During the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, the steamship Clara Nevada navigated Alaska’s Lynn Canal carrying dozens of passengers and a cargo of gold.

Amid a storm on the night of Feb. 5, 1898, the ship struck an uncharted rock 55 miles north of Juneau. The vessel sank, and the passengers perished.

Congress responded to this tragedy by authorizing funds for a lighthouse at the site of the wreck. The Eldred Rock Lighthouse began operating in 1906.

Sin and unethical practices are the rocks that destroy lives and ministries. The truth of God’s Word shines a light on these hidden perils.

Writing to the young pastor Timothy, the apostle Paul told him to “fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience” (1 Timothy 1:18–19). Paul warned that some had lost their way and “suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith” (verse 19).

Moral failure devastates ministers, their families, and their congregations. It casts a dark shadow on the Church and the cause of Christ.

Ethical failures among church leaders disillusion believers and harden unbelievers against the gospel. The consequences have eternal implications.

This is why Paul cautioned Timothy, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16).

Ministry can be exhausting and trying at times. But we cannot afford to let down our guard. If leaders in the Early Church needed to watch their lives and doctrine closely, today’s ministers must do the same.

Of particular concern are issues involving money, sex, and power. Throughout Scripture and church history, these temptations have led many astray.

Resources, intimacy, and leadership are gifts from God. But under the corrupting influence of sin, they become obstacles that tear through lives and ministries, quickly taking them to dark depths. 

In my experience as an Assemblies of God district secretary, followed by two years in the national general secretary’s office, I have seen it time and again. These three rocks are the most common reasons for ministerial discipline.

To serve Christ and His church effectively and finish well, we must maintain integrity in these areas.

Money

Many ministers run aground on the rocks of financial problems, including mismanagement of personal funds and misuse of church finances.

The biblical prohibition against stealing is clear (Exodus 20; Ephesians 4:28), but embezzlement of church funds is not the only pitfall. There are more subtle ways leaders fail to honor God in financial matters.

Ministers should lead by example in tithing, giving generously, paying taxes, and living within their means.

Many pastors struggle with consumer debt, which adds strain and creates vulnerabilities to temptation.

Coveting a lifestyle that is financially out of reach causes a desire to purchase items on credit. The biblical principle of being content with what we have can help us avoid this trap.

The apostle Paul said, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12–13).

There are resources that can help with debt management, including books and credit counseling services. Getting out of debt requires discipline, but in the long run, there is joy and freedom in owing nothing but love (Romans 13:8).

If your church does not pay a livable wage, talk with the board about a salary adjustment, or develop a reasonable schedule that allows for bivocational employment. Communicating your needs can go a long way toward avoiding burnout.

Don’t use ministry influence for promoting personal business ventures. Congregants can utilize a church leader’s business, of course. But we don’t want people to think our interest in them is commercial rather than pastoral.

Another temptation ministers should guard against is gambling. Decades ago, legal gambling was limited mostly to casinos and lottery tickets. Today, websites and apps make it easy for people to place bets via smartphones.

Resources, intimacy, and leadership are gifts from God. But under the corrupting influence of sin, they become obstacles that tear through lives and ministries, quickly taking them to dark depths. 

The gambling industry preys on people who are poor, desperate, and prone to addiction. Church leaders — who are certainly not immune — must take a stand against such exploitation by abstaining from gambling.

Money problems can lead to moral failure, including the misuse of church finances.

Resentment and greed might cause a church leader to think, I deserve more money. No one will know if I take something for myself.

Too many pastors have violated their sacred trust by using church credit cards for personal expenses or stealing cash from offerings. No wonder Scripture says, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).

Related to the love of money is the reality that some pastoral salaries greatly exceed that of the average person in the congregation. Ministers should receive fair compensation. However, creating lavish lifestyles for leaders can hurt a church’s testimony.

Scripture also warns against favoring the rich (James 2:1–13). Leaders appreciate benefactors and ought to honor their hard work and generosity.

Friendship with successful people is not wrong, but pastors should equally love and respect all congregants.

Four principles can help you avoid shipwreck in the area of finances and build a sustainable, God-honoring life and ministry.

1. Maintain a posture of obedience and gratitude in regard to finances. Tithe with joy. Pay taxes with integrity. Live within your means. Steward resources responsibly, avoiding risky behavior and unnecessary debt.

2. Remain alert and discerning regarding temptation. When feeling tired, frustrated, or disillusioned, you are vulnerable.

During such times, seek the Lord for strength to stay the course. Lean on the prayers and support of family and friends as well.

3. Create effective ministry financial systems with built-in safeguards. You can trust people while still establishing systems for proper financial management.

Establish and follow careful accounting practices. For example, the process of approving a purchase and signing the check should involve more than one individual. At least two people should count and record offerings.

4. Invest in retirement. Mature financial planning is not unspiritual or materialistic.

Recent data concerning Assemblies of God ministers and their retirement funds is discouraging. Many cannot retire with any financial security. Consequently, some leaders stay in positions long after they should have passed the torch.

We can have a living hope of Christ’s imminent return and plan for our future. Churches should contribute to a retirement plan for pastors and staff members, with a matching fund option.

