The media light has fallen upon famed Pentecostal preachers and their less than perfect lives, which, to many, has come as a shock.
National evangelist or prophetess Juanita Bynum, 48, was granted a restraining order last week after filing for divorce from her husband, Bishop Thomas W. Weeks III, alleging that he beat her at an Atlanta hotel parking lot in August.
Bynum, considered the most prominent black female television evangelist in the nation, had rose to renown, especially in black communities, empowering women with messages renouncing pre-marital sex and breaking free of sexual promiscuity.
Now as she seeks a divorce based on the argument that her marriage has been "irretrievably broken" and that she is a victim of "cruel treatment," critics are attacking what seemed to be presented as a model marriage, with some accusing the prophetess of exploiting the parking lot attack for publicity.
But Bynum, who says she forgives her husband, struck down the notion that Christians live perfect lives.
"I think the misconception of Christianity is that we are people that don't have any problems," she said on ABC News' Good Morning America. "And that is absolutely not the truth."
"The purpose of spirituality is to assist you and give you the proper wisdom that you would need to handle a situation in a much more different way than a person would handle it had they not known the Lord," she continued. "I think we're tested and we're judged how we come through it."
She found it "ludicrous" that critics accused her of trying to gain more popularity, noting that God has already "favored" her with popularity and that she didn't need another person to know who she was.
The Weeks' divorce come just as another renowned Pentecostal duo, Randy and Paula White of Without Walls International in Tampa, Fla., announced their plans for divorce. In this case, the split is amicable and they blamed it on the two different ministerial directions their lives were going.
Both have been married and divorced before.
"Divorce, once a taboo in evangelical culture, is now a fact of life," writes David Van Biema in Time magazine. A poll by Newsweek showed that the divorce rate among pastors is 50 percent, no different from that of the general public.
Still, divorce is disappointing to many evangelicals. The Whites acknowledged that their divorce would let down their followers and attendance at the Tampa megachurch would "take a hit."
And one pastor cautions against attaching perfection with pastors.
"This expectation of perfection is unrealistic," writes Corey J. Hodges, senior pastor of the New Pilgrim Baptist Church in Taylorsville, in The Salt Lake Tribune, "and pastors who attempt to portray such an image cause serious damage to the church congregation and the community of faith in their times of personal crisis."
On further note, with the latest scandals having occurred within the Pentecostalism, some have raised questions about the movement.
"The Charismatic movement is so driven by emotion and by passion that it sometimes lacks both theological and moral accountability," says respected theologian Dr. R. Albert Mohler, the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and one of America's preeminent evangelicals, according to Time.
Tim Morgan, an editor at Christianity Today magazine, sees it as a more organizational problem. "Quite a few of these independent churches feel they are beholden to God alone," he says.
Fewer Pentecostals in the United States belong to churches that are part of a Pentecostal denomination than those who identify with independent churches. According to The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, 5 percent of the U.S. population are Pentecostals who identify with a denomination and 18 percent are Charismatics – those who describe themselves as charismatic or pentecostal but don't belong to a particular denomination.
Notably, divorce within the Assemblies of God – the largest Pentecostal denomination in the country – can jeopardize a pastor's job. The denomination requires that the pastor provide just cause for the divorce before ministerial credentials can continue, according to Hodges.
While the media has spotlighted Pentecostal figures and their struggles, Anthea Butler, professor of religion at the University of Rochester in New York, says the same sort of thing is happening to other Protestants such as Baptists and Presbyterians. But those other Protestants "are not media figures," she said, according to Time.
Bynum and Weeks married in a private ceremony in 2002 and again in a million-dollar, televised ceremony in 2003. The couple has been estranged since June.
RSS
As many of you Know Marriage is not giving 50% but 100% from both parties anything less and you are looking for a divorce.
I believe for a long time we in the church have sold the perception that we have it together, together, but it seems that we have totally forgotten the fact that in the Word of God we have countless stories about imperfect people serving a perfect God. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the Glory might be of God and not of ourselves (2cor4:7). When we make icons of people God will allow us to see their flaws that we might understand that it is he that should get the glory and not he/she that God is using, The value is not the vessel but the one who is in the vessel. Now on the topic of marriage because I believe we are to judge a tree by its fruits we must now re-evaluate what we are teaching about marriage as a whole because the tree is bearing bad fruit. The Word of God clearly states what will make a marriage work, the question is are we willing to obey the Word of God completely. We as husbands are to Love our Wives as Christ Loved the Church and gave himself for it(Eph 5:25). I believe that one of the main reasons that marriages in the church are failing at a rate of 50% or higher is because we go into marriage selfishly (What have you done for me lately). The question is why did Jesus(husband) wash his disciples(wife) feet, it was an example to us that servanthood is the way to make marriage work. No woman in her right mind would divorce a man who serves her as Christ serves the Church. Submission for a woman would be natural if we as men learn this Wonderful principle from God.
Grace and Peace to All
Pastor Jeff Hanson
Love fellowship Church
Jahvoice42@yahoo.com
(Let me know what you think)
star preachers? what about pastors & teleevangelist who think that they are perfect. Recently they were investigated bec. of lavish lifestyle which they are defending their sins by using the 'ye not judge' verse.
