorify God in whatever he has called them to! I am personally thankful for what God has done and is doing in MY life!

You want to hear a Christ-Honoring story about a Pastor who has been restored and spent several years in ministry, take a look at the testimony of Pastor Mark Anderson, the husband of Marji Jones Anderson who was known several years on the FFF as "Pastor's Wife!" ACaines posted a YouTube video of his testimony and I highly recommend listening if you want to hear something edifying for a change!

I listened to that yesterday and enjoyed it. I did wonder (though it was just a podcast and not intended for deep apologetic discourse) when he cited Romans 11:29a (For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance) I questioned the reasoning behind that rationale. If those gifts/callings are without repentance then why did Paul speak about disqualification and making faith shiprwreck? That aside, I think Ransom's answer (post #6) reflected most people's thinking on the subject, that restoration to fellowship is possible, but not necessarily restoration to the office. Though from a pragmatic stance I agree with this and probably would choose not to place myself under such leadership, on a theological scale of justification of my beliefs I can't bring myself to say that the Bible is clear that a particular sin is always and automatically permanently disqualifying.

​

 

[abcaines]

I listened to that yesterday and enjoyed it. I did wonder (though it was just a podcast and not intended for deep apologetic discourse) when he cited Romans 11:29a (For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance) I questioned the reasoning behind that rationale. If those gifts/callings are without repentance then why did Paul speak about disqualification and making faith shiprwreck? That aside, I think Ransom's answer (post #6) reflected most people's thinking on the subject, that restoration to fellowship is possible, but not necessarily restoration to the office. Though from a pragmatic stance I agree with this and probably would choose not to place myself under such leadership, on a theological scale of justification of my beliefs I can't bring myself to say that the Bible is clear that a particular sin is always and automatically permanently disqualifying.

​

I think that particular issue is of minor consequence. Certainly, no one is going to be dislodged from leadership due to a difference of application over this verse. Sadly, true repentance from immoral behavior among leadership is so rare as to make any application of this verse a moot point in most cases.

 

[AverageJoe]

Hmmm.... I looked through this thread and really haven't seen anything at all pertaining to RESTORED pastors! Only scandals of fallen pastors and that many are unrepentant and are serial offenders!

What about the grace of God where he truly restores one who is erring? I am encouraged when I hear of men God has restored and allowed them to glorify God in whatever he has called them to! I am personally thankful for what God has done and is doing in MY life!

You want to hear a Christ-Honoring story about a Pastor who has been restored and spent several years in ministry, take a look at the testimony of Pastor Mark Anderson, the husband of Marji Jones Anderson who was known several years on the FFF as "Pastor's Wife!" ACaines posted a YouTube video of his testimony and I highly recommend listening if you want to hear something edifying for a change!

Now, that was a blessing! There ARE some who actually are restored and live the life they're supposed to. I noticed the same thing you did. There are a couple of people here who just can't handle the fact that once a person makes a mistake they can learn from it and still be used by God.

Hey, Baptist Renegade, could you post that link again? I somehow end up losing it every time I find it, and I'd like to file it for future reference.

 

[Baptist Renegade]

I listened to that yesterday and enjoyed it. I did wonder (though it was just a podcast and not intended for deep apologetic discourse) when he cited Romans 11:29a (For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance) I questioned the reasoning behind that rationale. If those gifts/callings are without repentance then why did Paul speak about disqualification and making faith shiprwreck? That aside, I think Ransom's answer (post #6) reflected most people's thinking on the subject, that restoration to fellowship is possible, but not necessarily restoration to the office. Though from a pragmatic stance I agree with this and probably would choose not to place myself under such leadership, on a theological scale of justification of my beliefs I can't bring myself to say that the Bible is clear that a particular sin is always and automatically permanently disqualifying.

​

I think it depends specifically upon the circumstances. Mark's situation didn't involve infidelity (not technically although he the considered ministry as his "Mistress" as he neglected his wife) but it disqualified him nonetheless for the time being and would've permanently disqualified him had he not repented and returned to the Lord.

Second observation is that restoration to the ministry is not something he was actively seeking out. The congregation (who was obviously aware of his past) APPROACHED HIM about taking over as the Senior Pastor and he had his wife (Marji's) blessing to do so. It really is a beautiful example of God's grace at work!

Now, if you want to talk about other pastors who have fallen into morality and sin, I would say it is not impossible for them to be restored but I would say it should be through the same means and manner of humility that Mark is exhibiting in his testimony. It would be through the man being fully transparent regarding his past with the congregation observing God's work of grace in his life, and their ASKING HIM to take on the role of Senior Pastor (or any other staff position in a Church). What is absolutely unacceptable is to skip town and set up shop somewhere else to perform your treachery!

