I am man in the ministry fell into sin must he confess to all?

If a man who is in the ministry falls into sexual sin on the internet and the Lord graciously leads him to repentance and restores Him (without the man being found out) and he confesses all to his mentor and accountability partner and with him goes about putting a strategy in place so that he never falls into that sin again, must the man confess all to his church and the senior leaders? Is he unfit for any furthur ministry for the Lord? Must he resign?

1 Tim 3v2, 'A bishop then must be blameless...

Someone who has fallen into sin on the internet is not blameless.

Does one and all have to know about the sin? No.
Peoples minds are polluted enough without that.

What is the extent of the repentance? Was it done because the indiviual was found out, or was it with genuine brokeness?

I do know personally of a similar circumstance. The indiviual was not repentant and was asked to leave the church, which he did.

His wasn't through the internet, but I won't go into detail.

There is a similar thread dealing with missionaries concerning this matter.

I haven't given much help, but others will no doubt contribute.

God bless.

If we confess our sins He {Jesus} is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 .

There was a Young Girl in the Church I used to attend , who confessed to being a Lesbian in Prison.
God had set her free, so she assumed everyone would be glad she was forgiven.
God forgave her, but some of the Church Members never forgot it.
She has gone back to her sin.
Only God can restore her.

Jesus Christ only forgives sins.
It is only by the Grace of God, we all stand.
God Bless
Nellie

must the man confess all to his church and the senior leaders?

Such an act would show true repentance. If a person has truly repented, then confessing the sin to anyone would prove true humility.

Not to mention, the Lord could use such a situation and turn it into a blessing. If the leader confesses of his sin, and places himself at the mercy of his Church, he is truly acting with a servants heart. As such, the sheep in his flock could learn from his mistakes. This act might also cause others to step forward in the Church who also suffer from the same sin. This could lead to others coming to repentance. The leader should set the example for the other's to follow. If the leader cannot confess his sin before the Church, how should anyone else confess before the Church? This could only lead to a blessing.

Is he unfit for any furthur ministry for the Lord?

He was never fit for ministry to begin with. No one is. If God only chose those who were capable and fit, then there would be no ministers. The Lord purposely chooses people who are unfit, and calls them, because it clearly displays God's work and His power. Look at Peter. He denied Christ three times. He was overly eager. The Lord shaped and molded Peter into the rock. It was the Lord's work, not Peters.

The important thing is that the person is broken unto the Lord so that the Lord may work.

Obviously, if the person continues in sin, the person should not continue in ministry. Such a thing proves that the Lord is not at work in them.

Must he resign?

Who could possibly answer this question except for the Lord? Is not the Lord the one who calls a man or woman to service? Is not the Lord the one who places a man or woman into ministry? It is the Lord's decision as to whether a person should resign.

The man should spend hours upon hours in prayer drawing close to the Lord, seeking His will. He should lay his life down at the Lord's feet and admit that he is unworthy. Then, after being broken bread unto the Lord, he should let the Lord reshape Him accordingly. If the Lord feels the man is unfit, the man will know what to do. He will know to resign.

However, we must also remember that the Lord may work through a person's weakness. The important thing is that he leans completely on Christ for victory over sin. If the person thinks for one minute "I can stop this on my own," then they have already failed. The Lord is not working in them, they are working in themselves. Only the Lord has the power to keep a person on the right path. Only the Lord has the power to keep a person away from sin.

If anything, this man should learn complete and total dependence on the Lord in this. If he has not, if he has not been broken, then danger lurks in the darkness. This will show itself in reoccurring sin. The person will walk around depressed and defeated by sin, feeling as though he could never be forgiven. Christ died for all sin. He must know this through and through.

A person in this situation must submit themselves to the mercy of the Lord. They must be willing to face any trial. Through this, the Lord may work freely. And though hardship may come, Christ will always prevail when given the opportunity to work.

Hope this helps,

In love,
Blake

1 Tim 3v2, 'A bishop then must be blameless...

Someone who has fallen into sin on the internet is not blameless.

The old puritans used to ask the question as to whether a man taken in sin could ever preach again. Their answer was 'Yes, when his confession is as notorious as his sin'.

Where there has been public sin it is often necessary for public confession. If the sin is not so conspicuous it may not need public confession. 'if we acknowledge our sin...' is a Godwards admonition.

If a servant in the church continues in sin there may have to be a public action; “Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.” (1Tim 5:20 NKJV)
Krispy has some solid advice here but what this man needs, to begin with, is a brother that he can share with. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” (Gal 6:1 NKJV)

Hi Here4Him...

I feel that this may depend upon the severity of the sin.

Sin is sin. However, would we want every pastor, evangelist, teacher, etc... to resign for a sin of unforgiveness, episode of gossip, moment of lust, etc? I suppose that there is a difference between "living in" sin and "committing a" sin.

