When You Hear Sexual Misconduct Allegations About Your Pastor

Published: March 28, 2018, 4:28 p.m.

b'Last week, the Chicago Tribune reported on multiple allegations against Willow Creek Community Church founder and longtime pastor Bill Hybels. \\u201cThe alleged behavior included suggestive comments, extended hugs, an unwanted kiss, and invitations to hotel rooms. It also included an allegation of a prolonged consensual affair with a married woman who later said her claim about the affair was not true.\\u201d Hybels and his church have denied the allegations reported by the Tribune. Hybels, is of course, not the first megachurch pastor, or even pastor, to be embroiled in allegations of adultery and sexual misconduct. Throughout the years, Christianity Today has reported on a number of high-profile ministry leaders who lost their jobs after they confessed to sexual sin. (In fact, news that Southern Baptist leader Frank Page resigned from ministry over a \\u201cmorally inappropriate relationship\\u201d broke right after this podcast was recorded.) Most pastors who have been guilty of inappropriate relationships aren\\u2019t in a great place spiritually, says Jim Wilhoit, a professor of Christian formation at Wheaton College who has counseled church leaders who have confessed to sexual misconduct. \\u201cNo one that I\\u2019ve talked with that has had an affair has had what I would say at that time a vital and well-developed relationship with Christ,\\u201d said Wilhoit. \\u201cI\\u2019m just not very sanguine about the spiritual life of many American pastors.\\u201d Wilhoit joined associate digital media producer Morgan Lee and editor in chief Mark Galli to discuss why pastors commit sexual sin, when congregations should know about allegations against ministry leaders, and how the expectations of the modern pastorate may make it hard for a pastor to maintain a grounded spiritual life.\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices'