I’ve been fascinated by the Caleb Flynn trial. If you’ve missed it, Flynn was a former American Idol contestant turned worship pastor in Tipp City, Ohio. Flynn was recently found guilty of murdering his wife of sixteen years while having an affair with a member of his worship team. Aside from the murder, what was revealing was the text messages shared between Flynn and his mistress, in which they both expressed the desire to see Flynn’s wife dead. This case is just another in a long line of pastors who have been found guilty of crimes from murder to sexual abuse.

For a long time, a movement within the church (especially the non-denominational church) has promoted pastors and leaders who look like the leaders in the world. There has been a high value placed on charisma, but not necessarily the charisma of the Bible (spiritual gifts), but the charisma of performers or orators who are good-looking and captivating. Think of Carl Lentz, formerly of Hillsong New York, who had celebrities in worship, dressed like celebrities, and appeared on numerous TV talk shows and podcasts. He did all that while having an affair.

We need a better model of a pastor. I almost wrote that we need to return to an older model, but I think we may need a newer one. A model where character is weighted more heavily than the charisma someone may have on stage or on their podcast. A model where pastors are known for their spiritual depth and leadership rather than the potential content they may create. We need pastors who can navigate the rapidly changing world while remaining faithful to Christ. We need pastors who will lead their congregations to know the height, depth, and breadth of Jesus Christ.

My heart grieves when I see pastors fall. My heart grieves for their congregations who will experience hurt and disillusionment. I know many pastors faithfully serve Jesus and their congregations in obscurity. Perhaps we need more of that.