Comments on: Perverted Pastors

By: Colleen

Colleen — Sun, 25 May 2008 03:46:30 +0000

Bummed-out Tim,

My heart goes out to you. You, your congregation and this former Pastor’s family will feel the effects for a long time. You will be in our prayers.

By: Bummed-out Tim

Bummed-out Tim — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:39:49 +0000

Our senior pastor resigned last Sunday due to sexual indiscretion that may have been on-going for a considerable period and may have been with a member/former staffer. He’s in mid 40′s, had been there more than 10 yrs, has a beautiful wife and 3 children. Leaves the associate, youth and senior adult pastors reeling.

Thanks Noel for trying to get the word out that churches need to not only research their new hires, but help their existing staff stay pure, financially and sexually.

By: In My Anguish I Cried « faith. hope. love. and then some…

In My Anguish I Cried « faith. hope. love. and then some… — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:01:47 +0000

[...] Interesting blog post here by Pastor Noel Heikkinen about pastors and sex [...]

By: Jill

Jill — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 03:26:15 +0000

Noel, your advice for pastors is solid and comprehensive, and I hope it reaches many who need help. We in the church rightly hold pastors to higher moral standards, so it is indeed disappointing when they fail.

Politicians need just as much help in this area, as sadly evidenced by Eliot Spitzer and many before him. Just replace “pastor(s)” with “politician(s)” throughout the blog entry and they, too, can have guidelines that will hopefully keep them out of trouble.

By: Noel

Noel — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 03:59:32 +0000

Art – That means a ton.

Dave – How scientific of you.

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 01:42:05 +0000

Wow. Pastors seem like really bad people from this list. If you google the phrase “consultants” only goodness comes up. Consultants seem like far better people than pastors.

By: Art

Art — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:48:12 +0000

Wow that stuff is horrible but you have a good blog here. Those pastors need prayer more than you; there’s many of us giving thanks for your devoted work. Riverview is lucky to have you five.

By: Ben Chase

Ben Chase — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:39:16 +0000

The other day I was talking to my roommate about controlling sexual sin in the ministry. We were talking about the downfalls of specific requirements (Be “clean” for a year before entering the ministry) that place unrealistic expectations on people and focus on law rather than grace. But we also recognized a need to address this area strongly.

I like your thoughts and I’m glad you’re bringing it up. Being in ministry, what would you suggest as a guideline for hiring new pastors?

By: JD Duncan

JD Duncan — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:35:44 +0000

What about your own good name. Phil. 4:8 What so ever things are… noble (good reputation). Not to mention the rest of the text. We as pastors must be stewards of our influence, placing a value on our good name. It only takes one indiscretion to ruin a good name of 20, 30 or more years.
JDD

By: Colleen

Colleen — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:56:12 +0000

Dig deep…at the heart of any sin is a root cause or entry way. It is not uncommon for sexual predators to have once been innocent until their boundaries were defiled early in life and they became exposed to horrendous behaviors themselves. That lost innocence is barely a thing they can comprehend let alone articulate during a time they could and should be helped. Instead they are left to sort it out or deny it in secrecy and fear and confusion over their sexuality follows them into adulthood.

It is utterly tragic how those once victimized can go on to become victimizers. It would seem the cycle would cease to exist if former victims could better understand, name and renounce their urges…but this on-going problem remains so prevalent because of the shame and stigma attached to it.

Satan surely gains a foothold…but for those of us who walk in truth and light…our GOD is gracious and His mercy immense!