Pastors have a dual role in the church. As shepherds, they provide pastoral care, but as sheep, they need pastoral care. When a pastor falls into sin, he needs the same restorative care afforded him that is due to any believer. Paul writes in Galatians 6:1, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him.”

One of the saddest experiences that a church ever faces is that of a fallen pastor. The sad reality is that pastors are sinners, too, and that some of them will fall into grievous sin. What should happen when a pastor falls?

Pastors have a dual role in the church. As shepherds, they provide pastoral care, but as sheep, they need pastoral care. When a pastor falls into sin, he needs the same restorative care afforded him that is due to any believer. Paul writes in Galatians 6:1, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him.”

Some churches have clear guidelines for addressing a fallen pastor. In my own denomination, pastors are subject to the oversight of their fellow elders and ministers. Jesus sets forth the basic steps of church discipline in Matthew 18:15–20. One of the objectives is the restoration of the erring brother or sister. This is the same when addressing a fallen pastor. Efforts must be made to determine whether there is evidence of genuine sorrow for the sin committed. If the sin is accompanied by serious consequences, as would be in the case of adultery, the road to repentance may require some intentional efforts at making amends. If it is determined that genuine repentance is evident, and forgiveness is sought from all parties, then forgiveness should be granted, and he should be aided in the pursuit of restoration. In 1 Corinthians 5, the Apostle Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for neglecting to pursue an erring brother. After the discipline was administered and the brother in question repented of his sin, the Apostle Paul urged that the church forgive him and embrace him in love (2 Cor. 2).

But what should be done when a pastor commits a grievous sin such as adultery and then repents? While he most certainly can be and should be restored to fellowship, should he be restored to his office? This is a matter of discernment for the leaders of the church. One of the qualifications for the office of elder is that he must be above reproach. Titus 1:7 states, “For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach.” The Greek word that is translated as “above reproach” conveys the idea that there is nothing in one’s life that could be called into account or brought forth legitimately as an accusation against the person’s character. If a man is above reproach, there is nothing in his life that would disqualify him for service as an officer in the church. When a man commits adultery or some other serious sin, he becomes reproachable and thus is no longer qualified to serve. Marital fidelity is essential for a man who is serving as an overseer in the church.

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