Ted Haggard gets his own reality show on TLC
- Posted on January 07, 2011
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Please... say it ain't so.
No, seriously... please.
Ted Haggard has just landed a reality show on TLC. It's called "Ted Haggard: Scandalous" and will follow Haggard and his family as they start their new church in Colorado Springs.
Thankfully, this is a one-time show... but if it does well in the ratings, TLC may expand the concept into a regular series, according to Inside Entertainment.
Here's Ted's statement:
“My family and I endured the darkest hours imaginable in the public spotlight, and have spent the last four years fighting and struggling to rebuild our lives, our faith and our family... Showing the world the new chapter of our lives will hopefully inspire others to find their own path to overcome their struggles and embrace the power of acceptance. The church is open to all, even those who have committed the darkest sins.”
Awwweeeee. (wiping away tears).
I think Ted is wrong. I don't think most people identify with him in the way he thinks they do. Most people do not hire gay prostitutes and try to cover it up while they pastor a church and lead a national Christian organization. I guess it could be said that if Ted could be forgiven, anyone could. But I doubt that the non-Christian (or most of the Christian world) will watch that and say... wow... that's a cool story of redemption.
On the other hand, God grace is massive. He forgives the most massive sin. Even the most public sin. And allowing Ted to have a show on TLC might stretch grace to a new level. Who knows.
What's your feeling? Will this, as Ted says, help people who have gone through a struggle to know that there is redemption; or is this just another reminder to everyone outside the church as to how low Christianity can go?
Comments
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Larry Shallenberger on Fri, January 07, 2011
I’m grateful that I am not required to form an opinion.
Peter Hamm on Fri, January 07, 2011
I believe that almost all reality TV is inherently evil anyway.
david on Fri, January 07, 2011
i sometimes grow weary of pastors whose bad decisions tear apart churches and deeply wound the sheep, but then make statements about how much they’ve been wronged and attacked… then they dive back into ministry as if nothing happened.
it would be refreshing to hear someone say, “i sinned deeply and it wounded many people, and i’m going to live the rest of my life to bring healing to those people.”
CS on Fri, January 07, 2011
David:
“�i sinned deeply and it wounded many people, and i�m going to live the rest of my life to bring healing to those people.�”
Amen! Sadly, for most popular, notable preachers, this is just not the case. Haggard, Gary Lamb, Todd Bentley, etc., etc.
—
CS
John Burton on Fri, January 07, 2011
Ted Haggard actually has said that continually… that he sinned deeply and wounded people… he wants to live the rest of his life to bring healing.
I’m happy we serve a God that forgives fully, even if we struggle with deliverance and restoration ourselves.
Brian Amason on Fri, January 07, 2011
I believe that what Haggard did was totally wrong. He has admitted that, asked for forgiveness and dealt with the problem in private with his family. I believe, also, that if I were a non-Christian or Christian dealing with problems in my life and heard how harsh and critical our “brothers in Christ” can be it would scare me away from openly and truthfully dealing with my issues. I think a good look at 1 Corinthians 13 would help us all.
david on Fri, January 07, 2011
i don’t know ted, so i can only formulate opinions from afar (and thus, i hold them loosely), but it seems to me that if he was truly sold out to bring healing to the community he most wounded (his former church), he probably wouldn’t start a new one in their back yard…
but i don’t know.
CS on Fri, January 07, 2011
I know! Let’s combine TLC shows. How about we send Haggard to Alaska to go fishing with the guys on Deadliest Catch or mining with the dudes from Gold Rush?
—
CS
Michael Robison on Fri, January 07, 2011
I believe this might allow Ted & Gayle the chance to share their story. They are good friends to my wife & I. I appreciate their honesty and transparency. I believe that those watching will see a side of the Haggards they never have…A side that is caring, passionate and forgiving. I am grateful that my, and our opinions have no weight in the presence of God’s mercy and plans!
Bill Robbins on Fri, January 07, 2011
I think this could be a good thing. Ted did plenty wrong as did his church. I’m glad God’s grace has brought them to a place where they can use their giftings again in a church. Plus when else does TLC or any other network have a reality show around a church plant?
John Burton on Fri, January 07, 2011
The Haggards live right down from their old church. They can see the building from their house.
That’s the only reason they started it in the backyard of New Life Church. It was launched from their home.
They then moved it a long way away… to downtown Colorado Springs. I’m not sure where they are meeting now.
Mark Smallcombe on Mon, January 10, 2011
uughh! This just goes to show me that people will go to all lengths to keep their celebrity status and public profile and unfortunately use the name of our Lord to do it. Very greasy.
Roger on Mon, January 10, 2011
I hope I never have to go through what Ted Haggard has been through, but if I did I sure hope I would find grace and forgiveness in the family of God. Although, how can they be God’s family and not forgive as God forgives?
Jerry Scott on Mon, January 10, 2011
Prior to the disclosures of his sin - I was an admirer of Ted’s ministry. A pastor myself now for 30 years, I can empathize with his desire to be back in ministry, but it’s over. For God’s sake (literally) he should go away, sell insurance, and shut up.
It’s not my business whether he’s forgiven, redeemed, or restored - but some basic human dignity and respect for the ministry ought to cause this man to get out of the spotlight and get on with his life - in private.
In short, actions have consequences. Period.
Larry C on Mon, January 10, 2011
God is faithful to forgive, redeem and restore - and there is no sin so terrible that the Grace of our God cannot cover.
But…..there are Biblical standards for Church leadership. And, forgiveness, redemption and restoration does not relieve one from certain consequences that result from the falling away—nor does forgiveness, redemption and restoration negate Biblical standards for ministry. How I wish it this was not so—I would love to be back in the ministry myself.
I suffer and empathize with the Haggards—particularly the family members—but a better way might be to seek a more Biblical way to earn a living.
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