It’s disheartening to read the recent accusations against Bill Hybels, founder, and pastor of the internationally acclaimed Willow Creek Church near Chicago. Hybels has been one of the most influential leaders in the Christian community for the past thirty years. The salacious details of his alleged moral failures have made headlines in prominent news outlets across the country.

I feel bad for Bill Hybels. He’s got to be humiliated by the public disclosures of his serious transgressions. I also hurt for the Willow Creek Church and its leaders who have been disillusioned by the behavior of the leader they had so much confidence in. Every elder board should take note: no matter how gifted, talented, or strong a leader is, everyone needs accountability.

I’m especially embarrassed that the reputation of the Kingdom of God around the world is so tarnished. When the prophet Nathan confronted King David with his adulterous affair with Bathsheba, David genuinely repented. Nathan informed David that God would forgive him and restore him to leadership. However, Nathan added, “… by doing this, you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt…” Unbelievers love it when a Christian leader falls. They gloat over it and use it as an occasion to blaspheme the church, paint all pastors with the same brush and imagine it excuses their own rebellious hearts.

But in the wake of this national scandal, I hurt mostly for those pastors who regarded Bill Hybels as a trusted role model. Thousands of pastors learned a lot from Bill about leadership, evangelism, preaching, courage, and compassion. We would do well to remember that God has always used imperfect people to convey his message…that’s the only kind He has. The gospel is so powerful it can be transmitted through the most imperfect conduits and still do its work.

Some pastors are so devastated by this recent disclosure they resemble the prophet Elijah who depressed hunkered down in a cave and whined, “Lord I’m the only one left. You might as well take my life. No one else is really serving you.” God informed Elijah that he was badly mistaken. There were 7,000 servants who had not bowed the knee to Baal, and it was time for him to man-up, walk out of the cave and start encouraging the younger prophets and mentoring a successor.

Pastors, may I remind you that for every failed Christian leader there are hundreds who have been faithful. Try making a list of the ministers you know who have been loyal to their mates and their calling. I’m confident you’ll be encouraged. Here are three who come immediately to my mind.

Billy Graham. What an inspirational ministry Dr. Graham had for over seven decades. No financial scandal. No marriage failure. No accusation against him could stand.

Billy and Ruth Graham (c) Billy Graham Evangelistic Assoc

He was above reproach. His marriage wasn’t a story-book romance, but Billy and Ruth Graham loved each other and boosted each other up.

In recent years some have ridiculed “The Billy Graham Rule,” the principle that he would not be alone with a woman who was not his wife.  Some suggested that guideline was archaic and impractical in this modern era of feminism. However recent scandals should remind us that the Billy Graham rule can spare us a lot of humiliation if practiced. The Scriptures encourage us to “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Peter 2:12). Billy Graham did precisely that.

Russ Blowers. Russ served the East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis for over 40 years. That church grew to be a megachurch which started dozens of other churches and had an outstanding missions outreach. When Russ retired, a local reporter asked him what he was most proud of in his ministry. He responded, “I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve never had to go into my children’s bedroom and explain to them why I had been unfaithful to their mother.” Russ Blowers’ positive example motivated me to aspire to the same goal in my home and ministry.

Russ and Marion Blowers

In the last years of their marriage, Russ’s wife Marion was victimized by Alzheimer’s. In the early stages of dementia, she was frustrated that she couldn’t remember names the way she once did. On the way home from a church-outing she sobbed, “Oh, Russ. What will I do if I can’t remember your name someday?” He comforted her by responding, “That’s okay, Marion, I’ll always remember your name.”

And he did. When Marion was eventually confined to a memory care unit in a nursing home, Russ visited her daily, bragged about her spirit and reminded everyone who would listen about what a great wife she had been.

Ben Merold. I hesitate to use Ben as an example because he’s still living, but I think it’s safe! I attended Ben’s 90th birthday party two years ago. Friends paraded out a massive cake with 90 lit candles, followed by a fireman in full gear!

Ben and Pat Merold

At age 65 Ben retired from an outstanding ministry in Fullerton, California. Eastside Christian had grown to be a megachurch under his leadership. Then he accepted a call to a church of 150 people in the suburbs of St. Louis. When he retired at age 83 from Harvester Christian church, it was averaging 3000 in attendance! For the past six years, Ben has served with me as a teacher in the monthly mentoring retreats I conduct. He’s still unbelievably alert and effective.

Ben’s wife Pat is the pride of his life and understandably so. Pat is something special. She’s a great Bible teacher and counselor to young people. She still has a twinkle in her eye and makes life fun and exciting for all who know her. The emcee at a large convention once introduced Ben Merold by saying, “I’ve always said that Pat Merold is the prettiest and sharpest preacher’s wife I know. This is her husband who’s going to preach to us tonight!”

Ben often says, “Pat and I have been married for 67 years, and I’m going to keep her… I’m not half done with her yet!” I attended a recent Christian convention in which I heard many good sermons, but I have one indelible memory from that gathering…I watched Ben and Pat Merold walking to their hotel…holding hands!

We’re all deeply disappointed when a trusted leader is proven to be something less behind the scenes than we envisioned. But remember: for every failure, there are 7,000 Christian leaders who are standing firm and giving themselves wholly to the work of the Lord. Let’s be determined to join their ranks so others can look to us one day and say, ”That’s what I want for my life, my marriage, my testimony.”

Your story will probably never be covered by the Chicago Tribune or The New York Times because it’s not salacious enough. But one day you will be commended by the Judge of the Universe when He says, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into your master’s happiness.”

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