Praying For Our Ministers...

In recent times, the Body of Christ in North America has been hit with a series of high profile scandals involving some in high profiled positions. From sex scandals, divorces, domestic violence, financial impropriety, to name a few, these behaviors have been hurtful, not only to those who are victims, but also to the whole Church. These revelations have caused much public comment, not only from those with legitimate concerns, but also those who are its constant critics. All told, it is as if the Church is under siege. Unfortunately, this is not a new phenomenon. Looking back over the centuries, the Church has both suffered and survived devastating experiences caused by errant clergy / ministers.

In this uneasy environment, it is easy to lose hope. If these Christian leaders, who we assume are close to God, are failing, what hope is there for the rest of us? Yet these difficult times serves as a great reminder for us to look closely at in whom is our faith based. When our faith is based on the Church's ministers, it can be destroyed as their failures come to light. The Old Testament is a great resource in which to find flawed messengers of God, yet the most compelling thing is not so much the messenger, as it is the message. Our faith must be rooted in God and His Word. No matter how many body blows it suffers, Jesus emphatically stated of the Church, "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18, KJV), or as in the Amplified, "shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it]."

Despite how it looks, God is still in control. Paul wrote to Timothy, "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day" (2 Tim. 1:12, KJV). We do not have to lose heart in the face of the scandals and criticism. The Church is still the Body of Christ, and I'm sure He knows just exactly how to take care of it. As we anchor our faith in our Lord only, we are best reminded of the words of Henry Ward Beecher: "The Church is not a gallery for the exhibition of eminent Christians, but a school for the education of imperfect ones."

Let us be in much prayer for ministers who are still standing true to their calling, and while praying, let's also remember those who have fallen; that God will bring healing and restoration, and that restitution will take place where necessary. Regardless of what we may think of them, they are still our brothers and sisters in the Lord.