Is the Increased Focus on Abuse by Pastors a Good Thing?
We have always known that there have been pastors who abuse their authority, and often people in their congregation. There have been crimes that have included sex, money, and other issues.
For a long time, much of that was seen in the context of a “fall into sin.” That is, the concern was about how the pastor had betrayed their calling by God. Today, we see it more in terms of the trauma they have inflicted on their victims.
I feel as if much of this was covered up in the past, out of fear of creating obstacles to faith for those we are trying to reach. It doesn’t help to convince people that Christianity is true when some of our pastors are monsters.
Now there is much more of a focus, and not just by critics of the church, but by Christians on putting the spotlight on this abuse and naming names. One of the most prominent examples is Julie Roys and the Roys Report.
But is this a good thing? Should we be talking about this or should we downplay it so as not to make the work of the church any harder?
I am of the persuasion that we must turn the light on, that we must shine truth on the deception and abuse that takes place, no matter how embarrassing it might be for the church.
I am thankful that there are people who are revealing the things that have taken place in secret. I am glad that there are Christians who are keeping pastors accountable and not letting thins get hid under the carpet.
If I have any concern, it is that people, including other pastors, might enjoy reading these stories because we can say “Well, at least we are not that bad.” The point of sharing what is going is not to make us feel better about ourselves but working toward creating a church culture where this abuse is unacceptable.
So yes it is good that we are talking about the abuse and that when it happens, we shine a great big spotlight on it. It is painful but it is a necessary part of building a better church.
