In recent years, the veil has been lifted on some disturbing truths within the Church. Stories of secret sins, financial manipulation, sexual abuse, and toxic leadership — once whispered rumors — are now headlines. The very shepherds entrusted to tend God’s flock have sometimes become wolves in disguise.

And the fallout is real. From Robert Morris’s several years encounter with a minor, Joni Lamb who married another Christian leader barely four months after her late husband’s death, to the prophet who was allegedly known to have actually been “spying” on people’s website to get information about them that was used to prophecy to them, to name a few. These disturbing truths are not limited to the United States but have spread across continents.

Many have walked away from the Church, disillusioned. Some now equate “pastor” with “predator,” and for them, “church” is no longer a sanctuary but a place of betrayal. It begs the question: Have church leaders failed God’s people? Or have God’s people placed too much focus on flawed men instead of the perfect God?

The answer is a resounding “Yes,” Many Leaders Have Failed — And Accountability Is Biblical

When leaders fall, it can shake entire communities. And when sin is hidden, it erodes trust in both leadership and faith itself.

We cannot deny it. Scripture is not silent about the accountability of spiritual leaders. James 3:1 warns, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” Leaders are held to a higher standard — not to be idolized, but because their actions influence many.

When leaders fall, it can shake entire communities. And when sin is hidden under the guise of anointing or charisma, it erodes trust in both leadership and faith itself. Jesus Himself had no patience for such hypocrisy. In Matthew 23, He rebuked the religious leaders of His day for being outwardly righteous but inwardly corrupt: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs…” (v.27).

So yes, there is failure and there must be consequences. But what comes next is just as important.

No, We Should Not Make Idols of Men

While leaders may inspire us, we must remember: they are not the source of our faith. They are not our Savior. When Paul heard that some Corinthians were pledging loyalty to Apollos or Cephas, he was quick to rebuke them. “Is Christ divided?” he asked (1 Corinthians 1:13). “Was Paul crucified for you?” Our allegiance must be to Christ, not to charismatic personalities.

Hebrews 12:2 reminds us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Not on pastors. Not on prophets. Not on bishops. Because people, even well-meaning ones, will disappoint. But Christ never will.

The Danger of Disengaging from the Body

When we withdraw from the church because of human failures, we inadvertently punish ourselves. The Church, flawed as she may be, is still the bride of Christ. And Scripture is clear: we need one another. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing…” (Hebrews 10:25).

Walking away from corrupt leadership is wisdom. Walking away from God’s house entirely is often wounding. Like avoiding hospitals because some doctors have caused harm, it leaves us spiritually untreated.

We must discern, not disengage.

Most of church people have been hurt – I’ve been hurt, too. It’s called church hurt. It’s the kind of hurt that digs deeper into the souls of those who love Jesus and deep enough for those who are looking for redemption. But, instead, found desecration and debauchery.

And, yes, I did step away from church (the physical building) and didn’t want to belong to any. But, like Jeremiah (20:9) said:

“Then I said, I will not make mention of Him, nor speak any more in His name. But His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, ...”

A Call to Reform, Not Retreat

This post is not to judge or condemn any leader – we all stand before God. Rather it is a call to those who have been hurt by the church to look not to man, but up to Jesus. It is the more reason why we all need to know Him personally, and not through our church pastors or leaders only.

The exposure of corruption within the church leadership is painful; but it is also purifying. It’s God cleaning house. Judgment begins in the house of God (1 Peter 4:17), and when sin is brought to light, it’s an invitation to repentance and realignment.

It’s time for the Church to return to its first love. To stop chasing fame, performance, and personality and to start embracing humility, holiness, and Christ-centeredness. We need leaders who fear God more than they fear being unfollowed. And we need believers who know how to separate their love for Jesus from their loyalty to personalities.

Final Thought

Church leaders have indeed failed in many instances, but Jesus has never failed us. Let every disappointment with man push us closer to the One who is forever faithful. Let us hold leaders accountable, but never allow their failure to steal our faith.

Our eyes must remain on Christ; not because leaders don’t matter, but because He is the only One who will never fall.

For Those Who’ve Been Hurt by a “Fallen” Leader:

If you’ve been betrayed by a pastor or church leader, you’re not alone — your pain is valid.

Here are a few gentle suggestions:

1. Acknowledge the hurt – Don’t minimize it. Church hurt cuts deep because it touches your soul and trust.
2. Talk to God honestly – Cry, question, lament. He can handle your raw emotions. David did it all the time in Psalms. I did all these, too. God responded – answered some, but still kept silent on a few.
3. Seek safe community – You may need a different church, a counselor, or mature believers to walk with you as you heal.
4. Don’t throw away your faith – God didn’t betray you; a person did. Separate the vessel from the message.
5. Forgiveness is for your healing, not their excusal – You can hold people accountable and still choose freedom over bitterness.
6. Take your time, but don’t give up – Healing may be slow, but restoration is possible.

You were following Christ through that leader, not to that leader. And Christ is still calling you, still loving you, still waiting.

May God help us all in the name of Jesus.