Author: Stephen Zeller

While visiting the doctor’s office recently, I did what most of us do there… wait. And while I was waiting I picked up a Newsweek magazine that was nowhere near current and started flipping. The first article that caught my eye and made me pause was a story on the dismissed Evangelical preacher, Ted Haggard. Remember him? He is the former pastor of the 14,000-member New Life Church in Colorado, as well as president of the National Association of Evangelicals, who was accused of having a drug-filled affair with a male prostitute.

So the story talked about how when the allegations arose, after a time of Haggard denying all charges, the church that he led asked him to step down and leave. But not just leave. He was forced to sign a contract to never step foot into that church again, and leave Colorado. LEAVE THE STATE OF COLORADO! I didn’t even know that was possible.

No matter what your opinion of Pastor Haggard may be, I think you can see where I’m going with this. Of course prostitution and drug usage isn’t something that should be handled lightly, but kicked OUT OF the church?

Houston, we have a problem. Since when was it our job to say who is allowed in the doors of the church? Yes, leaders must be accountable for their actions, but don’t you think they deserve a little mercy also? And this isn’t just about church leaders; this relates to everyone. At the time when someone is struggling the most in their life, and seeking help and support from others, and needing the church more than ever, they get shown the door. The old saying comes to mind that “a church shouldn’t be a museum of saints but rather a hospital for sinners,” um, which by the way is everyone.

This story seems all too commonplace. The church is missing the mark on this one more often than not. How often have you seen someone get hurt by, or been dismissed by, the church because they made a mistake? Or even, *gasp*, sinned! Maybe it was you that got hurt. What exactly is the church’s mission if it doesn’t walk with, help find healing for, forgive and love those who are hurting and yearning for something more? Unfortunately, I think this stereotype of the church often overshadows all the good stuff and real ministry that happens.

Isn’t the church supposed to continue the ministry of Jesus in this world? Aren’t WE supposed to continue the ministry of Jesus in this world, by loving our neighbor as ourselves? I can still picture the faces of friends who were hurting because of what the church did, or didn’t do, to them. Their pain became my pain, and it should be all our pain. Jesus said, “Just as you did it to the least of these you did it to me.” I know I personally forgot this now and then, so I’m sure I can speak for many of us that holding each other to account on this is seriously important.

Churches need to remember to keep their doors, hearts and minds open to those who are in pain and need the love and support of a caring community.

Since his “banishment,” Haggard has been allowed to return to his home in Colorado, but has yet to step foot inside a church because of the fear of bringing more bad press to his family or church. This certainly isn’t a direct accusation against him, but should serve as a wake up call for us all.

Image by Sidereal (rights)