The years 2023-2024 was a sobering one for the global church. A significant number of leaders were exposed for moral failings, abuse of power, and patterns of manipulation. For many believers, this was not only heartbreaking but deeply disorienting. It raised hard questions about the state of leadership in the church and left countless individuals wrestling with their trust in spiritual authority.

One of the painful truths we’ve seen is that undealt-with personal issues can create fertile ground for leaders to dissociate, compartmentalize, and live double lives. From a psychological perspective, dissociation often arises as a defense mechanism—a way to escape unresolved pain, trauma, or inner conflict. For leaders in positions of authority, this dissociation can manifest as a split between their public persona and their private reality.

But let me be clear: While we can understand how these dynamics develop, this does not excuse sin or justify harm. It does, however, underscore the urgency of addressing the issues within our hearts before they grow into destructive patterns.

As we process the fallout of these revelations, I want to offer both psychological insight and pastoral encouragement—especially for those who feel hurt, disillusioned, or tempted to walk away from the church altogether.

1. Acknowledge the Pain of Betrayal

When a leader falls, it’s not just their failure; it’s often a communal wound. For victims of clergy abuse, the betrayal cuts deeply, leaving emotional and spiritual scars that can take years to heal. For others, witnessing the moral collapse of someone they admired or trusted feels like a personal loss—a grief over what could have been.

God sees this pain. He grieves over abuse, hypocrisy, and the harm caused to His people. Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:6 remind us of His fierce protection over the vulnerable: “If anyone causes one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better for them to have a millstone hung around their neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

Your pain matters to God. Whether you’ve experienced betrayal personally or feel the ripple effects of these revelations, it’s okay to grieve, to feel anger, and to wrestle with hard questions.

2. Why Do Leaders Live Double Lives?

Many of the leaders exposed demonstrated a pattern of dissociation—compartmentalizing their public ministry from their private struggles. Psychologically, dissociation often stems from unresolved trauma or emotional wounds. When pain is ignored, suppressed, or spiritualized away, it doesn’t disappear; it festers.

For leaders, the pressure to perform, maintain an image, or meet the expectations of their position can exacerbate this split. Over time, the gap between their public persona and private life grows, creating what psychologists call a “double life.”

While this doesn’t excuse their actions, it does highlight the critical need for leaders to prioritize inner healing. Ministry does not exempt anyone from the hard work of confronting their own sin, wounds, and patterns of self-deception. As Jesus said, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36).

3. The Imperative of Dealing with Our Stuff

For all of us—whether in leadership or not—it’s imperative that we address the broken places in our hearts. Unresolved pain will eventually manifest, often in ways that hurt us and those around us.

Here are a few practical steps:

  • Commit to Inner Healing: Seek help from counselors, trusted mentors, or pastoral leaders who can walk with you through unresolved trauma or sin.
  • Cultivate Accountability: Surround yourself with people who love you enough to tell you the truth and hold you accountable.
  • Prioritize Rest and Reflection: Ministry is demanding, but burnout and stress can create conditions for moral compromise. Build rhythms of rest, Sabbath, and self-reflection into your life.

As a church, we must foster a culture where leaders are not idolized or expected to carry burdens they were never meant to bear. The health of the body depends on the health of its leaders.

4. Disillusionment: Where Do We Go From Here?

For many, the exposure of leaders has led to a crisis of faith. It’s natural to feel disillusioned when those we looked up to fail so spectacularly. But disillusionment, while painful, can also be a gift—it strips away false ideals and invites us to anchor our faith in Christ alone.

The church is not built on human leaders but on the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ. While leaders may fail, He never will. If you’ve been hurt or disillusioned, I encourage you to take your questions and pain to Him. The cross reminds us that God’s heart is for the broken, the betrayed, and the weary.

5. Hope for Healing and Accountability

The exposure of hidden sin, though painful, is also a mercy. God is refining His church, removing what is hidden so that His bride can be pure and holy. As painful as these moments are, they are also opportunities for healing, restoration, and renewal.

We need leaders who are willing to do the hard work of self-examination and repentance. We need churches that prioritize accountability, transparency, and integrity over charisma and growth. And we need communities that stand with victims, advocating for justice while offering hope and healing.

6. A Pastoral Word: God’s Faithfulness Endures

To those who feel weary, betrayed, or tempted to walk away: God is still faithful. The failures of leaders do not negate His goodness or His plans for His church.

If you’ve been wounded, lean into the One who binds up the brokenhearted and restores the soul. If you’re disillusioned, remember that Christ is the head of the church, and His love for you is unwavering. If you’re a leader, take this moment as an invitation to pursue healing, accountability, and integrity like never before.

The church is being refined, but its foundation is secure. Let us press on with humility, courage, and hope, trusting that God is at work even in the midst of brokenness.

In Closing

The exposure revealed much about the brokenness within leadership, but it also reminded us of God’s commitment to purify His church. Healing is possible—for individuals, for communities, and for the church as a whole.

Let’s commit to being people who pursue truth with grace, hold leaders accountable with love, and walk in the healing and wholeness that Christ offers to us all.

 

With hope and compassion,
Pastor Jacob Biswell, Psy.M.