Money can be a tool for good, but it can also become a snare. Church leaders should steward well their personal and ministry finances.

Sex

Sexual sin has shipwrecked many leaders through the years and remains one of the major areas of moral failure in ministry. This issue has shattered families, devastated congregations, destroyed individual lives, and damaged the Church’s witness.

God’s design for marriage is a beautiful union of body and spirit that reflects His love. All sexual activity outside of biblical marriage is immoral.

The Bible is clear: God created humankind as male and female and reserved sexual intimacy for the lifelong bond of marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 1:26–28; 2:21–24; Matthew 19:4–6).

Because marriage is covenantal, any expression of sexual intimacy outside of that bond violates God’s design.

While premarital and extramarital sex are the most obvious examples, emotional affairs and inappropriate internet or text exchanges also cross boundaries. Jesus taught that sexual sin begins in the heart (Matthew 5:28; 15:18–19).

Ministers must be careful to avoid even a hint of impropriety. This includes sexual innuendo, lewd humor, flirtatious talk, and any unwanted or unprofessional physical touch.

The power differential between a pastor and congregant makes clergy sexual misconduct particularly egregious. Abusing authority and violating trust undermines the Church’s reason for being and becomes a stumbling block to the gospel.

Churches should establish practices that safeguard ministerial integrity. Because each congregation’s context is different, there is no one-size-fits all approach. However, a few best practices are worth considering.

When ministering privately to a congregant of the opposite sex, have another person present or meet in an office with windows while others are in the building.

If someone is coming to your office for pastoral care, discontinue visits and refer the person to a professional counselor after three meetings (if not before).

There are diverse schools of thought regarding interaction with ministry co-workers. Some ministers avoid being alone with anyone of the opposite gender who is not a spouse. Others create policies that ensure safety without leaving anyone feeling sidelined.

Because marriage is covenantal, any expression of sexual intimacy outside of that bond violates God’s design.

God calls both men and women to ministry roles, and we should celebrate the ability to work together.

Spiritual formation, professionalism, commitment to marital fidelity, and treatment of colleagues as brothers and sisters in Christ are the most important guardrails.

Appropriate workplace protections are important. However, there should also be liberty for men and women to fulfill their callings and collaborate professionally.

In addition to maintaining integrity in relationships, ministers must guard their hearts and minds by staying away from inappropriate media and pornographic material.

It’s easy to assume this issue affects only nonbelievers. Yet pornography ensnares Christians, too — including church leaders. It causes real harm to people, relationships, and ministries.

In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt cites studies indicating pornography use makes people less inclined to form or maintain real relationships.

“These trends are likely to get worse with the arrival of the metaverse, spatial video, and generative AI,” Haidt says. “Now that Meta and Apple offer headsets that let users wander through any kind of world that someone else can imagine for them, three-dimensional porn featuring ‘perfect’ people with impossible bodies is sure to become an even stronger lure.”

Psalm 101:3 says, “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.” And Jesus warned that looking at another person lustfully is sin (Matthew 5:28).

Because of the pervasive nature of pornography in today’s society, ministry leaders should take proactive steps to remain above reproach.

Subscription services such as Covenant Eyes monitor electronic activity and report to accountability partners.

Celebrate Recovery provides resources for those who are struggling with addiction. Ministers can also find a list of professional counselors at ministerfamilycare.ag.org.

As with all temptations, walking with God is the best preventative. Delighting in His character, spending time in His Word, worshipping Him, and listening to His Spirit keep our hearts oriented toward God’s righteousness and truth.

Psalm 1 puts it this way:

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers (verses 1–3).

In addition, the Psalmist says, “The way of the wicked leads to destruction” (verse 6).

Those who delight in God’s truth do not see people as objects for sexual gratification, but as individuals created in His image. Fellow believers are brothers and sisters in God’s family. Those outside the Church are lost souls Jesus died to save.

This biblical understanding keeps us focused on serving God and others as we reject wrong attitudes and actions.

Leaders who are married should reaffirm that covenant daily, giving thanks for God’s gift of a spouse. Commitment to marital health also means seeking help from a professional counselor when needed.

These principles will help us avoid shipwrecking our lives with sexual sin. As spiritual leaders, we must take steps to safeguard ourselves against ruin, others against harm, and the gospel against disrepute.

With that in mind, I also want to address the Church’s responsibility to protect and care for the most vulnerable among us: our children and youth.

Avoid being alone with an unrelated minor. This limits the possibility of unhealthy bonds forming and protects you against false accusations.

When providing transportation for a minor, another adult should be in the vehicle.

Individual mentoring should take place in a public setting or with a third person present.

Refrain from privately texting or direct messaging minors. If it is necessary to communicate digitally with a student, add another adult to the communication.

Respect personal space, and steer clear of any comments a teenager might interpret as flirtatious or suggestive.

Young people should feel loved, cared for, and safe in church. If you become aware of sexual abuse involving a minor, report it immediately to the appropriate authorities and remove the offender from leadership and proximity to children and teens.

Power

Jim Bradford, pastor of Central Assembly of God in Springfield, Missouri, offered some helpful guidance on the proper use of spiritual authority during Episode 346 of the Influence Podcast.

