Another day, another headline. Another pastor, worship leader or Christian influencer caught in scandal—financial fraud, abuse of power, moral failure, take your pick.
The pattern is depressingly familiar, and the fallout is swift but predictable. Critics call for accountability, while supporters flood social media, quoting scripture out of context, urging grace over judgment. “Nobody’s perfect,” they argue. “God still uses broken people.”
The leader steps down or takes a six-month sabbatical, and then after they’re “healed,” they usually reemerge at a new church like nothing ever happened. The scandal fades into the background and their followers welcome them back with open arms, eager to move on.
Meanwhile, the people they’ve harmed are left to pick up the pieces, often without so much as an acknowledgment of their pain.
The Excuse Machine: A Greatest Hits Collection
For every disgraced leader, there’s an army of defenders armed with a well-rehearsed script. Let’s break it down.
“Nobody’s perfect.”
Sure, perfection isn’t the standard. But decency should be. This isn’t about nitpicking small mistakes; it’s about recognizing harmful systemic patterns. If a surgeon keeps “accidentally” leaving tools inside patients, at some point, it’s not an accident—it’s malpractice.
“Don’t touch the Lord’s anointed.”
Psalm 105:15 has been weaponized to protect leaders from accountability, as if calling out abuse is the same as attacking God Himself. Spoiler: It’s not. Accountability isn’t persecution. If anything, biblical leadership is built on humility and responsibility, not divine immunity.
“God still uses broken people.”
Absolutely. But that doesn’t mean brokenness gets a free pass to run unchecked. King David repented—publicly, sincerely and without an immediate rebrand tour. If there’s no real remorse, just a strategic PR push, it’s not restoration. It’s manipulation.
“It’s spiritual warfare.”
Yes, spiritual opposition is real. But not every scandal is Satan’s handiwork. Sometimes, it’s just a leader making terrible selfish choices. Blaming the devil is often an easy out—a convenient way to deflect responsibility instead of owning consequences.
“Judge not.”
Ah, Matthew 7:1, the go-to verse for dodging accountability. But keep reading. The passage isn’t a command to ignore wrongdoing—it’s a call to self-awareness. Judgment, in the biblical sense, isn’t about condemning someone to exile. It’s about discernment, correction and justice.
These excuses sound spiritual, but in practice, they create an ecosystem where bad leaders thrive and victims are silenced. And the consequences are dire.
The Fallout: This Isn’t Just a PR Problem
When we excuse toxic leadership, it’s not just the individual leader’s reputation at stake—it’s the Church’s credibility. The ripple effects are massive.
Eroded Trust: People don’t leave churches because of Jesus; they leave because of His so-called representatives. When leaders fail without consequence, it signals that charisma and influence matter more than integrity.
Damaged Victims: The real casualties in these scandals aren’t the leaders facing a career setback; it’s the people they’ve harmed. Too often, victims are ignored while the leader is “restored” to ministry. Prioritizing abusers over the abused isn’t just unbiblical—it’s cruel.
A Tarnished Gospel: The world is watching. When Christians defend the indefensible, it’s no wonder so many see the Church as hypocritical. How can we preach justice and mercy while excusing those who act unjustly and harmfully?
Every excuse is another brick in the wall separating the Church from the people it’s supposed to reach. And that wall is getting higher.
A Better Standard: Integrity Over Charisma
So, what’s the alternative? How do we break the cycle of excuse-making while still embodying grace?
Embrace Accountability. Real accountability isn’t about punishment; it’s about protection—for leaders, congregations and the faith itself. Churches need systems that prevent power from being concentrated in one untouchable figure.
Prioritize Transparency. Secrets breed scandals. Financial records, leadership structures and conflict resolution processes—these should be open books. Transparency builds trust.
Value Integrity Over Charisma. Too often, churches prioritize dynamic speakers over decent human beings. Talent isn’t godliness. A leader’s character should matter more than their stage presence.
Support Victims. When someone comes forward with allegations, the Church’s first instinct should be to listen and care, not circle the wagons. Justice and mercy go hand in hand.
Teach Better Theology. Scripture shouldn’t be a tool for covering up misconduct. Grace isn’t about ignoring sin—it’s about transformation. True grace leads to repentance, not a rushed comeback tour.
Accountability isn’t unkind. Transparency isn’t divisive. And integrity isn’t optional.
The Call to Something Better
The Church is called to be a light in the darkness, not a place where darkness hides behind a pulpit. Defending bad leadership doesn’t just hurt the Church’s reputation—it wounds people, damages faith and distorts the Gospel.
Holding leaders to a higher standard isn’t about being judgmental; it’s about being faithful. It’s about protecting the witness of the Church. It’s about honoring the very message we claim to believe.
So the next time a leader’s sin comes to light, let’s resist the urge to reach for the usual excuses. Let’s choose accountability, transparency and integrity instead. Let’s love the Church enough to demand better—because God’s Kingdom deserves nothing less.