Another scandal hits... how should we respond?

Another scandal hits… how should we respond?

Posted on September 23, 2010
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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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Peter Hamm on Thu, September 30, 2010

John Burton writes [...and they have a great responsibility to minister to as many people as they can.] Not sure I agree. I look at passages like Ephesians 4:11-13 and 2 Timothy 2:2 and I think that a pastor-leader is supposed to equip God’s people for works of service, not do all the ministry.

In a real sense, I consider my job as a pastor to equip, NOT to minister.

I wonder what Paul would have done, would he have considered himself pastor and leader to all those churches or would he have equipped man (and, I might argue, women) in those places to continue the ministry in his absence… oh wait… we actually KNOW what he did…
Robert on Thu, September 30, 2010

I can’t agree more with Peter on this.

John you write: [ 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.]

I would say a greater misconception is that only a select few in our country have the skill-sets to do it. While, not everyone can lead we have far more leaders within the body of Christ than you would suggest.

Jesus took 12 hurting people (his disciples) and radically changed the world. And their task was to make disciples. If Jesus bought into your train of thought he would’ve never left. He would’ve stood here among us because no one can save the lost like he can.

If Jesus could entrust the gospel to weak vessels, I think your pastor can give up the jet and start doing some ministry/leadership training himself.

Could it be that he needs to do all the traveling himself because he lacks in training others? If he does then I wouldn’t consider him much of a leader.

Also, I’m leary of leaders that claim some “special revelation”.
Peter Hamm on Thu, September 30, 2010

Robert writes… [Also, I�m leary of leaders that claim some �special revelation�.] You’re leery? I run the heck away!
robert on Thu, September 30, 2010

lol - Peter…. I was trying to be nice…lol
Steven on Thu, September 30, 2010

Well said Mr. John Burton

Robert said “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?

and also ” I think your pastor can give up the jet and start doing some ministry/leadership training himself. “

Robert- For your information my Pastor has spent 30 years of his life pouring into, teaching, equiping and raising up leaders within the church; (Most of them could be pastoring their own church of 1000 people or more) This is how he is able to travel so much and the local church with 10,000 members (which has 3 campuses, a K-12th grade prep school and a Bible College continue grow, function and give to the needy, feed the poor, clothe the naked, visit and pray for the sick… the list could go on.

Our pastor never asked or tried to become anykind of celebrity our culture has done that, but the fact of the matter is when he preaches in a church, stadium or on televison thousands of souls come like a flood into the kingdom of God.

Not only that but he has raised up other young pastors that are in 50 states and over 20 countries around this world who are planting churches and reaching the lost.

The Apostle Paul placed Timothy as the pastor in a church but still told him “do the work of an Evangelist” what’s that mean? Quite simply it means “WIN THE LOST”

If you think God only called you to hold the fort at your little church building and make sure none of the sheep get out, then you are sadley mistaken, You are a shepherd who is supposed to be willing to leave the 99 and go after the 1 that is lost.

It comes down to: while all men and women in the ministry are of equal value, Gifting, Anointings and Callings come only at the price you are willing to pay for and pray for.

Jer. 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst , they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
Leonard on Thu, September 30, 2010

If it is true it is sad and if it is not it is sad.

Leaders and accountability go hand in hand. We tend to think that the larger the church the less the accountability, I find the opposite in many places. Bottom line? No one is accountable that doesn’t want to be.
Peter Hamm on Thu, September 30, 2010

Steven writes [If you think God only called you to hold the fort at your little church building and make sure none of the sheep get out, then you are sadley mistaken, You are a shepherd who is supposed to be willing to leave the 99 and go after the 1 that is lost.] With this I heartily agree!

And I agree that there is a difference between some leaders and others in terms of calling.

I’m very curious who your pastor is. I’m guessing I’ve heard of him. I’d love to know who we’re talking about.
Robert on Thu, September 30, 2010

Steven, I don’t have a problem with mega-church pastors or even people traveling to preach. However, Pastors that feel they need to travel to three different states in one weekend need to reevaluate their ministry. It seems that these ministries are pastor-centered instead of Christ-centered.

