Podcast Episode #301

This is an episode we hope churches won't need to consult, but unfortunately many of them will. Extramarital affairs by pastors and staff are a reality and when it happens, churches need to be prepared.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* Churches don't prepare for this because churches don't think they will need to be prepared for this.

* There's this misunderstanding of grace sometimes where people think it means that anything goes.

* After a staff member affair, one of the most important parts of a severance package is often counseling.

* Churches should consider having outside help to guide them through the aftermath of a staff member affair.

* The goal after any affair should be reconciliation of the marriages.

* After a staff member affair, the congregation often goes through the five stages of grief.

* It's nearly impossible to pray sincerely for someone and at the same time remain bitter toward them.

The six responses we cover are:

* Terminate with compassion.

* Don’t forget the staff member’s family.

* Be forthright with the congregation.

* Provide resources for reconciliation.

* Don’t forget the pain of the congregation.

* Begin a ministry of prayer for this situation.

Episode Sponsors

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Feedback

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Resources Mentioned in Today's Podcast

* Next by William Vanderbloemen

* When the Pastor Has an Affair