You really didn't get specific in this topic (concerning the extent of the sin). But I would certainly say that a man who fell into sin (immersed) should resign for his own good and the good of his congregation. Why? He cannot fully look after the needs of his congregation (or family) if he himself is desperately concentrating on freedom from his own dire condition.

However, we should remember that there isn't a pastor/evangelist/teacher (etc) who is completely sinless. A "good" pastor would be the first to admit that he is susceptible to the same temptations as the rest of his congregation. The Word of God includes the examples of some great "men of God" -- and many of the "greatest" were caught into moments of terrible sin. However, if all of the ministers in the world were to resign for committing a sin, there wouldn't be any ministers left in the world.

If a person is caught up in sin and is having difficulty overcoming (such as lust, rage, and even gossip), then the person should probably resign until victory is achieved.

I wonder if Peter was forced to resign for the faults that Paul pointed out?

:-(

Thanks all for your thoughts. This man was repentance was not influenced by him being found out because the church and leaders do not know but he has repented and has confessed his sin to his mentor and acountability partner and they together have done all they can to make sure he does not fall again in this area (ie, subscibing to an internet accountability website etc).

The man is clearly broken over his sin, and over God's mercy and unfailing love to him.

But the thing is if the church and the leaders were to know they would never forget, and for the rest of his life they would the man would probably be marked by the sin into which he fell. This man has consistently walked in righteousness and has sought the Lord for holiness, and this was a fall but not a habitual lifestyle.

Isn't confessing it to God and his mentor enough? God is merciful but generally men are not, God forgives sin and puts it behind His back, men are slow to forget.

I know that this man's heart is to serve the Lord, and he wants to serve Him more faithfully and is seeking Him and His grace and strength. Hasn't this suffered enough over his sin- the shame, the guilt,the regret, the grief, the brokeness- need he suffer more?

He was never fit for ministry to begin with. No one is. If God only chose those who were capable and fit, then there would be no ministers. The Lord purposely chooses people who are unfit, and calls them, because it clearly displays God's work and His power. Look at Peter. He denied Christ three times. He was overly eager. The Lord shaped and molded Peter into the rock. It was the Lord's work, not Peters.

The important thing is that the person is broken unto the Lord so that the Lord may work.

Obviously, if the person continues in sin, the person should not continue in ministry. Such a thing proves that the Lord is not at work in them.

Amen brother!

Sin is sin. However, would we want every pastor, evangelist, teacher, etc... to resign for a sin of unforgiveness, episode of gossip, moment of lust, etc? I suppose that there is a difference between "living in" sin and "committing a" sin.

Yes, there is a big difference in living in sin (habitual sin)and moments of sin.

It should not be named among any leaders of habitual sin. Yes, leaders should be blameless as Paul stated about bishops and even deacons.

For leaders to be in known habitual sin need to take warning from Paul in Rom.2. For the wrath of God is stored up among those who habitually sin and then teach others not to sin when they are guilty of what they teach agaist (hypocrites). Notice how Jesus despises the sin of hypocrisy in the gospels. This is one sin that is clearly stated that Jesus hates. He clearly rebuked the religous leaders of this sin in front of everybody, just like Paul rebuked Peter in front of others of his hypocrisy. Habitual sin should not be taken lightly, especially with leaders. Paul rebuked Peter in front of all because his sin was seen publicly, so must be corrected in public that all may know not to follow this sin.

Here4Him mention that it was not a habitual sin. So, I guess the leader glanced at it and was convicted and repented. If it did happend in that way then I don't believe he has to confess publicly. Thats good he did confide in other men, even though it wasn't a habitual sin, it showed his sensitivity to sin, humility, and a desire to walk in holiness.

Isn't confessing it to God and his mentor enough?

Repentance can often follow confession.“And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.” (2Sam 12:13 KJVS)

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.” (Psa 51:1-4 KJVS)

16. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

That person has already confessed to some people...also they made a tactic not to fall back into this sin...
and now you have basically confessed here for that person and all to see...
Now that person should go to the leaders of the ministry and confess to them...
pray with them and such...show the changes he or she has made to resist this sinful action...
it will be up to the leaders if that person needs to tell the flock.
That person realized they did wrong...why ...because they strive for the spirit and not to the flesh.

also that person must remember....they have corrected the situation, been brought back to the path of the Lord...remember

Romans 8

1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4. That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

I pray though that this person has asked forgiveness from the Lord for this sin since the Lord brought him or her to repentance...and know this even if the people of this world does not be so forgiving God will be for that person repented in their way and made preparation to avoid it or made it so they can not do it again.

If one sins in ignorance then realizes it and turns away from it and asks forgiveness from the Lord they have a mediator and then they confess
to those he or she is comfortable with and their leaders know God has forgiven that person even if those leaders and other people do not...but that person must remain away totally from that realized sin.

People make mistakes...no one is perfect...God does forgive and people need to remember
Jesus said
Matthew 6
14. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Repented, confessed...yes they are still fit for ministry...Paul killed then repented and went out and brought the word of God to the people...Jesus forgave him and sent him out and made him an apostle.

