Ted Haggard is Back
- 11.16.09
- Church, Forgiveness, Ted Haggard
- 18 Comments
Pastor Ted Haggard is a man who once had the ear of White House staffers and lobbied Congress for conservative U.S. Supreme Court justices. Back in 1985, he began holding a weekly Bible study in his home that eventually grew into a 14,000 member church. Then in 2006, it all came crashing down as he was forced to resign amid a sex scandal that rocked the evangelical world.
Now, three years later, he’s back. He and his wife are once again hosting a Bible study in their Colorado home…and people are coming. Nearly 100 this past Thursday.
Many of those who attended carried cookies, pies, and brownies along with their Bibles. By the time the Bible study began, more than 50 cars were parked outside their home. Haggard insists that his intent is not to start a new church, but he isn’t ruling out the possibility. He said the reason for starting a home Bible study after three years of exile was a simple one. “We were getting lonely,” he said.
Albuquerque pastor, Alan Hawkins, traveled to Colorado Springs to be in Haggard’s living room last Thursday. He said, “The essence of our faith as Christians is to forgive. When this thing happened, I said, ‘Ted, nobody is defined by their worst moments.’”
I’ve been following Haggard’s journey over the past three years, and on Friday, I listened to the audio of Haggard’s first public speaking engagement that took place one year ago. I found him to be contrite, humble, and surprisingly honest about his journey up to that point. I was actually inspired by his words and felt a great sense of compassion for him as I listened.
At the time of the recording, Haggard said that he was selling life insurance and reported that he was actually beginning to make enough money at it to provide for his family (five kids, including one son with special needs). I was happy to hear that he was finally back up on his feet and able to provide for his family once again.
Then today I read the news story that he is holding a Bible study in his home and is open to the possibility that it may become a church – with him as the leader – sometime in the future. I’m torn about this. On the one hand, I celebrate with him the forgiveness, freedom, and restoration he claims he has received from the Lord. I – along with Alan Hawkins – believe that the scandal he was involved in three years ago does not define him.
However, I struggle with whether he should be so quick to assume – whether official or unofficial – the role of pastor. By his own admission, the problems that led to his “fall from grace” were deep-seated and could be traced all the way back to his childhood. Is three years enough time to deal with those issues and assume a role of spiritual leadership once again? And, because he was in such a high-profile position of leadership and because so many people were affected by his fall, I wonder if three years is enough water under the bridge for those who were impacted.
I fully believe that God can and has forgiven Ted Haggard of his sins. I also know that it is incumbent upon all Christians to view him through the lens of Ephesians 4:32 where Paul tells us to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving of one another just as we’ve been forgiven by God through Christ. However, I do question the timing of his re-emergence into a pastoral role. Is three years enough? What do you think?
Alan Hawkins is the pastor that Megan and I went to England with. He is an amazing man and has a lot to say about Ted. Check out some of the stuff he wrote about Ted on his Church blog… http://www.newlifecity.org/blog/5
Very fair blog post. I understand everyone’s questions. Scripture is clear on the matters of qualifications for ministerial office, but it becomes unclear when we move to the question of re-qualification for those who fall. Peter’s restoration would be more instructive if his fall had post-dated Pentecost.
The timing, the location, and the authorization are all questions that people have a right and perhaps a responsibility to ask. So far this does not constitute anything but a prayer meeting in a home. It may or may not become a church. Certainly this is a big step.
Pastor thank you for engaging the issue with such generosity.
I think your worries about the swiftness of Haggard’s return to leadership are understandable. It seems that a life-long struggle like this should take longer than three years to be fully “recovered” from. At the same time, ought we put a time requirement on God’s grace? I believe that He is able to transform lives in an instant, and there are several examples in Scripture of this. Additionally, I think that one of the greatest nurturers of sin, especially sexual sin, is secrecy. Perhaps since the veil has been lifted off of the things that Ted has struggled with, there will be less chance of him falling again. I would hope that those participating in Ted’s prayer group now have forgiven him completely (because God has, and who are we to not forgive that which God has erased?) but also know that there ought to be mutual accountability in the body of Christ. They ought not to be waiting for him to fail, but they can now pray for him more specifically. We ought always to be praying for our leaders — realizing that they are human and have many of the same struggles, and perhaps more because of the pressure of leadership, that we do.
