Money,sex and power are recognised as the 3 issues that too many times seem to trip up Christian leaders and so too often bring to an end what has been an effective ministry. It's sad that so many have fallen and the names are often those we know. At the same time, outside of the church, we are constantly hearing about abuse, most commonly sexual abuse that has been inflicted on children in public care, or of teenagers sexually exploited by gangs in our cities, or of those from overseas transported here and held in sexual slavery, and even Hollywood stars leaned upon for sexual favours by those able to give them employment etc. We are horrified by the scandal of sexual abuse and gutted to hear of fallen Christian leaders. But as Paul says;'So, if you think you are standing firm,be careful that you don't fall.' 1 Cor. 10:12
MONEY: Some Christian leaders have been found out for their greed, some even stealing money from the church - I once had to get involved in a situation where that had happened. Some of us may disdain the TV ministries that constantly appeal for money and sometimes seem to result in the Minister becoming fabulously wealthy even if good things are apparently accomplished through the ministry. Certainly these actions could be viewed as abusive, an unrighteous handling of other people's money and giving. But then those of us who teach tithing and generous giving can secretly give less ourselves; persuaded that our needs are uniquely and particularly great. Our own desire for more can be a greed that allows us to demand of others what we might fail to do ourselves. Surely that would be abusive even if it is never revealed.
SEX is the biggy and where most leaders who fall seem to go astray. When teaching younger leaders I've often said that they shouldn't think that strong sexual temptation will only come to leaders in their age group. I can hardly think of a younger leader who has fallen out of ministry because of sexual immorality. But when it comes to those in their 50s and beyond I could fill up several pages with names. At a season in life when a ministry may be at its most effective, is it arrogance or the desire for novelty and adventure that leads to a sexual catastrophe? Someone or sometimes more than one member of the congregation is abused by a leader who should be most trusted. But then what leader hasn't allowed his gaze to linger too long on on one of his church members? And then there is the opportunity to flirt with someone of the opposite sex because of pastoral contact, counselling situations or even just while 'having fellowship'. Be on your guard against what can easily tip into abuse.
POWER is perhaps more subtle. Surely we are to serve one another and leaders particularly are to serve their people. Yet leaders have lost their ministry when finally there are those with the courage to break rank and speak of the control that a leader has had over them and the fear which it has engendered within them. Leaders may fail to understand their strength and yet their weakness here. 'I'm approachable, I'm transparent and I'll listen carefully to anyone.' It's easy to make these claims and not realise that one's position simply as a leader can intimidate others and silence those who would want to and should speak up. I doubt whether any of us are as open and approachable as we think we are, and so there are people who keep their distance from us. I've realised this on a few occasions when someone who had come to see me suddenly says something like, ' Oh you're so much easier to speak to than I would have thought. I was quite scared to come and see you.' What me! Nobody could be more approachable; or so we think. And if no-one has spoken to you as above then don't think it's because you are so approachable; it may be quite the opposite! While we are confident in our openness there may be those who feel we fail to listen, that we over-ride them and simply always try to dominate and take control. And that could tip into abuse.
My point is simply this. Hopefully, we genuinely are not guilty of abuse, but the distance between where we are now and our abuse of others may only be wafer thin.
Paul's counsel to a younger leader is key:'Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.' 1 Tim 4:16