Another scandal hits... how should we respond?

Another scandal hits… how should we respond?

Posted on September 23, 2010
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(82) comments

Bishop Eddie Long has had a rough 48 hours. First two men, then one other young man has filed civil suit against the Bishop and his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, alledging that Long coerced the young men into sexual relationships. The details are sordid.

The secular media is all over this story. The Christian media, not so much. I haven't seen any blog (at least in our circles) touch the story. I'm not sure anyone knows what to say. If the allegations are true, it is horrible. If the allegations are false, its a whole different kind of horrible.

Here are some random thoughts:

1. Maybe the reason we're not talking about this (yet) is that Bishop Long is not in most of our camps. But Long is a huge figure in the African American church. Do a twitter search on Bishop Eddie Long and watch the tweets float past. They are all over the place, but the African American community is all abuzz, especially the African American Christian community. I saw one tweet last night from a women saying something like "Not my husband will never go to church with me... and I was so close". This story has huge implications, not only for the black church, but also for Atlanta and the church in general. Whether true or false, it's another black eye on the church that the media loves to report.

2. As I said, it's too early to know if these allegations are true. Our culture today requires that you only have one person make an accusation. That's all you need. There doesn't need to be an ounce of truth to it... the story still goes public and ruins your reputation. The difference here is that there are three different people making the same accusations. Sure, there could be some conspiracy here; but it makes it more difficult when you have three people saying the same thing. That's a problem.

3. To complicate things in this case, you also have alleged lavish trips on private planes to exotic places, money changing hands, and a twisted spiritual justification aspect. When you add in each of these elements, it just makes the story that the alleged victims tell, as a whole, seem more believeable. Suddenly, 'you took the kid to New Zealand for his birthday on your private jet' (which should be easy to prove/disprove) makes 'you coerced him to have sex with you' seem more believeable.

4. One of the lawyers filing the case yesterday also released a few pictures of Long that were, well... weird. These pictures were allegedy sent to the victims on their cell phones. They picture Long, looking buff, in really tight shirts. Again... could be totally innocent... but just weird.

5. Some would argue that this is the secular media going wild on a story. I would say... not really. This is they type of story the media loves, not because it's about a Christian, but because of the duplicity and conflict in the story. Bishop Long is an outspoken advocate against homosexuality and gay marriage. To have allegations that he's been involved in homosexual relationships IS a news story.

6. For the record, I was able to be on a short group conference call with Bishop Long a couple of years ago. A mutual friend is a close friend of the Bishop. Bishop Long talked briefly about the program that is now in question. To hear him speak of the program was exciting, to be honest. He told how they find the young, underpriveleged boys and identify their future potential. They pay for their education, mentor them in the Word, and prepare them to be pastors. He (Bishop Long) would pour his life into these young men to help prepare them. He was very passionate about the program and about the results they were getting. If any (ANY) of these allegations are true... something went terribly wrong.

So... what can we learn from today's situation, whether it is true or not?

1. (And this won't affect 99.9% of us). I've said it before, and I'll say it again... lose the private plane. Nothing good has ever come from a private plane (as far as I can tell) for a pastor, other than saving a few minutes at the airport, and making yourself look elitist.

2. Prepare yourself for allegations. Allegations about pastors come all the time, in all size churches. People will allege anything from sexual relationships to lying, cheating, and theft. That's why it is so important to live a life far above approach. As a pastor or church staff member, someone is watching you at all times... when you mow your yard, when you shop at Walmart, when you're driving your car. Don't give them any ammunition. I just ran a story about a pastor who left because he put personal expenses on the church credit card and kept the points for his personal use. Even something like that is a crack in the door that can ruin you.

3. Show others that you're accountable. Part of the lawsuits in this case are pointing fingers at those around Long that should have stepped in and done something. The allegation is that Long's people knew and allowed these relationships to happen: They were enablers. For example, one case states that Long's people knew that he shared a hotel room with these young boys. Big mistake. Surround yourself with people that have your best interests in mind. Surround yourself with people that will tell you no. Surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable, not cover your tracks.

4. Have a plan for how your church will deal with allegations when they come up. What if someone in your congregation accused you of having an affair? How would your church structure handle the situation? In my church world experience, there are hardly any churches who know how they would handle a situation like this... and because of that... when the situation hits, they handle it poorly.

5. Tell the truth. When allegations come, please... just tell the truth. The only thing worse than the allegation being true is trying to cover your tracks and being found out to be a fraud and a liar ON TOP of the allegations. I don't know that this is the case in the Eddie Long story... and I pray it's not. Long cancelled a radio interview and press conference where he was to speak today, and instead sent his lawyers out to do the press junket. That only stirs up controversy more.

Those are my thoughts this morning, as blurry as they may be. I truly hope this story is proven wrong. Time will tell, I guess.

Here's the latest CNN story...

Todd

Comments

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Leonard on Thu, September 23, 2010

In answer to the question Todd posts in the title… I think a lot of prayer is in order. I also think as many have already suggested to examine self and accountability structures.
Jeff T. on Thu, September 23, 2010

Simple quesiton - can ANYBODY remember an instance where someone was accused of this kind of thing, in detail, that DIDN’T turn out to be true???

I think we worry about false sexual allegations way too much. Has anyone’s ministry ever been destroyed by a FALSE allegation of sexual immorality???

Sadly, there’s an observation we shoudl all make - whenever a minister highlights one sin above others and constantly ahrps on it, you can pretty much take it to the bank that he’s struggling with, and probably indulging in, that sin.