God does not work on a human timeline. Perhaps we would have thought that Saul should have taken some more time before becoming Paul, but God had work for him to do sooner. I don’t know if Ted Haggard is starting this prayer group merely because of loneliness, as he mentioned, or because he feels lead by God to do it. If he is merely lonely, who better than the body of Christ to support him? As long as they know that he, like all other leaders, is not infallible. If he has a clear direction from God to move on in the ministry, let us not hinder his obedience.
Another issue for me is location. Why start the church with the people you hurt the most and in the town you hurt the most? What about the other churches in town, that were devestated by his fall and the parishoners who scattered to other local churches? Haggard has a following, people were obsessed with him – and some of the followers will no regress to follow what ONCE WAS , rather than move forward. What about Brady Boyd who is trying to bring healing to New Life? What about all the false statments Haggard made about what the church did NOT do for him – when in fact they had done very much in the way of support. It is more than fall from grace – it is a man who decieved many and has deep integrity issues. My five cents: He should wait longer – and NOT be in the Colorado Springs area!
Yes, he’s forgiven, and yes he can enjoy fellowship with believers. But, I don’t think he should be in leadership. I don’t think its really a matter of how much time has passed, but principal. I’d have to look into scripture, but I don’t know that he fits the standards for a leadership position. We must hold God’s standards for our leaders.
I Praise God he has fallen on his knees and asked forgiveness. It is true all of us are sinful and it is only by the Grace of God he forgives us. It is up to God to put him where he wants him. He may be more of a compassionate man towards those who have fallen. God works with all of us both good and bad!
I agree with Nikki. I think the relevant teaching here is John 3:20-21, where Jesus reminds us that, because we are evil, we are afraid to come into the light so that our evil is exposed. Exposure of our sins is not only a perfectly healthy thing–it’s part of God’s redemptive plan. What makes Ted Haggard a particularly ticklish subject is that he exposes our sin of condemnation. Drug addiction and homosexuality are two things that are quickly and savagely condemned in evangelical circles, despite Jesus’ insistence that people condemning other people is not part of God’s plan. (Matt. 7:1-2) Long after his well-publicized demise, Jim Bakker said, “I forgive because I need forgiveness.” It’s one of the most powerful things I’ve ever heard. These disgraced pastors have a lot to offer, since no one’s tempted to put them on a pedestal. They’ve been humbled; their sins are exposed. We would do well to emulate them.
I’m not torn on this. Will made two comments that I thought about for a minute. One I agree with and one I disagree with. Fallen leaders can be redeemed and have a great influence on others in some kind of ministry. They are usually held under greater scrutiny and looked at as more human as opposed to some smiley offering ideas on how to live your best life. However, I think to say anyone who thinks, because of a great fall, someone should be disqualified from high leadership is committing the “sin of condemnation”, is wrong. There is legitimacy to that position. I just think all of this is a perfect example of why your trust should be in God and not a man. Whatever God chooses to do with him is His business. Men will be held accountable for misteps and if they lead others astray.
My question would be: is he under the authority, guidance, or supervision of a local church there in the Springs? If he is clearly accountable to a pastor & elders at a church, and they believe him qualified to be restored to service, then I’d be willing to accept their recommendation. All respect to Pastor Hawkins, but I’m skeptical of a distant body endorsing Mr. Haggard for further ministry. I have heard that the restoration and accountability process that was originally begun by his church ended up breaking down at some point, and if that is the case, then that is troubling. Simply put, I heartily agree that God can restore the fallen, strengthen the weak, and heal the sick, and that a failure does not automatically disqualify us for service. However, when a fall happens, especially such a public one that has disgraced not only the individual, but also the church, I think that it is wise for the leadership of the church to come to consensus on when public restoration is appropriate. It sounds very much as though Mr. Haggard is taking it upon himself to declare himself healed and moving forward, and I don’t think that’s a wise course of action.
All I can say to those who would object is – Step into the light and let’s see what you’ve got inside that’s yet to be exposed!
