7. The Man You Find Attractive
This is perhaps the most dangerous scenario because it begins within you. He’s godly, kind, intellectually stimulating, or emotionally available in ways that stir something in your heart. Maybe your marriage is struggling. Maybe you’re single and lonely. Maybe he’s just… appealing.
Warning: Emotional attraction is the gateway to physical sin. What starts as a “harmless” thought can lead to devastating consequences.
Response: Confess it immediately to a trusted mentor, accountability partner, or counselor. Distance yourself from him. Guard your thought life aggressively. If you’re married, invest deeply in your marriage. If you’re single, redirect your attention and avoid proximity.
Guarding Your Ministry Life
If you’re married: Your husband must be your greatest ally. Let him into the realities of ministry life. Share your challenges, temptations, and struggles. A strong marriage is your greatest defense against compromise.
If you’re single: Cultivate deep, healthy friendships and accountability relationships with other women in ministry. Don’t allow loneliness to make you vulnerable. Your identity and fulfillment come from Christ, not from male attention or validation.
RELATED: Male Pastors: 7 Women You Should Watch Out For
Practical Boundaries Every Female Pastor Should Maintain
Be Wise About One-on-One Meetings: Don’t meet alone with men behind closed doors. Use offices with windows, meet in public spaces, or include another person.
Limit Counseling Sessions: Stay at two sessions maximum for men; then refer them to male pastors or professional counselors.
Guard Your Digital Life: Email and text communication should be professional and brief. When possible, copy others.
Be Careful With Physical Contact: A handshake is professional. Hugs can be misinterpreted. Use wisdom.
Share Your Struggles: Have trusted women in ministry or professional counselors who know the real challenges you’re facing.
Guard Your Heart: Get your heart right before God. Pursue holiness. Confess temptation before it becomes sin. Guard your thought life. Invest in your marriage or in healthy community if you’re single.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Stand firm, sister. Your ministry matters. Your integrity matters. And God will give you the strength to walk in wisdom, holiness, and power.