 

[Baptist Renegade]

Now, that was a blessing! There ARE some who actually are restored and live the life they're supposed to. I noticed the same thing you did. There are a couple of people here who just can't handle the fact that once a person makes a mistake they can learn from it and still be used by God.

Hey, Baptist Renegade, could you post that link again? I somehow end up losing it every time I find it, and I'd like to file it for future reference.

here you go:

 

[abcaines]

The congregation (who was obviously aware of his past) APPROACHED HIM about taking over as the Senior Pastor and he had his wife (Marji's) blessing to do so. It really is a beautiful example of God's grace at work!

In Mark's case this is a definite 10-4! However, I am personally familiar with another case where a congregation called a pastor back after allegations were "settled" and this pastor's subsequent actions would at best violate the standard of having a good reputation outside of the church. The day he came back, a number of elders walked out the door.

 

[Baptist Renegade]

In Mark's case this is a definite 10-4! However, I am personally familiar with another case where a congregation called a pastor back after allegations were "settled" and this pastor's subsequent actions would at best violate the standard of having a good reputation outside of the church. The day he came back, a number of elders walked out the door.

Seems to me he could have a great marriage and family ministry if he so desired now that he is retired from pastoring full-time! Young preachers really need to hear his message. I would gladly hear more of what he has to say!

 

[ALAYMAN]

Can’t add a lot to the responses so I’ll link a good read on the subject…

Link

 

[abcaines]

Seems to me he could have a great marriage and family ministry if he so desired now that he is retired from pastoring full-time! Young preachers really need to hear his message. I would gladly hear more of what he has to say!

You and me, both! I never knew what all they had been through; I knew about their daughter and prayed while she was still fighting the cancer. To personally have experienced their gracious demeanor then to hear their testimony makes me admire them all the more.

 

[Baptist Renegade]

Can’t add a lot to the responses so I’ll link a good read on the subject…

Link

Glanced over it quickly. Looks like a good read as The Gospel Coalition tends to be. I like how the author points out that Peter didn't restore himself; Jesus as representative of the Church did so. This is very much a vital and salient point!

As I said, it was not Mark who sought out being restored to a position as "Senior Pastor," It was his Church along with the encouragement and blessing of his wife which God used to restore him.

Finally, we seem to be focused far too much on the "Immorality" aspect when there are many other qualifications that must be met and if for whatever reason, he no longer meets them; he is disqualified. Perhaps we should be discussing ALL of these qualifications rather than just the salacious, scandalous ones?

I agree with Piper as well but adding with it a great deal of caution.

As a divorced man, I will never actively seek a position as the Senior Pastor of a Church. My pastor has asked me about this on a couple of occasions and I told him pretty much that the only way I would ever become a Pastor is if a congregation (who knows my past) INSISTS I take the position, if I have the full blessing of my wife who INSISTS I take the position, and I have the peace of God knowing that I HAD BETTER FOLLOW THE LORD'S CALLING OR ELSE!!!

 

[Dr. Huk-N-Duck]

As a divorced man, I will never actively seek a position as the Senior Pastor of a Church. My pastor has asked me about this on a couple of occasions and I told him pretty much that the only way I would ever become a Pastor is if a congregation (who knows my past) INSISTS I take the position, if I have the full blessing of my wife who INSISTS I take the position, and I have the peace of God knowing that I HAD BETTER FOLLOW THE LORD'S CALLING OR ELSE!!!

At my church, you wouldn’t even be eligible to be a deacon, much less the pastor! Personally, I would leave the church if a divorced man was voted in as pastor. That’s just me though.

 

[Baptist Renegade]

At my church, you wouldn’t even be eligible to be a deacon, much less the pastor! Personally, I would leave the church if a divorced man was voted in as pastor. That’s just me though.

And if I knew there were people like you in the congregation who objected so strongly, I would never accept the position.

I agonized a good number of years regarding the "Husband of One Wife" qualification and the Lord has given me peace regarding where I am now. The passage literally means "ONE WOMAN MAN" or as other translations state: "Faithful to his wife." I believe such an interpretation does not diminish but actually raises the bar to the standard that God is requiring. How many sorry whoremonger types are out there who still meet YOUR qualification for "Husband of one wife" simply because his wife never left him when she probably should've?

I did not ask to be a deacon, the Church who knows me (and my family) approached, nominated, and elected me to this position so I believe they feel I meet the qualifications. I shall serve MY CHURCH despite your objections.

 

[Dr. Huk-N-Duck]

I shall serve MY CHURCH despite your objections.

That’s not my rule/objection, it’s my church’s rule/objection. But ultimately, it’s not about me or my church, it’s about what’s biblical or not biblical.

