Christian Leaders Avoiding the appearance of Evil.

Musings for young leaders.

 A short while ago I was visiting church to discuss strategic planning with a young pastor and his team. While there I noticed that the pastor and his PA go into his office for a meeting and close the door. They weren’t there long, both came out and the PA went to her desk to carry out the tasks she had been given. Over the three days I was there I noticed that the assistant pastor had team meetings with his worship team and a one on one meeting with his chief vocalist. He would invite them into his office and close the door. His one on one was also behind closed doors. The vocalist was also female.

Over lunch I brought it up in conversation with the senior pastor that perhaps it wasn’t a good idea to be seen going into a room alone with a person of the opposite sex. I quoted the 1Thess 5:22 where Paul tells us to avoid the appearance of evil. He felt that I was taking the scripture out of context as nothing evil was going on. He assured me that I was over reacting and that in today’s generation when young people considered everyone equal this sort of thing was acceptable.

Three months after my visit to this church the senior pastor ran off with his PA, leaving behind, a wife and two children and a devastated church. He was 32 years old. The assistant pastor phoned me to give me the news. He also told me that he had taken on board what I had said at lunch that day three months earlier.

Here are a number of things that young pastors can do to safe guard themselves;

·          You are in a position of authority and power; people are drawn to that, sometimes for all the wrong reasons.

·         Always remember that hormones are hormones no matter how old you are and who you are with.

·         If you have to meet alone make sure it’s in an office with glass in the door and is in full view of others.

·         If you have to council someone of the opposite sex do not do it alone, always have a witness.

·         I know it is hard to believe but worship teams are particularly susceptible to things kicking off. Do not encourage one on one meeting, especially between members of the opposite sex.

·         After church on Sunday, if you are married, always stand with your spouse; try not to be asked to meet with someone alone. Others are watching you and others follow your example.

Follow these basic rules, but above all use your common sense.

If you want to read more musings for young leaders please read my book 

Blueprint for Growth.

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