Finally, we HAVE to judge in the Church in situations like this, when all the facts are in. High profile Christian leaders have an effect on MY neighbors’ perception of Christianity. Their actions have serious consequences, so it’s all of our business. That’s part of the deal of being in public minsitry. You can’t have the publicity when it benefits you and then want privacy when you screw up.
Fred on Thu, September 23, 2010

I’m sorry. I just can’t get over the fact that something was terribly wrong in the program in the first place if there are 3 people who are disgruntled. This wasn’t a job at Walmart. I want to know what went wrong. I also have to admit I have a problem with the Bentley.

http://sandrarose.com/2009/04/recession-forces-bishop-eddie-long-to-cut-back-on-easter-service/
CS on Mon, September 27, 2010

His response sounded particularly cryptic:

““I want you to know, as I said earlier, that I am not a perfect man. But this thing, I’m going to fight,” he said. “I feel like David against Goliath, but I’ve got five rocks and I haven’t thrown one yet.”“

When you preface your defense with, “I’m not a perfect man,” in today’s world that almost sounds like an admission of some sort of guilt.

—
CS
Robert on Mon, September 27, 2010

My only curiosity is to know if his church is doing any investigation.

1 Timothy 5:19 (New International Version)

Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.

*Bishop Eddie Long has 4 witnesses that are accusing him. Just because he may not be found guilty of coercion doesn’t mean he’s not guilty of engaging in homosexual activity. After watching his non-statement it seems to me that his church leaders should be investigating this as well. New Birth Church has not mentioned any type of an investigation in the matter, their simply taking his word. I think that’s scripturally wrong.
Ron Citlau on Mon, September 27, 2010

If the claims are correct against Bishop Long it is a grace use of spiritual/sexual abuse. Just because, technically, they meet the age of consent does not really mean anything. This spiritual titan, if it is true, used his position to coerce sexual favors. And then, used scripture to justify it. It does not get much worse than that.

That is all to say that these young men might not feel safe following Matthew 18 with this “bishop.’ Want to talk about a bad church experience. Frankly, if this is true, Long’s church is no longer functioning and these young men’s only recourse is in civil court.
Steven on Wed, September 29, 2010

I read your articles alot but this is the first time I have ever commented… I think.

For the most part, the comments have been in my opinion very fair and down to earth. For all we know these three men could have easily gotten together and conspired this story for whatever outlandish reason you can imagine Oh yeah…(Money) comes to mind. If they did I am sure there is a special place in hell for someone who tries to destroy a Man of God’s reputation and ministry with such lies and deceit. On the flip side for a so called man of God to participate in but preach against the same acts he’s accused of is a outright reproach to to God and His church and I believe the same eternal destination will be rewarded for both parties if left un-repented.

Really I am amazed and what caught my attention was the #1 advice for mega church pastors to loose the private jets, just to save a few minutes in an airport, Are you serious. Our ministry has had a private jet for our pastor for 20 years and it’s never been a problem, when you travel as extensivley as my pastor does it’s for alot more than saving a few minutes.For instance; Two weeks ago we left Sunday morning after church got on the plane, flew to FL to preach that night, left there for CO to preach Monday morning, 3 hrs later on our way to CA to minister that night. 4 hrs later we were in NY for a Tuesday night meeting back home for Wed. nite at our home church then back on the plane to TX to preach in 2 different church in 3 nites back home for our Sat. Nite and Sunday services at home. Add that up and multiply that about 15 times a year and tell me if you still think flying commercial would make any sense. If our ministry schedule revolved around commercial air lines we would not be able to do 1/4 of what we do in a weeks time to spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Not sure what the big hang up is over ministries using a private jet, I am sure most of the people who have a problem with it also get upset because their Pastor drives a car that cost more than $10,000 and lives in a house that cost $200,000. Get over it, men and womenof God making an impact for the kingdom should live better than your banker who is ripping you off at 20.5% interest but making you believe other wise, oh but that’s alright that;s come to be expected RIGHT! Good Lord we’ve got to turn some stuff around. Come hang out with us for a couple weeks and you’ll be singing a different tune my friend. Love you all in Jesus name.
CS on Wed, September 29, 2010

Steven:

“ur ministry has had a private jet for our pastor for 20 years and it’s never been a problem, when you travel as extensivley as my pastor does it’s for alot more than saving a few minutes”

Who’s your pastor?

—
CS
Steven on Wed, September 29, 2010

CS, what’s your e-mail address?
John Burton on Wed, September 29, 2010

I agree regarding the jet. Why should the amount of ministry be limited out of fear of people accusing them of greed or poor use of funds? I also think we should embrace financial freedom and blessing for all of us- including pastors.

If not, what is the dollar level that people can’t cross? at what precise point do the go from holy to unholy? What should pastors do with all of their investment and royalty checks? refuse them? What if they regularly receive huge offerings when they are guest speakers?
Robert on Wed, September 29, 2010

Jesus cruised around in Chariots and fancy yachts in order to reach the world.
JeffT on Wed, September 29, 2010

Jesus didn’t use computers either.
robert on Wed, September 29, 2010

but he had an ipad
robert on Wed, September 29, 2010

btw - i love it when pastors have to fly in jets because NO ONE ELSE CAN DO THEIR JOBS - Get Real.

Develop leaders and you won’t have to worry about a heavy flight schedule. Why do we insist on celebrity preachers?
John Burton on Wed, September 29, 2010

Robert, there’s a misconception that a lot of people are buying in to. Many believe that we are all equally able to lead, to minister, to preach, etc. It’s an anti-leader movement that’s gaining steam.

The reality is that some people are radically more gifted than us… they are extremely competent leaders, preachers, etc.

Some carry a message, a revelation, that few others have received. Some carry a serious healing anointing or a prophetic gifting.

Some have the capacity to lead 5 some 10, some 100, some 100,000. The people that have the ability to impact multiple thousands are very special people… and they have a great responsibility to minister to as many people as they can.