Now, if you want to know my personal opinion on the matter, it would be that, if a guy can’t manage to keep his own house in order, he certainly has no business keeping God’s house in order.

 

[ALAYMAN]

That’s not my rule/objection, it’s my church’s rule/objection. But ultimately, it’s not about me or my church, it’s about what’s biblical or not biblical.

Now, if you want to know my personal opinion on the matter, it would be that, if a guy can’t manage to keep his own house in order, he certainly has no business keeping God’s house in order.

Permanent disqualification from office for every temporal sin probably isn’t what Paul meant in his writings to Timothy.

 

[Baptist Renegade]

That’s not my rule/objection, it’s my church’s rule/objection. But ultimately, it’s not about me or my church, it’s about what’s biblical or not biblical.

Now, if you want to know my personal opinion on the matter, it would be that, if a guy can’t manage to keep his own house in order, he certainly has no business keeping God’s house in order.

I would agree with you on this. When my first wife decided she no longer wanted to be married to me, I resigned from all of my ministry responsibilities in order to do whatever I needed to restore my marriage. In the end, she decided to leave anyway. I make no excuses for my failures and I certainly did not qualify for the office of Bishop or Deacon while I was going through such an ordeal. My kids needed me more.

Fast forward to 2023 where I have now been married nine years to the woman I plan on dying with! I love this lady with all of my heart and I am so thrilled I get to tell her (knowing that I mean it) that she is the only one I desire having in my arms when I sleep and when I wake up! My family is not perfect but it is very much IN ORDER these days. My kids, daughters-in-law, and grandkids all attend this Church and they see me pretty much every day and know that I am not being a hypocrite or living a double life away from the Church.

I understand that the circumstances of a divorce need to be carefully considered. One who divorces someone just so they can be with another commits adultery and is certainly not a "One Woman Man." It would therefore be hard to justify such as being qualified for Deacon or Elder. The main consideration for the qualifications of elders and deacons is the test of time which truly determines the character of a man.

 

[Dr. Huk-N-Duck]

Permanent disqualification from office for every temporal sin probably isn’t what Paul meant in his writings to Timothy.

I don’t know what he meant, I just know that the church I attend disqualifies a divorced man from serving as a deacon or pastoral staff. The same was true of the IFB church I grew up in. They both allow divorcees to serve as Sunday school teachers, trustees, etc. They have always practiced this based on their interpretation of Scripture. Maybe some Baptists have it right and some wrong.

 

[Dr. Huk-N-Duck]

I would agree with you on this. When my first wife decided she no longer wanted to be married to me, I resigned from all of my ministry responsibilities in order to do whatever I needed to restore my marriage. In the end, she decided to leave anyway. I make no excuses for my failures and I certainly did not qualify for the office of Bishop or Deacon while I was going through such an ordeal. My kids needed me more.

Fast forward to 2023 where I have now been married nine years to the woman I plan on dying with! I love this lady with all of my heart and I am so thrilled I get to tell her (knowing that I mean it) that she is the only one I desire having in my arms when I sleep and when I wake up! My family is not perfect but it is very much IN ORDER these days. My kids, daughters-in-law, and grandkids all attend this Church and they see me pretty much every day and know that I am not being a hypocrite or living a double life away from the Church.

I understand that the circumstances of a divorce need to be carefully considered. One who divorces someone just so they can be with another commits adultery and is certainly not a "One Woman Man." It would therefore be hard to justify such as being qualified for Deacon or Elder. The main consideration for the qualifications of elders and deacons is the test of time which truly determines the character of a man.

I wish you no ill will, that’s just how the churches I’ve always been affiliated with stand on the issue. They consider it a very black and white topic, not open for conjecture.

 

[Baptist Renegade]

Permanent disqualification from office for every temporal sin probably isn’t what Paul meant in his writings to Timothy.

Exactly.

Going back to the article you linked, MacArthur stated that a man falling into gross immorality is permanently disqualified and I believe it would be very difficult to say otherwise; that a man could sufficiently overcome such reproach to once again be the pastor and take a position of authority within the Church. I am sure Pastor MacArthur was thinking of Proverbs 6:32-33. It is speaking of the reality of the matter - shall not be wiped away. I really do not see where a congregation could possibly trust such a man to be their pastor but if perchance he WERE to be restored to the ministry, it would have to be within the very same congregation where he would have to regain their trust. It should also be further implied that it is not some sort of cultic congregation like FBCH or whatever where the "Mannagawd" has some sort of manipulative, magnetic draw of the congregation! This almost NEVER happens though. A pastor leaves a congregation in disgrace and goes to the next town where he easily finds another congregation in need of a pastor and can continue with his treachery.