Recovering from Moral Failure: Restoration and Rehabilitation for Ministry Leaders

By Dr. Esther Sanchez Colon

"People in their journey of faith will fail at times. It is our duty to restore them back into the community of faith in a spirit of gentleness (Gal 6:1)." -Pastor Saturnino (Nino) Gonzalez

Ministers do not remain exempt from making mistakes and falling into the schemes of the enemy. While they should maintain a healthy

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Oct 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890413352

Dr. Esther Sanchez Colon

Dr. Esther Sanchez Colon is a registered nurse with more than twenty years of experience in various settings, including emergency services and management roles. She is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and serves as associate pastor at New Birth church in Kissimmee, Florida. She completed the Doctor of Ministry degree at Evangel University and is an adjunct professor at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. Her passion is to develop leaders who answer the call to ministry while maintaining holistic health.

Book preview

Endorsements

Hardly a week goes by without hearing or reading about another case of clergy moral failure. Sadly, this news is often accompanied by shame, blame, or scandal. Yet little is said about triage and how to help the persons involved in recovery, including the involved minister. Thankfully, Dr. Esther Sanchez Colon brings a fresh perspective on the causes and redemptive steps needed to bring about restoration and healing. Her book will be a wonderful source of help, gleaned from her doctoral research and personal experience. I highly recommend it to anyone in a church leadership role.

—Don Detrick, D.Min.

Associate Network Leader/Secretary-Treasurer

Northwest Ministry Network

Snoqualmie, WA

Grace does not come naturally, especially when a Christian leader experiences moral failure. In fact, too often, the Church even shoots its wounded. However, the work of the Spirit should make us different, giving us the heart to come alongside ministers on a path of holistic and complete restoration. This journey can lead to wholeness and fruitful ministry once again. Dr. Sanchez Colon’s book will equip Christians to walk that path—whether ministers living in the aftermath of sin or those mentoring them through the restoration process. Firmly grounded in the biblical foundation of God’s heart for restoration, as well as insights from the medical and counseling fields, this book overviews the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical aspects of restoration. May it serve as an agent of healing and wholeness in God’s redemptive plan for your life!

—Cheryl Taylor, D.Min.

AGWM Kenya

Former Director, Doctor of Ministry Program,

Assemblies of God Theological Seminary

Springfield, MO

Dr. Sanchez Colon does a thorough dive into the restoration process and the importance of a holistic response. Those who have failed need appropriate assistance for the root cause. This book is vital for leaders who embark on the restorative journey bringing people back into the waiting arms of Christ.

—Kristi Lemley, D.Min.

Founder and President, Living in the Light Ministries

Brighton, IL

One of the toughest stages in a minister’s life and ministry is the recovery process after a moral failure. With the correct tools and support, however, effective restoration can take place. Dr. Esther Sanchez Colon has birthed a valuable resource designed to help and coach leaders dealing with moral failure. She writes from real life experiences coupled with the lens of the Scriptures. I know this book will enrich the body of Christ, and I’m thankful to her for this timely resource designed to make a difference in the Church.

—Pastor Gabby and Petry Mejia

Lead Pastor, New Birth Church

Kissimmee, FL

Lead Pastor, Calvario Church

Orlando, FL and Puerto Rico

Author, Kintsugi, the Miracle Factor

Grace. Wisdom. Compassion. Truth. A future. All these words and more came to mind when I first heard of Dr. Sanchez Colon’s prospective doctoral project when I served on faculty at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS). These words resonated even more deeply in my spirit as I edited her project to become this remarkable book. It has been my honor to know her, to hear her story, and to see her heart for full and godly restoration of ministers following moral failure. No one truly understands how difficult this situation is until they have gone through it—either as one who has fallen or as the one reaching out a hand and a shoulder to restore that one for a future in Christ and His Kingdom. My deepest appreciation to Dr. Sanchez Colon for making this important contribution not only to AG networks but as a resource that the Church as a whole can use to say as Jesus did, ‘…neither do I condemn you…Now go and sin no more’ (John 8:11).

—Lois E. Olena, D.Min.

Editor/Writing Consultant/Author (lois.olena.com); 1VP, Society for Pentecostal Studies;

Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Jewish Studies (ret.),

Assemblies of God Theological Seminary/Evangel University

Springfield, MO

Dedication

To ministers who strive to answer the call

from God and serve with excellence.

May He find them doing so

when He returns.

