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adversely affected by the actions of someone who they
trusted. The noted author and therapist, Dr. Chet Welds
says, “When a pastor falls into sin, the ripple effect on
the lives of others is often immeasurable.”
What a lot of people aren’t aware of is, when there
is trouble in a pastor’s relationship with God, it isn’t just
the pastor who is adversely affected. The pastor’s entire
household is affected. Where there are young children
involved, the impact upon the household can be even
more devastating.
Every fallen Christian church or ministry leader,
represents innocent victims. Sometimes the damage is
earth-shaking. Other times, it may be just a faint tremor,
but someone else is always affected when leaders fall.
The members of the church suffer. They try to figure out
their next move. Confused and bewildered, they scatter.
“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved
with compassion on them, because they fainted,
and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no
shepherd.” Matthew 9:36 (KJV)

People are left confused, wondering “What do I do
now?” In some cases they find other churches, but their
trust is broken. Then, there are the ones who begin to
question whether any of this real, and sadly, they turn
back to the world.
This is why Jesus said, Follow Me.” He didn’t say
that we should follow His leaders, or His churches, or
even other church members, but He Said, “Follow Me!”
We are to follow our church leaders, but only as they
follow Jesus Christ. No leader is above Christ.

If hurting church members can somehow see that
their hurt didn’t come from Jesus. It came from men and
women who are not unlike themselves.