It feels like every week there is another scandal involving a respected pastor or church leader. In the aftermath, congregations are left wounded, faith is shaken, and some walk away from Christianity altogether. It is always jarring when those we esteem disappoint us, but we should not respond as if this is something new. There is no honest reading of Scripture that avoids scandal, conflict, and brokenness.
The Bible does not sanitize its people; it tells the truth about them. That is not gossip; that’s grace with eyes wide open. It reminds us that anyone can fail, even those who walked closely with Jesus Christ, and yet He remains faithful and unchanged.
Consider in the Old Testament the disturbing account of Lot and his daughters (Genesis 19:30–38). Yet it was the will of God that we would never forget their story.
What about Judas Iscariot? He was trusted, present, and chosen, yet he betrayed Jesus for money (John 12:4–6). His life warns us that proximity to truth is not the same as surrendering to it.
Look at Peter. He was bold and passionate, yet he denied Jesus three times. Later, even after restoration, he showed prejudice and had to be corrected (Galatians 2:11–14). His story holds both collapse and redemption.
Then there are James and John, the sons of Zebedee (Matthew 20:20–24). They walked closely with Jesus, yet they argued over status and even wanted to call down fire on others. Pride and ambition clouded their understanding of Christ’s mission.
What about Euodia and Syntyche? Paul the apostle had to publicly urge them to stop fighting and be unified (Philippians 4:2–3).
And it does not stop there. Paul and Barnabas had such a sharp disagreement they parted ways (Acts 15:36–40).
In Corinth, there was a man in an immoral relationship with his father’s wife, and the church tolerated it (1 Corinthians 5:1–5).
Why is all this in God’s Word? It is not to glorify failure, but to dismantle the illusion that any human is worthy of ultimate trust or worship.
Yes, it hurts. It is disappointing. Sometimes it is embarrassing. But none of it stopped the gospel. None of it dethroned Christ. So teach the saints clearly: Drama, scandal, and failure existed even among those who saw Jesus face to face. Therefore, keep your eyes on Him, not on personalities, platforms, or pastors. When (not if) leaders fail, don’t abandon your faith or lose confidence in the purpose and calling of the church. Continue to serve, give, preach, and hold fast to sound doctrine and holiness. And to leaders, do not allow people to place you where only Christ belongs. No one can glory in their own glory. Jesus gets all the glory, only and always!
Lastly, let us remember that the gospel cannot be stopped, neither by Satan nor by saints who fail. His truth, His covenant, His grace, His love, and His salvation will prevail over every attempt of darkness. Pastors, remind the saints of this. Prepare them to stand, even through failure and church disappointment.