(Matt 24:46)

Foreword

I am grateful for the life and ministry of Esther Sanchez Colon. I remember the day she came into my office with tears in her eyes to share her painful experience. Yet I saw in her during our meetings the determination to overcome and rise from what could have been the end of her ministerial life. This book, Recovering from Moral Failure: Restoration and Rehabilitation for Ministry Leaders, is the result of someone who believed God when He declared,

… to grant to those who mourn in Zion; to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning; the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit, that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

(Isa 61:3)

In my forty-plus years in ministry (with thirty-four of those as a district official), one of the most painful experiences I ever had as district superintendent was when we had to bring in a minister and confront them with moral charges. The challenge

on our side was always how to represent well our Lord Jesus Christ, who was full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

I believe Esther has captured in this book both grace and truth. She has divided her work into three sections to facilitate the reader in understanding the main themes of her work. The first section is a theology of restoration. She takes key biblical stories and contextualizes them, reflecting on the way God dealt with these characters in their own failures. In her second section, she proposes a holistic restoration process. Here, Esther examines the existing denominational history on the ministerial restoration process and suggests new ideas—taking into account contemporary challenges. In the third section, she shares case scenarios and examples where the reader can examine restoration in a practical way.

People in their journey of faith will fail at times. It is our duty to restore them back into the community of faith in a spirit of gentleness (Gal 6:1). I recommend this book to those God has called to lead as pastors of congregations. Also, it is an excellent resource book for denominational leaders.

Thank you, Esther, for making your story a redemptive, academic, pastoral tool for many.

—Pastor Saturnino (Nino) González

Emeritus Pastor, Calvario Church

Orlando, Florida

Former District Superintendent Puerto Rico District AG/Florida Multicultural District of the AG

Preface

When ministers experience sexual moral failure, they need access to the appropriate resources that will facilitate their recovery. Moral failure rarely happens because of one bad choice by an individual or simply because of spiritual problems. Far more often, multiple factors contribute to errors in judgment and ungodly behaviors. Ministers, like any other individual, are shaped by numerous influences: childhood experiences, their environment, spiritual health, mental health, physical health, emotional state, and their relationships, both past and present. As a result, when ministers stand in need of restoration, they need a holistic plan that will address all the factors that contribute to their behaviors, choices, and health.

Without comprehensive support, ministers may experience incomplete restoration, which will hinder their recovery and limit their contribution to the Kingdom. Further, an incomplete restoration process may open doors for further incidents that may permanently damage one’s spiritual health, relationships with others, ministries, and legacy in the Kingdom. Thus, it remains imperative that ministers and district leaders understand the need for a comprehensive, holistic approach to ministerial restoration. As a part of my doctoral research, I sought to improve the current ministerial restoration process in a local church and assist leaders in recognizing ministers as holistic beings with spiritual, mental, physical, and relational needs that contribute to their behaviors and decision-making processes. That research serves as the foundation for this book.

Acknowledgments

The years of my doctoral program entailed a powerful journey of mental and spiritual growth, learning, and stretching for me as I continued to prepare for God’s purpose in my life. I began that journey after experiencing a restoration process myself and surviving a painful ministry transition between my home church of thirteen years and the beginning of New Birth: A Place of Hope. Through it all, I have remained eternally grateful to God for His goodness, kindness, mercy, and provision during an unpredictable journey. I feel fully convinced that every class, every professor, every classmate, and every interaction with the different contributors at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary influenced the outcome of not only my doctoral project, but now, this book.

Dr. Carolyn Tenant, Dr. Jodi Detrick, Dr. Melody Palm, Dr. Lori O’Dea, Dr. Debbie Gill, Dr. Johan Mostert, Dr. Don Detrick, and Dr. Doug Oss guided that academic journey and contributed to my overall personal growth.

Dr. Oss as my biblical advisor encouraged me to love Scripture even more than I already did as I watched his passion in teaching others and helping them understand the riches of the Bible. Dr. Don Detrick as my project advisor offered frequent encouragement, especially during such a difficult year. His prayers and constant affirmation gave me strength at times when I did not think it was possible to make it. Dr. Jeff Fulks handled statistical aspects of this project; his expert guidance provided inspiration and reassurance for future studies.

Erica Huinda did an extraordinary job editing for me, making me sound better than I could ever describe. Her patience and support helped me navigate my doctoral journey and encouraged me to believe in myself when I thought it was not possible.

Dr. Cheryl Taylor, Dr. Lois Olena, Dr. Ava Oleson, and Geneva Heiskell welcomed me into the Doctor of Ministry program and made me feel at home. God used each of them to shape my character, sharpen my leadership skills, and help me embrace the calling God has designed for my life. I appreciate their examples and leadership. Dr. John Battaglia and Dr. Cory Shipley helped me finish well. I pray that God will continue to use them in guiding the way for other leaders on their