Bradford started with the words of Jesus in Luke 22:25–26: “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.”

Godly leaders are not controlling, but bring out the best in others, Bradford explained. Instead of demanding people cater to them, godly leaders serve.

Further, Bradford observed that godly leaders expect and embrace accountability.

Spiritual abuse — especially authoritarian modes of leadership — is a growing challenge for the Church. We need God’s Word, wise counsel, and the Spirit’s help to distinguish godly authority from ungodly oppression.

Some leaders amass power by rejecting any authority that would hold them in check.

Others use their ministry calling as a shield, claiming anyone who questions them is rebelling against God’s anointing.

While those who lead deserve respect, God is the ultimate authority. Any human authority is delegated, and therefore limited.

Healthy disciples make healthy leaders. Abuse often arises from leaders who are gifted but emotionally immature, wounded, or living in sin.

Ministers are responsible for protecting, equipping, empowering, encouraging, teaching, edifying, and sometimes rebuking and correcting. All of this should happen in a spirit of love and concern (John 10:11; Ephesians 4:15; 1 Peter 5:2–3).

Correct use of spiritual authority blesses others — even if the guidance is difficult or uncomfortable.

God never intended church leaders to function as despots. In fact, all believers are part of the royal priesthood, share in the same life of the Spirit, and have callings and gifts worthy of respect (1 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 4:4–6; 1 Corinthians 12:7–11).

Some church leaders abuse their power through manipulation and control. The abusive leader often misinterprets Scripture or claims to speak for God in every situation.

Such leaders exploit people under their care to serve their purposes. A frequent strategy is alternating between praising and shaming followers. This causes people to question their perceptions, memories, and sense of reality.

Abusive leaders often use fear as a tool for intimidation. Correcting someone publicly to shame him or her can instill fear in the entire congregation.

Singling out some for favoritism while criticizing or ignoring others creates insecurity. People may worry about falling from their favored position or experiencing retribution or isolation. Congregants should never fear their pastor.

Many abusive leaders demand excessive accountability and insist on micromanaging the lives of followers.

People should look to church leaders for spiritual guidance and discipleship, but healthy leaders help them learn to make God-honoring choices and take responsibility for their lives.

The abusive leader often misinterprets Scripture or claims to speak for God in every situation.

This is part of the process of growing from spiritual infancy to godly maturity (1 Corinthians 3:1–2; Hebrews 6:1–2; Philippians 3:15). We want people to become dependent on God, not a pastor.

Lack of accountability is a problem for many church leaders. They want total obedience from parishioners, but don’t allow anyone to speak into their lives or bring correction to their practices.

All ministers need accountability structures. These can include district/network leadership, church board members, and friends. Isolation in ministry coupled with lack of accountability is a recipe for disaster.

Disregarding accountability structures leads to dictatorial behavior. Assuming total control over the congregation, the leader ends all discussion by claiming to have heard from God.

For example, a pastor might choose to make decisions unilaterally instead of holding regular board or membership meetings.

Frequently, personal brokenness, struggles with sin, poor training, and bad theology drive these leadership styles.

There might be another pathology at work as well: narcissism. Narcissistic leaders are controlling and intimidating, feel entitled, and refuse correction. An exaggerated sense of importance may convince them they alone carry the ministry’s vision or speak for God.

Such leaders may permit and even sow chaos as a means of enhancing their authority. They want to look like heroes when solving problems of their own making.

Abusive practices in others are often obvious. Spotting them in our own lives and ministries can be harder, especially when they start in subtle ways.

No minister is exempt from the temptations of spiritual pride. If we fail to guard our hearts, even our good qualities can begin to fuel excessive self-regard.

Counter this human tendency by practicing humility, seeking God, and welcoming accountability.

First, choose the way of incarnational humility Jesus modeled. Secure in your position as God’s child, accept His calling, cry out for the Spirit’s help, and choose a life of service (John 13:1–17; Philippians 2:1–11).

Second, cultivate accurate self-awareness by spending time in God’s presence, inviting the scrutiny of His Spirit. The Lord disciplines those He loves. This correction, while sometimes sharp, is always healing and transformative in the end (Hebrews 12:4–11).

Third, embrace accountability. Remain accountable not only to God, but also to your family, board and lay leaders, district/network leaders, and others you trust. There is wisdom in seeking many godly advisers (Proverbs 11:14).

If you are serving within a spiritually abusive situation, prayerfully bring your concerns to the leader. Then appeal to congregational and denominational authorities, as appropriate.

When attempts to resolve the issue are unsuccessful, find a new place of fellowship and service. Sometimes the best you can do is leave the situation in God’s hands and move forward by faith.

__________

Paul told Timothy, “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you — guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us” (2 Timothy 1:14).

God has trusted you with the treasure of His gospel. One of the ways to guard the good deposit is by living a life of integrity that glorifies Him and advances the cause of Christ.

Money, sex, and power are gifts from God when stewarded well, and dangerous temptations when we deviate from biblical paths.

May the light of God’s Word guide you safely past the hidden rocks that shipwreck many, and may your life and ministry continually point others to Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:1).