I forgive that person for his imperfection and his weakness...I say he is still fit for ministry for he is of the spirit for if he was of the flesh he would not have repented as quickly.

This is what I belive.

I have heard it said that the person who has committed the sin, needs to ask forgiveness of the Lord, (with a broken, truly repentant heart), and confess this sin to the ones who it affected.
When a person responds to the conviction of God over their sin, it can be dealt with, with God.
I believe sins become Public Knowledge, when the person has ignored God's warnings and have hardened their hearts from Truth and Righteousness, and natural consequences run their course.
But if a man/woman is convicted and truly sorrowful, with a Godly sorrow, that is something that can be dealt with, with God...
It is also important to have an Accountability partner...someone who is trustworthy, who will have the Mind of Christ and a Heart after God, who will sincerely lift the person in prayer and encouragement, without condemnation.
I would not suggest a public confession unless it was publically known, otherwise,
the person opens themselves up to the judgemental and legalistics that will bring the sin up into their face and not let them forget it.
This opens a door for the enemy to cause the person to be so overwhelmed with condemnation, that they will not walk daily in victory and eventually will give up, because they think they are not worthy to continue the call on their life.
But we...none of us....were worthy to begin with.
Tell this man, that he must not give up. Tell him that God takes what was intended to destroy and turns it to good and He is Glorified....
Those who have fallen, are much quicker to bend down and help someone else up...

Talkn2u said

I would not suggest a public confession unless it was publically known, otherwise, the person opens themselves up to the judgemental and legalistics that will bring the sin up into their face and not let them forget it. This opens a door for the enemy to cause the person to be so overwhelmed with condemnation, that they will not walk daily in victory and eventually will give up, because they think they are not worthy to continue the call on their life.

I agree with this, i think this is God's heart. This man has suffered terrible grief over his sin, the Lord has put it away, and has restored him, he wants with all his heart to serve the Lord again- its all he has ever wanted to do. Sin against His Lord has cost him dearly, and he is already facing a battle against condemnation and it is not publically known. The reason he asked these questions is that voices have been speaking into his ear 'You are a disgrace', 'You are totally unfit to serve the Lord', 'You must resign', 'how could someone who has done what you have done serve the Lord'.

And by the way in case you have not already realised - I am the man.

You can tell by your subject that it is you...I used a third party way of speaking for you also used it in your first post.

Dont listen to the voice that is telling you to resign...that would be the evil one at work through you thoughts...all of us are imperfect and we all have sin...to confess is a good thing for it clears the heart...you have been convicted by the spirit for your heart belongs to God....now do not linger in those thoughts that tell you that you are unfit...

Let me I pray tell you a piece of my life...

when I was a child I had an experience that shook my family up and within this experience God anointed me with a function...one that no one would easily be able to bear for it brings great rejection and makes people fear...
my mother brought me to our pastor (for I was only 9 years old) and we told Him what happened to me and the pastor said tell no one of the experience...
well I opened my big mouth not about my experience but everytime I saw someone within the church sinning...and not just the congregation but mainly the pastors and leaders for I saw they were spotted I pointed it out and told them through scripture to stop...
the whole church rejected and highly persecuted me. I didnt have to tell them my function they knew it everytime I opened my mouth.
I ran from the church and fell into deep sin...Even though I hated sin dearly I fell into it through the rejection of the church...But God used what satan meant for evil and used it toward His good...I am now back into my function and am getting ready to go face the church and bring tell them the words God gave me when I was a child.

God has forgiven me for running away...I can say this though for a fact...no matter what I fell into Jesus was always there...the times I almost died Jesus was always there, He never left nor did He ever forsake me in any way...when I was hungry He fed me...When I was cold He warmed me and convered me until this moment in my life Jesus has always provided for me...even when I was in sin.
Now The Lord has shown me I rest in the palm of His right hand and I sit upon His right shoulder, this I have been shown by the Lord himself...So if I can run from my function and God can place me right back into it...then you can minister for you had a convicting heart and have brought yourself out of that sinful way.

We cannot condemn anyone for their human errors for if Jesus forgave we also should be easy to forgive.
Like I said before I forgive you for your error, we are not perfect we are running to perfection...

Here4Him wrote:

And by the way in case you have not already realised - I am the man.

Brother, All I can say is He is a God of compassion...Sin cannot be taken lightly, BUT, Don't allow satan to beat you up with this.

As far as I'm concerned, (for what that's worth), You should move on...keep serving the Lord, keep fighting, and not allow yourself to commit this Sin again.

I shall pray for you my friend.

Thanks Pastor Marcy for you comforting words. The Lord Bless you

As far as I'm concerned, (for what that's worth), You should move on...keep serving the Lord, keep fighting, and not allow yourself to commit this Sin again. I shall pray for you my friend.

Thank you my brother, truly the Lord is with you.