I think for my own personal mind set, I would have to be knowledgeable of what he did during his down time to be comfortable with his return. I would also seek a lot of prayer on his return. I think we are all prone to error and sin and leaders tend to be in the spotlight so garner the most attention when they sin. I would be curious to know what type of focus he took during his absence and who he has in his life for accountability.
What lessons from the life of King David apply here?
I do have faith that God will utilize Mr. Haggard in the way that he sees fit, and that no matter what I think or feel, will that have any bearing on that plan. I will pray for Mr. Haggard as well as those who look up to him and those who oppose him, in hopes that God’s message of mercy and grace can be shared by all.
Ok, it has been THREE YEARS here….. how much time does God need to hela a heart and who are we to put a timetable on God’s healing?
God’s grace is sufficient; if Ted feels that God is leading him in this direction, who is anyone else to say otherwise? The truth is in the puddin as they say and the fruit produced will show the reality. Grace…
A couple of comments have been to the effect of “who are we to judge? God may be telling Ted it’s time.” Well I believe Jenni hit the nail on the head when she said: “We must hold God’s standards for our leaders.” Here they are:
1Ti 3:2 The overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher,
1Ti 3:3 not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money.
1Ti 3:4 He must manage his own household well and keep his children in control without losing his dignity.
1Ti 3:5 But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God?
1Ti 3:6 He must not be a recent convert or he may become arrogant and fall into the punishment that the devil will exact.
1Ti 3:7 And he must be well thought of by those outside the faith, so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil’s trap.
And again from Titus:
Tit 1:6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who cannot be charged with dissipation or rebellion.
Tit 1:7 For the overseer must be blameless as one entrusted with God’s work, not arrogant, not prone to anger, not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy for gain.
Tit 1:8 Instead he must be hospitable, devoted to what is good, sensible, upright, devout, and self-controlled.
Tit 1:9 He must hold firmly to the faithful message as it has been taught, so that he will be able to give exhortation in such healthy teaching and correct those who speak against it.
Tit 1:10 For there are many rebellious people, idle talkers, and deceivers, especially those with Jewish connections,
Tit 1:11 who must be silenced because they mislead whole families by teaching for dishonest gain what ought not to be taught.
Tit 1:12 A certain one of them, in fact, one of their own prophets, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
Tit 1:13 Such testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply that they may be healthy in the faith
Tit 1:14 and not pay attention to Jewish myths and commands of people who reject the truth.
Tit 1:15 All is pure to those who are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted.
Tit 1:16 They profess to know God but with their deeds they deny him, since they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.
Tit 2:7 showing yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,
Tit 2:8 and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has nothing evil to say about us.
And one more relevent passage on timing:
1Ti 5:21 Before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, I solemnly charge you to carry out these commands without prejudice or favoritism of any kind.
1Ti 5:22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily and so identify with the sins of others. Keep yourself pure
Ted certainly is in need of forgiveness, encouragement and fellowship. He has repented and he needs the Body around him in support. But leadership is a whole other animal. It would seem to me that if and only if Ted is:
under the authority of a local Church Body
of which the elders of that local congregation have deeply observed Ted’s life
and who categorically and without reservation know that he does fully meet the standards for an elder as laid out clearly in the above passages
and who have without reservation considered that God is prompting them (not as a result of Ted’s seeking leadership),
then and only then should a leadership postition of any kind be considered.
Hosting/teaching a Bible study “because we were lonely”? How about participation as a regular member of a small group for forgiveness and fellowship, encouragement and growth and healing?
At what point would one think that Ted will meet the requirement of :
“And he must be well thought of by those outside the faith, so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil’s trap.” I Tim 3:7?
There are some serious issues when considering who God would have in leadership in His Church.
May God continue to bring healing and maturity to Ted and may he find the fullness of God’s Grace to be more than sufficient for his every need.
Grace!
SDG
Thanks for your latest blogpost re Ted Haggard: balanced & fair, yet bringing up a pertinent issue.
A pastor who fell from grace only 3 years ago is back. –Troubling. Loneliness is a dangerous reason to start a ministry…