Podcast Episode #301
This is an episode we hope churches won’t need to consult, but unfortunately many of them will. Extramarital affairs by pastors and staff are a reality and when it happens, churches need to be prepared.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
- Churches don’t prepare for this because churches don’t think they will need to be prepared for this.
- There’s this misunderstanding of grace sometimes where people think it means that anything goes.
- After a staff member affair, one of the most important parts of a severance package is often counseling.
- Churches should consider having outside help to guide them through the aftermath of a staff member affair.
- The goal after any affair should be reconciliation of the marriages.
- After a staff member affair, the congregation often goes through the five stages of grief.
- It’s nearly impossible to pray sincerely for someone and at the same time remain bitter toward them.
The six responses we cover are:
- Terminate with compassion.
- Don’t forget the staff member’s family.
- Be forthright with the congregation.
- Provide resources for reconciliation.
- Don’t forget the pain of the congregation.
- Begin a ministry of prayer for this situation.
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