Another prominent ministry leader was recently disciplined and has taken a leave of absence for inappropriate behavior. While I have not consulted personally on this situation, the reported incidents are very similar to other situations I have been involved in helping resolve. One of the commonalities in these situations is most ministry leaders do not fail suddenly, but gradually and incrementally as they drift toward the actions that ultimately lead to their downfall.
One of the reasons for this is some leaders, in an attempt to be edgy or hip or radical (or whatever the word is today), stretch the limits of appropriate behavior. They want to get as close to the edge of questionable behavior as possible without stepping over the edge. In doing this, they desensitize themselves to appropriate behavioral limits and eventually end up on the wrong side of the line.
A better choice is to move as far away from the edge as possible, without making the opposite mistake of being prudish, perfectionistic, or legalistic. Ministry leaders are supposed to be examples of ethical and moral conduct. We are supposed to be examples of the best behaviors—particularly in interpersonal relationships, conversations, and other communications. Some leaders chafe at this requirement to be an example, but it’s a biblical pattern they would do well to emulate (Phil. 3:17, 1 Tim. 4:12). We can do this in healthy ways—without being preachy, arrogant, or over-bearing about it.
Besides personal behavior, another aspect of leading effectively in this area is accountability and transparency with your team. When the situation referenced above was revealed, I convened a team meeting for re-training of the President’s Office employees at Gateway on appropriate interpersonal relationship and communication—particularly on social media and in direct messages among the team. We have clear standards, which we are currently meeting, on these matters. The training was to reinforce those standards and remind each other of them. It was also to underscore our need for mutual accountability, meaning we all speak up when something seems inappropriate and help each other stay away from any perilous edges.
Rather than judge other leaders for their mistakes, use these recent experiences to enhance your commitment to ethical and moral behavior as a leader. Beyond that, train or retrain your team to appropriate standards in these areas. And, if you are drifting the wrong direction, step back from the edge!
Read More
Theology the Norwegian Way: The Curious Case of Gisle Johnson
Gisle Johnson was a prolific scholar who made significant contributions to Norwegian theology. However, with barely any of his works translated into English, few today know about this maverick scholar. Dr. Robb Torseth hopes to change that.
Excerpt – John Piper, Calvinism, and Missions: A Way Forward
Read this section of Dr. Hopkins’ new book on the theology of John Piper.
Listen
Revelation Chapters 21-22
This is the final episode of Study Podcast’s third season, on Revelation. Tyler and Dr. Stewart discuss chapters 21 and 22, highlighting the themes of new creation and the absence of the sea, symbolizing chaos. They explore the New Jerusalem’s immense dimensions and i
Revelation Chapters 19-20
Dr. Stewart and Tyler discuss the millennial debate. They cover different interpretations of the millennium, the strengths and weaknesses of each. They also describe the return of Christ and the final battle.
Watch
Jonathan Edwards and the Asbury Revival
Chris Chun and Chris Woznicki discuss the signs of true revival, signs of the work of the Holy Spirit, and why it is important to critically assess the characteristics of revival in a spirit of charity.
Jonathan Edwards and the Baptists | Douglas Sweeney, Nathan Finn and Chris Chun
Dr. Douglas Sweeney and Dr. Nathan Finn joined Dr. Chris Chun for a panel discussion on Jonathan Edwards, recorded live at the SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim.