Safeguarding Integrity in Ministry
“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12).
Recently, the Body of Messiah was once again shaken by revelations of sexual immorality and moral failure among prominent leaders. With each disclosure, a fresh experience of sorrow, confusion, and anger surfaces, especially for those whose faith was nurtured, strengthened, or guided by these pastors and teachers. For many, the question is not what happened, but how could this happen again? As a bishop entrusted with pastoral oversight and care, I feel obligated to address these matters plainly, biblically, and pastorally, with a call to integrity and safeguarding in the life of ministry, for the care of the flock, to the glory of our Lord. While written specifically with men in mind, the heart of the matter speaks to women as well.
First, we must acknowledge the deep pain caused by such failures. Scripture does not minimize the damage done by sin, particularly when it comes from those entrusted with spiritual authority. The prophet Nathan did not soften his words when confronting King David: “By this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord” (2 Sam. 12:14). When leaders fail to resist temptation and step into sexual immorality, the harm is not private; it is communal. Victims are wounded, families are devastated, congregations are disillusioned, and the name of Messiah is dishonored before the watching world. This, frankly, must stop.
Scripture never permits us to excuse a leaders sin because of gifting, popularity, or perceived effectiveness. Yet, time and again, we learn that sin and indiscretion were overlooked due to the potential for financial crisis. The apostle Paul, who understood spiritual authority deeply, wrote with sobriety: “This saying is trustworthy: if anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach” (1 Tim. 3:1–2). “Above reproach” does not mean sinless perfection, but it does mean a life marked by transparency, accountability, and moral clarity. When ministry platforms grow faster than a ministers character, without proper eldership and accountability, collapse is not far behind. As ministers of the gospel, accountability is expected, even demanded. Simply, as we are held accountable by our elders, we must also hold ourselves accountable, especially in private.
Sexual immorality has always been a particular danger for the Lord’s people, especially for those in leadership. Paul exhorts, “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Cor. 6:18), not manage it, not justify it, but flee from it, just as John warns us to keep/guard ourselves from idolatry (1 Jn. 5:21; cf. 2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Cor. 10:12-13; Matt. 26:41). The reason is clear: sexual sin uniquely entangles the whole person: body, soul, and relationships. It distorts authority, exploits trust, and creates secrecy, the very soil in which darkness thrives (Lk. 8:17). Messiah Jesus taught that integrity is not measured solely by external behavior or appearances, but the orientation of the heart: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8).
Safeguarding integrity in ministry, therefore, is not optional; it is a biblical mandate. Scripture consistently emphasizes that leaders are stewards, not owners, of God’s people: “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2). Faithfulness includes not only doctrinal soundness and biblical fidelity, but moral vigilance and relational boundaries. Charisma cannot substitute for character, or the time needed for character formation; and success cannot excuse or cause one to overlook disobedience.
As an association of churches, ministries and ministers, RFI affirms that safeguarding is not rooted in suspicion, but in wisdom. The book of Proverbs reminds us, “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it” (Prov. 22:3). Clear safeguarding policies to protect personal and ministerial integrity, shared leadership, financial transparency, and relational accountability are expressions of love and care for the Body of Christ, both leaders and those they serve. They protect the vulnerable, restrain temptation, and provide opportunity for early correction before temptation becomes sin, and sin gives way to scandal. Still, the entire congregation, as well as ministry and leadership teams must honor protocols set in place.
We must resist the cultural tendency to elevate leaders beyond critique, and platform those who are not seasoned, trusted and accountable. The New Testament knows nothing of untouchable personalities. Even the apostle Peter was publicly confronted by Paul when his conduct contradicted the truth of the gospel (Gal. 2:11–14). True spiritual authority in Christ welcomes accountability; it does not fear it. As James warns, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (Jas. 3:1).
Yet, in speaking firmly about integrity, we must also speak pastorally about grace. The gospel does not end with exposure. It calls for repentance, truth-telling, and, where possible, restoration; but not always restoration to leadership. The moral failures that continue to plague leadership in the Body of Christ result in disqualification from ministry, period. Still, Scripture is clear that forgiveness is offered freely to the repentant (1 Jn. 1:9), but trust, once broken, requires time, humility and counsel to rebuild. David was forgiven, but he lived with the consequences of his sin. Grace, therefore, does not erase responsibility.
To the faithful pastors, ministers, and servants who labor with integrity, I offer encouragement: “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58). Do not grow weary in guarding your heart, your conduct, and your calling. Guard the flock, and protect your vocation and integrity. To the people of God, I urge discernment without cynicism, vigilance without despair. Our hope is not in any leader, however gifted or beloved, but in Yeshua/Jesus the Messiah, the Chief Shepherd, “who commits no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth” (1 Pet. 2:22).
May this moment of shaking become a moment of purification, and ultimately glory unto our Lord. As Scripture promises, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity” (2 Tim. 2:19). May the Lord give His Church the grace to walk in renewed holiness, courageous accountability, with leaders whose private lives align with their public confession and profession. And may He heal those who have been wounded and bring them restoration, restoring faith not in human personalities, but in the faithfulness of God Himself.
As a personal aside, each time we learn of a mature leader failing morally, especially sexual immorality, my heart grieves, deeply. What is the answer? I’m not sure. Perhaps it is a combination of all that I have laid out above, coupled with a renewed fear and reverence of the Lord Who redeemed us, and humility to live as an open book before our accountability partners, elders, our families, and most importantly, before the Lord Himself. With each new headline, may we go to our knees in prayer, praying mercy and grace for His people. Still, we live in the sure and certain hope of a future where we will be eternally separated from sin in the presence of the Lord, where the grief of sin will no longer be experienced. Amen.
With pastoral love and blessing, your friend and servant;
Bishop Justin D. Elwell
Restoration Fellowship International
