Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. His blog “Seeing Gray”

“This is not an inspirational talk” “for some of you this may be the reason you’re here today… were going to talk about: ‘When Leaders Fall’”

Faced with the knowledge that two of his pastors were involved in an extramarital affair he had to deal continue with a service while being assisted by one of the accused…

None of us are immune
Careful to establish boundaries

Four options to handle:

  • Say nothing
  • Be evasive
  • Denounce and distance
  • Transparency, and honesty, and with compassion

Adam wanted their congregation to handle the situation with integrity.
Get ahead of the rumor mill. “Pray and don’t throw stones”
Adam preached on the grace of the gospel.

The outsiders wanted to see if they were going to see these two like the Pharisees saw the woman caught in adultery or see them as Jesus saw here.
The vast majority of the witnesses were proud of the way it was handled. Some first time visitors were impressed enough to stay.
Staff covenant * Policy of mingling with the opposite sex * If something looks like a date we count it as a date * Policies are discussed in the open so that everyone knows.

“The moment of the maybe” Playing with the temptation, wondering how life would be if I pursued the possiblility.

“Nothing good can come from telling the object of affection that you are attracted.” “Maybe becomes a yes”

It is so much easier when you don’t give up on the “Plan A” that God has given you.

Resisting Temptation:

  • Remember who you are: You are a child of God, Someones husband, daddy. a child of the King…
  • Recognize the consequences of your actions, will I feel more free or less free. Fantasize the worst options
  • Stop Drop and Pray, Rededicate yourself to God.
  • Reveal the struggle to a trusted friend James 5:6
  • Remove from the situation.

The aim of the Christian life is Sanctification: avoid sexual immorality. We’re called to model for others what it means to be like Christ

We serve a Lord that was/is a friend of sinners. Father forgive them for they know not what they do. The final word of the church must be GRACE.