“Restoring the Pastor After Sexual Sin: A Biblical Reflection”

Abstract

The article, through a contextual analysis of Scripture, explores the question of whether the Seventh-day Adventist church should restore to the ministry a pastor who has engaged in sexual sin. The Seventh-day Adventist Working Policy and Minister’s Handbook recommend dismissal and disqualification from future employment as a Seventh-day Adventist pastor in the unfortunate event of a pastor’s moral fall. This stance of the Church has led to differing views among both pastors and members on how the Church 
should deal with the sexual sin of a pastor. While some argue that, by committing sexual sins, the offender has betrayed the sacred trust and has forfeited his right to serve as a pastor, others argue that the Bible shows that a pastor can be given a second chance to serve God. Others argue that it is necessary to consider circumstances before and subsequent to sexual sin to decide whether a fallen pastor should be reinstated as a pastor. This study argues that though there is no biblical precedent of restoration to pastoral duties after a sexual sin or moral fall, pastors who turn from sexual promiscuity receive forgiveness and cleansing. God’s grace is available for the pastor who turns to Christ, whether afterwards he or she is restored to his or her pastoral role or not. God has given His people, including the pastors, the assurance of His protection, healing, and forgiveness.