CONGREGATION
As a part of a congregation damaged by moral failure, you may be reeling. This was the church you supported—and it likely involves a pastor you may have trusted. You've trusted and believed the teaching, opened your heart up to worship, and made untold sacrifices to see his ministry flourish, and now you've learned this.
We're sorry for the loss of innocence, the betrayal of trust, the wounds that run deeper than you know. God is near to the brokenhearted. We encourage you not to run from the pain by either excusing it or skimming past it. You've suffered a very real loss, but you are not alone. God will lead you through this valley.
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As you begin to sift through the broken pieces, you may find yourself angry, afraid, confused, betrayed, and just plain sad. Your feelings are valid. You are going through something dark, and the broken pieces are very real.
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Take heart. God's presence and truth brings healing, and He will be faithful to complete the work He has started in you.
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Your pastor or spiritual leader misused their position and influence. The abuse of power is devastating, whether it is intentional or not, and a moral failing involving a spiritual leader in a position of authority is never an affair — it's abuse.
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And while that's devastating enough, a church reflects the emotional health of it's pastor, and so where there has been dysfunction in the life of the pastor, there will likely be dysfunction in the life of the church and its people. Those around you were likely being spiritually manipulated and abused, as well. Where possible, be curious and kind with one another. You are all walking wounded.
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Allow yourself time to process, grieve, and heal. Processing your questions and pain in a safe community will help; seeing a professional counselor to understand what was good and what was abusive might be helpful, as well.
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Your pastor may or may not have meant to abuse his power and position, but he did. (We cannot know another person's motives, either for good or for harm.)
Take the time to identify any places of unhealth or dysfunction. Identifying your hurts and wounds will help you heal and forgive, and help prepare you to move through the stages of grief and healing. Your Good Shepherd longs to lead you beside still waters and restore your soul. It is His honor and delight to heal your heart, but He will wait patiently. He knows better than anyone the heartbreak, betrayal, and trauma you've walked through.
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Where you're able, we encourage you to stand firm in the His lovingkindness and in the truth.
