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The Stain that Stays

When leaders fall

THE STAIN THAT STAYS
By John H Armstrong
Christian Focus. 201pages
ISBN 9781857925838

This is a book on a somewhat unsavoury subject, which should not be read just to create an unhelpful interest in the fall of ministers. Sexual misconduct in leadership may be more frequent in the United States than in Britain, but it is a tragically relevant subject, dealt with courageously and in a fairly balanced manner. It is a valuable corrective to books which too lightly speak of forgiveness and restoration.

The author deals with biblical texts thoroughly, but has to admit that there is no definitive answer to some of the issues he would want to raise. For example, what is meant in Galatians 6 by the phrase 'restoring the penitent'? Or, again, in 1 Corinthians 6 what does Paul mean by referring to sexual sin as being particularly abhorrent because they sin against the body? Not least, he deals honestly with the challenge of 1 Corinthians 9 where Paul is concerned that having preached to others he might eventually himself be disqualified. What does that final phrase mean?

In all honesty the author has to admit that these biblical texts do not give a final answer as to whether a fallen minister should be restored to office, even if forgiven and brought back into fellowship. He deals with the subject in terms of preparing for ordination, as well as the discipline needed where a minister has so obviously fallen in this manner.

I am not fully convinced by the argument. But I do believe that this is a helpful book to set against the more obviously irenic contributions that we hear today, where fallen ministers can so easily be brought back into service, and, indeed, are seen to be almost more effective because they are 'wounded healers'. Nor am I completely convinced that sexual sins are in a category completely on their own. In one sense the teaching within this book applies to many other sins. With the right attitude in mind it is a book that could be helpful, not least to those who are in Christian leadership, laity as well as clergy.

Philip Hacking