The Commentary

One evangelical leader, who phoned EN having received the news of Roy Clements ending his ministry
and leaving his family to pursue a relationship with another man, commented: 'If I had been asked to dream up what could be the greatest blow to the evangelical cause in Britain at the present time, I am not sure I could have come up with anything worse than this'.

In many ways, the homosexual motivation behind what Roy Clements has done, though very serious, is not the greatest travesty in this situation. What he has done in walking out on his wife and family is utterly heartbreaking and shameful. Similarly, the wreckage he leaves behind in abandoning his church and calling from God is enormous.

Many Christian people will be shocked and their faith undermined by the news. What should we bear in mind in the wake of it all? We know that ultimately we must look to the Lord rather than to Christian leaders, but nevertheless we cannot but tend to have a deep affection for those whom God uses to help us, and when they fall in such a catastrophic way, we are naturally devastated. But we should remember a few things.

1) First and foremost, thinking coolly (rather than letting emotion take over), we must see that the gospel is either true or not true regardless of a tragedy surrounding one particular preacher. The solid reasons and objective facts which led us to Christ (perhaps under Roy's ministry) are as true now as they were then. Christ being risen from the dead is a truth which stands, irrespective of the ups and downs of God's church at a particular time.

2) The Bible contains the stories of a number of mighty warriors for God who later fell. The New Testament includes many who at some time preached the gospel, but then fell away, either for a short time or more permanently. We can think of Peter, Judas, John Mark, Demas and others. No doubt there will be those within the church, who, not liking the force of Roy's challenges to their positions, will be quick to label him a Judas and revel in his demise. But that would be a travesty. Roy is no Judas, rather he is a Samson - a man who has won great victories under God, but failed to address a deep flaw in his character which has now sadly brought him down, and made him, at least for the time being, blind.

3) This whole matter is not yet over. Being frank, it could go either way. On the negative side, it could be that the homosexual lobby might use this to further their cause. Perhaps even Roy himself could be tempted to turn his considerable talents to becoming a proponent for some kind of gay agenda. If this were to be the case, we would do well to remember the words of the apostle Paul concerning sexual impurity: 'Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.'

But, on the other hand, things could turn out positively. Aware of the situation, another friend spoke to EN and said that, as he prayed about it, he felt sure that the Lord would eventually turn things round. We would obviously encourage our readers to pray for Roy and especially for his family, who have been hurt very much indeed.

4) This does serve as a loud wake-up call for Christians. If one of our leaders can fall, so can we. Our response ought to include humbling ourselves before God, and searching our own hearts repentantly. Leaders are especially targets for Satan's attacks. Such people carry heavy responsibilities. Because of the need to keep confidences, they are rarely able to share what is on their hearts and so can easily become isolated. Great men in the pulpit may be lonely individuals in private. Under the constant demand for them to minister in different parts of the world, they are frequently away from their families. It is to the lonely and weary soul that the devil often comes in his gentlest and most persuasive guise.

Roy Clements has been (and yet may be) a great man for Christ. But the church does not rest on any one man. It rests on the Lord Jesus Christ who has promised: 'I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it'.

See also Roy Clements walks out and When a good man falls by Gary Benfold.

Roy Clements

John Benton

Main Articles

Other articles