In many cases, such pastors have risen in status beyond normal congregational life. The larger a church or ministry becomes, the more its leader is revered—sometimes to the point of being untouchable. When leaders are placed above correction—when no one can tell them “no,” when they have no one to remind them of their flawed humanity or to guide them back from the wayward paths toward which their sinful impulses lead them, they are more vulnerable to making choices that lead to destruction.
In my life and ministry, I have observed firsthand the challenges that come with visibility and influence. Speaking before thousands of people naturally creates a platform that can lead to a dangerous sense of self-importance. People can begin to laugh at jokes that aren’t funny, uncritically defer to decisions that need to be more critically weighed, accept what a leader says as truth without carefully weighing it, and elevate leaders in unhealthy ways.
This same pattern repeats itself in many fallen leaders, from musicians to pastors and more. In short, we are not designed for celebrity, and it can destroy our souls if we don’t develop our personal character and a community of accountability.
The Role of the Church in Preventing Scandal
The local church has a responsibility to cultivate accountability, not just among its members but also among those who hold influence in the Christian community. Some leaders and musicians operate outside the traditional structure of the local church. And that is a problem. Every believer, regardless of profession, should be rooted in a community that holds them accountable. Community encourages us but also protects us—sometimes even from ourselves.
One of the greatest safeguards against moral failure is in our willful submission to godly leadership. Unfortunately, many Christian leaders claim to be under the authority of elders or overseers, but they functionally operate without true oversight. A pastor, musician, or ministry leader without real accountability is a leader at risk. For leaders, if no one is speaking into their life, challenging their behavior, or offering correction, the path to moral compromise becomes much easier to travel.
A helpful litmus test for accountability in leadership is this: If your elders never tell you “no,” then you don’t have elders—you have cheerleaders. The same is true in multiple forms of church governance: trustees, bishops, overseers, superintendents, etc. True biblical oversight requires a structure that expects and responds to correction.
This principle should extend to Christian musicians and public figures as well. It is not enough to have mentors or advisers who offer encouragement. All of us must develop systems designed to confront our sin, before it devolves into an ever-darker pattern of wickedness—and eventually into scandal.
Learning from Past Failures
This moment should remind Christian leaders across all spheres of ministry that we must reform the culture of leadership. We have seen too many scandals in recent years, each bringing significant damage to the church’s credibility. We must lament abuse, and we must offer critical reflection. Then we must apply that criticism and lament to ourselves, as we personally commit to integrity.
We must assess our structures to ensure that we do not fall into the same traps. Both moral failure and criminal abuse fester where no one brings disinfecting light and heat toward growing patterns of wickedness.
Here are a few steps in that direction:
- Prioritize Holiness Over Platform – Christian musicians, pastors, and influencers must constantly evaluate whether their pursuit of fame has overshadowed their pursuit of godliness. The moment that platform becomes more important than character or the elevation of one’s talent has outpaced the cultivation of one’s inward spiritual life, the seeds of failure are planted.
- Build Strong Accountability Structures – Every leader needs people in their life who will ask tough questions and challenge them. Such accountability structures must be genuine, not just formalities. Accountability functions best when the leader being held accountable is proactively engaged in the process, recognizing it as a means of their own protection rather than simply satisfying the requirements of their church’s bylaws or denominational body.
- Recognize the Warning Signs of Celebrity Culture – Unchecked praise, isolation from criticism, and a sense of entitlement are all warning signs that a leader might be heading toward dangerous territory. If everyone around you always tells you you’re the best and never disagrees with you, there is a problem in your leadership that needs to be fixed.
- Remember the Cost of Moral Failure – Every scandal leaves behind victims—those who were hurt, deceived, and manipulated. Christian leaders must remember that their actions have real consequences, both for individuals and for the reputation of the gospel.
