Above Reproach? Moral Failure and Godly Character in Pastoral Leadership

Dan Doriani | Covenant Theological Seminary

This seminar asks: “Is moral failure a chronic problem among pastors? If so, why?” We consider four answers to the question: First, there is no problem; inaccurate reporting in the media foster the illusion of chronic moral failure. Second, the church invites moral failure because it attracts flawed men, especially the power-hungry and narcissistic, to the ministry. Third, the church invites moral failure when it gives priority to capacity, skill, or talent, instead of character, as it selects and promotes leaders. Fourth, the church recruits qualified men, but fails to nurture them, and even corrupts them.