Sexual Exploitation by Leaders - Part 1

Sexual exploitation by leaders is an issue that rears its ugly head far too often. Sexual exploitation by leaders has devastating effects on people’s lives and causes deep trauma. God is angry when leaders abuse their position and manipulate others for their own selfish desires. Unfortunately, many churches are not properly equipped to handle such incidences and often end up causing the victim more hurt and pain. Some people erroneously blame the victim, whilst the leader gets away with a slap on the wrist. Things are often viewed from a human perspective which ultimately causes far more devastation.

This first episode on sexual exploitation by leaders looks at the story of King David. A man chosen by God and loved by the people. However, he allowed his selfish desires to prompt him to go after another man’s wife, impregnate her and then have the husband murdered. Although Bathsheba was an adult, God was displeased with what the King had done and held him totally responsible.

Many in the church today see any sexual involvement between a leader and an adult congregant as consensual, but this is not necessarily God’s perspective. A leader has the responsibility for protecting people in their flock, the ministry or department and are therefore responsible for all their interactions with those that come to them for leadership. Leaders also have a responsibility in their responses to another person’s behaviour towards them. God views sexual sin between a congregant and a leader differently from sexual sin between two people that are on the same level.