I’m not a pastor holding a little fort. In fact I attend a church of 13,000 that can claim everything you claimed for your church. What impressed me most about the church I attend is how down to earth and approachable our Lead Pastor is. He goes as far as doing house visits for first-time visitors to our church. It’s quite refreshing to see a mega-church pastor that hasn’t lost his way in the hoopla.

Also, I’d like to know the purpose for your scripture reference. The context of the text doesn’t fit our conversation.
Steven on Thu, September 30, 2010

Robert, I was associating any church building big or small as a little Ft. in relation to the mission field that is in front of us. My Pastor does not feel the need to travel to compensate for ego, he get’s asked by other pastors to either come to their church or come to their city and he feels the calling to GO, you know like Jesus said to do. And my pastor is down to earth and approachable, and I am glad you have a good home church. I feel that we should probably let the conversation rest at the fact of Different Strokes for Different Folks. I wish all pastors and their ministries the very best God has for them.

I would prefer not mention my pastors name in this forum, however if you would like to e-mail me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) I would go more in depth there.

Blessings to you all
John Burton on Thu, September 30, 2010

I think we have to be careful not to have too strong an opinion about other people. I’m not sure why opinion is so strong regarding pastors and Christian leaders who are successful.

Just because a leader has financial resources doesn’t mean he’s greedy or mishandling funds. He may just be a brilliant business mind. Maybe he has investments. Maybe his books are big sellers and his royalty checks are large. Plus, it’s quite common for people to bless leaders with financial gifts.

What if someone donated the private plane? What if the private plane is covered through his increased offerings when he travels?

In fact, I’d say those scenarios are quite common… and the greed/misuse of funds issue might be less common.
Robert Nieves on Thu, September 30, 2010

Hey John,

I’d recommend you read “Freedom of Simplicity” by Richard Foster. With all the poverty in the world it’s really difficult to justify the lifestyle of some of these Televangelists and mega-church leaders. I’m not hating them for their blessings but sporting around a Bentley and living in multimillion dollar homes seems a little much for me. I can’t see the justification behind that.

Even if you are a best-selling author or wise businessman, why not use those resources to care for the impoverished instead of wasting it in vain luxuries?
John Burton on Thu, September 30, 2010

I understand your point… but, if someone wants to give away what they have, then that’s their choice. They aren’t bad people if they don’t.

It’s easy to be critical of people who don’t do what we think would be good… even if their alternate viewpoint isn’t a sinful one. They just see it differently.

Plus, it’s a bit of a slippery slope. It’s as easy to accuse someone of greed if they don’t give away their Bentley… as it is to accuse someone else of greed if they don’t give away their pick up truck.

With people struggling financially, is it OK for us to have new shoes or to go out to eat or to own a computer? Should we really go on vacation? Are we greedy if we have a 42” LCD TV? What if our house costs more than $100,000?

The obvious point is, where’s the line drawn and why?

Plus, biblically… we should expect those who give much away to have much, much more. The reason many are wealthy is because their extravagant blessing is primed by their extravagant giving. They can’t stop the inflow because of their discipline in the outflow.
Robert on Thu, September 30, 2010

Seriously John? You can find justification for a Bentley? You’re a good man.

I have one issue with Eddie Long’s Story in particular whether he’s guilty or not. Here’s my biggest issue with this story. Bishop Eddie Long sought his popularity. He made himself a public figure. No one started his TV ministry but him and his ministry.

And now that an accusation has been brought against him he decides that this is a private matter, not to be discussed in the media. The media didn’t start his TV programming, he did. To some extent I feel that he owes the public an explanation. Either say you’re guilty or say you’re not, but don’t leave us wondering.

His own lavish lifestyle and arrogant demeanor makes these allegations believable.
Fred on Thu, September 30, 2010

Sounds like someone worships his pastor like some worship Eddie Long.
jud on Thu, September 30, 2010

Is it a conflict of interest for a pastor to accept a full time ministry with full time pay…. then pursue other interests and ingagements throughout the week and year?

? ? ?