When Great Pastors Go Bad - Bob Coy Resigns.

If you don't know, Pastor of Calvary Chapel, Ft. Lauderdale, Bob Coy, has confessed to church leadership of his moral failures and has subsequently resigned. 

What these moral failures were,  and when they happened, isn't and shouldn't be speculated on.  Bottom line, it's really none of our business.  Sin has happened.

So now what?

Well, we can fall in line with all the cynics and point our fingers shouting, "See! See!  I told you, you can't trust them!  All megachurch pastors are bad!  All they want is your money!  They don't care about you!  They don't answer to anyone!"

We could lump all ministers into the same category and make them pay for the mistakes of others.  Judge them as immoral, criminal or even hypocrites.

We could look up to heaven and tell Jesus, "I love you - but I'm not going to church because it's corrupt and can't be trusted."

I STRONGLY suggest that you do none of that.  And here is why.

Remember, this isn't a scandal.  Don't believe everything you read in the media.  As a church leader, I've have had to, on occasion (thankfully not frequently) deal with ministers and their moral failures.  From what I know, a serious problem was revealed (somehow) and the church leadership did what they have to do.  Hold the pastor accountable and take appropriate action.  In this situation - Pastor Coy resigned.

Remember, there is a church in pain.  I've pastored churches where my predecessor had failed in some way.  The people feel shame, regret, pain and anger.  The relationship of trust, which a church cannot live without, has been damaged.  You will see a variety of responses to this event.  Some will leave the church and go elsewhere.  Others will respond with mercy and offer forgiveness.

Remember, God knew about this before we did.  Everything is happening in His time.  While we may not ever know or understand everything, God does.  He already has a plan for Bob's life and future as well as the church's.  He will take care of this - you will see.

Listen, to the motives - not the excuses.  At some time, we will hear from Bob.  When that happens, I hope that it will be to tell us how sin got ahold of his life - not some excuse that dismisses his behavior.  Regardless though, listen.  What he says may save you in the future.  Learn from his mistakes.  

Remember you're forgiven.  If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior - then you know that you can't judge others for their sins.  That only God can do that.  But if you don't understand that, let me put it to you another way.  If Bob Coy can't be forgiven, neither can you.  LET IT GO  - God is better at being God than you are.