Ted Haggard's fall: Lessons to be Learned

Some think that pastors are so important that the devil targets them for special attack, therefore we must be especially understanding and forgiving with them. That's true to a point, but most of the falls today are like Jim Bakker's and Jimmy Swaggart's: not due to the devil, but to the pastor's own flesh.

We can blame Ted for not seeking help. But there is a much greater blame in this case, and it must be aimed at the pastor-centered church system that does not and cannot provide ongoing help and correction. Sure, there are many retreat centers (ranches and other getaways) where a pastor and wife can go during pre- or post-burnout. But what is needed is a whole new system, a flow-through church where gifted, motivated "laymen" are allowed to naturally grow into greater and greater spheres of service.

Good article and dialogue for the church to be having!