There’s an odd story in Leviticus 10 that few will have ever read. This is NOT one of the great chapters of the Bible! Even if you read this chapter, you would be unimpressed – and likely left scratching your head.
Essentially, we must realize that in the years that followed the children of Israel’s escape from Egypt, they had a lot to learn about being God’s chosen people! They had not been a godly people while serving as slaves in Egypt, although they did know enough to cry out to God for deliverance.
[God speaking to Moses in Exodus 3] “I have seen the troubles my people have
suffered in Egypt, and I have heard their cries when the Egyptian slave masters
hurt them.” (v.7)
But the Israelites had no structure for worship. They were homeless, countryless wanderers who had been liberated from Egypt, but were forced to live as vagabonds in the wilderness. They lived in tents and moved frequently under God’s direction.
Moses was their leader. Gradually – under God’s direction – he shared leadership with Aaron and his sons. Apparently the sacrificial system began at some point after Moses delivered the Law from Mt. Sinai. He was instructed by God to make special clothing for Aaron and his sons. Moses instructed them in the intricate details of making sacrifices. God has now provided a way for the Israelites to be forgiven for their sins and reinstated under God’s favor.
This new system was complex. Aaron and his sons were new in their roles. Moses was determined that everything should be done precisely as God ordered!
In these early days, we learn that two of Aaron’s sons did an offering wrong. Details are thin. We can assume that they knew what they were doing and that there was some rebellion involved in their actions.
Aaron’s sons Nadab and
Abihu took their pans for burning incense, put fire in them, and added incense;
but they did not use the special fire Moses had commanded them to use in the
presence of the LORD. So fire came down from the LORD and destroyed Nadab and
Abihu, and they died in front of the LORD.
[Leviticus
10:1-2 All quotes from the NCV unless otherwise noted]
This is what the LORD was speaking about when he said, ‘I must be respected as holy by those who come near me; before all the people I must be given honor.’ [v.3]
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It is appropriate to ask: Is this still true today?
Are spiritual leaders held to a higher standard? As those who lead and teach the people, are these pastor/teachers expected to have an exceptional regard for God and relationship with Him?
Do we expect purer behavior from our spiritual leaders today? Are we right in doing so?
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I think on some level we want our pastors and spiritual leaders to be holier and more committed to following Christ faithfully. And yet, we also recognize that they – like us – are human. They have faults. They make mistakes. They sin.
However, it isn’t wrong for us to hope that those who serve us Holy Communion have a deep and vibrant connection to the Holy One!
When we turn to a pastor or spiritual leader for counsel, we anticipate that they will guide us in ways that are pleasing to God and will correct us in our thinking and ways.
Yet, we have observed – very painfully – the reality that some spiritual leaders have been wickedly deceptive. They have presented a false image while living in abominable ways in secret. They have deceived the crowds for years while leading despicable lives!
The results of these situations have been devastating! People are caught in disbelief! They feel betrayed – even ashamed. Their confidence in the Church is diminished and they often find it difficult to trust again. This is a sad reality that many have had to deal with.
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Pastors and leaders must recognize that they have a trust with God that directly impacts the people they minister to. To violate that trust is a travesty!
Some [myself included] believe that certain violations of trust should bar that person from the role of pastor permanently. This is a sacred trust between God and the man or woman who serves Him in His Church! Some breeches of this sacred vow simply disqualify a person from holding that office again.
Wait, Pastor Hal, are you saying that there is no forgiveness?
Absolutely not! Indeed there is forgiveness – full and free! However, the path to a restored role as pastor/spiritual leader may not be available to this person.
There have been cases where grievous sins were committed, but after sincere remorse and genuine confession they were restored to their leadership role. I could cite several cases where accountability and counseling were required during a period of reconciliation and restoration. Some of these individuals – once restored – have used their platform to write and teach about the unique vulnerabilities of pastors and leaders today!
It seems essential that these kinds of cases require forethought on the part of denominational leaders. A process must be maintained and adhered to faithfully in all cases. This process must surely involve:
§ Genuine confession and
restitution - if appropriate and possible.
§ A complete surrender to
leadership who will direct the person through an extensive process.
§ Strict, extensive accountability
by trusted, respected, peers.
§ A process that will
continue – in some form – throughout the person’s ministry.
§ An ongoing submission
to leaders for the duration of their ministry.
In my own faith tradition I have not seen this kind of response. Bishops and superintendents have practiced leniency with no consequences. I am aware of several cases where such a leader went on to commit further, grievous sins and have further tainted the name of God and the effectiveness of the church.
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Ministry
in the church is a unique role! Guiding
others in their spiritual development and walk is a significant
responsibility! It must be taken
seriously. Most churches require an
educational and experiential process to be ordained into the ministry. When they have engaged meaningfully in this
process, they are ultimately questioned publicly as to their commitment and
then - in a worship setting - are ordained into the ministry after having made public vows to
be faithful to God and the Church!
This is why significant breeches of responsibility must be dealt with carefully, judiciously and with the protection of the church in mind! This is frequently the responsibility of synods, presbyteries, bishops and superintendents [depending on the denomination’s structure].
BOTTOM LINE:
Spiritual leaders and pastors ultimately answer to God! But they also must answer to governing bodies that are responsible for them and their character. These leaders must accept the fact that there are appointed people [or bodies of leadership] who will hold their feet to the fire and administer correction, discipline, and possibly a path to restoration.
LORD OF THE CHURCH: Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Bless Your leaders with integrity, determination, and genuine compassion as they solemnly lead Your Church!
Grant them wisdom, humility, and grace as they fulfill the awesome responsibility which is theirs as the preach, teach, counsel, cast vision, and oversee the growth of Your Kingdom!
Give overseers, bishops and denominational bodies divine insight as they exercise responsibility for maintaining the high standards for those who directly impact the growth of Your Kingdom on earth!
Preserve those who lead churches and denominations as they seek to maintain exemplary lives as a model for those who sit under their teaching and influence!
FOR YOUR GLORY AND THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF YOUR KINGDOM
AMEN.
