09/19/2026
I have been quiet for some time concerning s*x offenders serving in leadership, but I can no longer remain silent.
With all this controversy, everyone has an opinion about what should or should not happen. Some are saying, “Do not judge,” but accountability is not condemnation. We must stop using forgiveness and Scripture to silence survivors or excuse those who have caused serious harm.
There must be a clear distinction between forgiveness, restoration, and qualification for leadership. Leadership is not merely about preaching a powerful message or carrying a title. A leader must serve with integrity, love, empathy, accountability, and a life that reflects Jesus Christ.
Forgiveness may restore a person’s relationship with God, but it does not automatically restore access, authority, trust, or leadership. Repentance does not cancel accountability, consequences, or necessary safeguards. Leadership is not a right. It is a sacred responsibility.
Let me speak from my own experience. The effects of what happened to me as a child have lasted nearly 59 years. Sexual abuse can steal a child’s innocence, trust, safety, peace, and years of their life. A person should not be allowed to destroy someone’s life and then return to life as usual as though nothing happened.
When someone has been s*xually assaulted, r***d, or molested, there must be accountability. Genuine repentance means admitting the wrong, accepting the consequences, seeking professional treatment and spiritual counseling, submitting to appropriate oversight, and demonstrating lasting change.
Anyone who has admitted to, been convicted of, or has credible findings of s*xual misconduct should not automatically be placed back into leadership. They should never be placed in a position that gives them access to children or vulnerable people. The safety of others must come before anyone’s title, reputation, platform, or desire to lead.
Deliverance is more than saying, “God forgave me.” It requires confronting what is hidden, surrendering completely to God, receiving proper help, and accepting responsibility for the harm that was caused.
Saying, “I thought the child was older,” is not an acceptable excuse. The responsibility belongs to the adult to stop, verify, establish boundaries, and never touch what they have no right to touch. Children must be protected, not blamed, questioned, silenced, or sacrificed to preserve someone’s name or ministry.
In Mark 9:42, Jesus gives a serious warning about causing one of His little ones to stumble. This passage reminds us of our sacred responsibility to protect children and vulnerable people. The church must stop protecting platforms while leaving survivors unprotected.
God is exposing what has been hidden. This is the hour for every leader to examine themselves, enter the secret place, repent, seek help, and surrender completely to God. A spiritual gift does not excuse a lack of character. The ability to preach does not prove that someone is qualified to lead.
It is time to do this Christ’s way. Protect the children. Believe and support survivors. Require accountability. Stop covering darkness. Give survivors the time, compassion, and support they need to heal.
Healing and accountability must go together.