That is the problem with christianity, to show a life of perfection. to do this perfection, the pharisees will look for something to accuse bec. they are so confident of their righteousness. pharisees do not want to admit their mistakes or expose their sins that is why they cast it on to the other person. other christians are in religious bondage bec. the teachings of the church are immature & childish, always pointing to sin. that is why christians have to put a mask to look good for jesus.
How sad to think that the so called 'church' has forgotten what God Almighty says about marriage, divorce and remarriage. SIN SIN SIN But everyone is being patted on the back and is being told, "Poor thing. It will be alright." Guess what!! No it isn't alright.
Maybe the "spirit of feminism "has been lingering in the church for quite some time. There was a time when married couples "worked " through issues than avoid and divorce. Oh well.. only time will tell.
TWPeck -
I'm sorry but I can't agree with your take on that passage. I've always taken it to mean that if he (or she) walks out and deserts you than they walk out.
I can't see that Paul would directly contradict Jesus in such a way. Jesus said very plainly that the only reason that divorce could take place was for sexual immorality. Paul would be making up his own rule in opposition to what God Himself had said. I can't see him doing that.
I do agree with the rest of what you said though whole heartedly.
First let me say this: For too long the Church has put Pastors/Leaders on pedestals, we are to look to JESUS, HE is the perfect One! Yes we are to hold our leaders accountable, (God holds them to an even higher standard, preachers and teachers). We are also to pray for our leaders and those over us; how many of us actually pray for our leaders faithfully every day? We are each going to stand before God one day to give an account for our own lives, not just these pastors. Let's get the planks out of our own eyes before we judge our brethren. When I see leaders falling, my first reaction is to PRAY! The church needs to get back to the basics of the GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST! It is NOT about US, it is all about JESUS CHRIST! Too many leaders are drawing men untol themselves or unto the gifts of God. They worship the creation rather than the CREATOR! They don't seek after GOD, they seek after HIS gifts!
It's all about having a personal relationship with our GOD OF LOVE! This world is DYING, and stop storing up treasures here on earth, they are going to BURN UP! Store up for yourselves, treasures in HEAVEN! It is not about this world folks, it is about the KINGDOM OF GOD!
WAKE UP CHURCH, WAKE UP BRIDE OF CHRIST to hear what The HOLY SPIRIT IS SAYING! Look at the SIGN OF THE TIMES! HEY church, the King Groom is at the door!!! Thank you LORD JESUS! Come LORD GOD! come!
RBB
That concept is found in 1 Cor 7, particulary v. 15
14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. (KJV)
This verse, and the verse in Matt 19:9, are the only two exceptions when divorce in not a sin under the new covenant with Christ.
Sadly, we have had our ear too close to the world and have bought the lie that marriage is about our own fulfillment or happiness rather than for its true purposes (to glorify God through honoring a committment, to procreate, to provide an appropriate outlet for sexual pleasure, to alleviate lonliness). God's doctrines about marriage is about being other-centered, but because these people have thrown off doctrine, it becomes self-centerd.
It is very sad. very sad.
PDF,
'doesn't the Bible say that those who teach the Word would be judged more strictly??'
Yes it does, however, this is usually in regards to what is being taught more so then the preachers attempting to walk on water.
I understand the need to hold preachers to a higher standard, but let us not raise that level to such a level that can never be attained.
The issue regarding divorce with the whites is entirely different... it is not that we think they should be perfect, but they should obey the strict code that God has put forth for a married couple... DO NOT DIVORCE! I think she needs to join the Anglican or Methodist church... since she wants to wear the pants in the family...
We do not ask for perfection, merely to not be blatantly hypocritical and then whine about how everyone is talking about you.
"Star Preachers" as in celebrities or"Rock Stars"? Why is my head hurting?
Francine84:
While I understand the spirit of your statement I take exception to its message. As a pastor myself, I have been far from immune from life's problems; in fact, serving the Lord in this manner has brought many more of life's problems and trials my way, more than so before I "studied to show myself approved " and became ordained. We as disciples of Christ WILL go through trials, tests and tribulations not only because we live in a fallen world, but most importantly, our faith is to be refined. We are blessed to have a certain, unmovable guide, which is the Bible. While divorce is not the one unpardonable sin mentioned in the Bible, it is one nevertheless. Those who are contemplating marriage should take STRONG heed before taking such a step into a lifelong covenant. We as people, made in the image of God, make two covenants in our lifetime: one to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when we give our lives to Him and in marriage, which is a reflection of Christ's love to His Church. He does not take his covenant with His Bride lightly; He gave His own Life for it! Marriage mirrors the same. Was it REALLY that important for the White's to end a covenant union due to moving in "different" directions, expanding their church, "free" to do more marketing and promotions? Is severing the covenant worth it? I don't believe so.
I really believe that people forget that before someone becomes a Pastor or Prophohtess you have to realize these people are also human and will have some of the same problems everyone else in the world will have. Being a child of GOD does not mean you will not go through certain things in life.
TWPeck -
"The REAL problem here is that they (the Whites, Bynum & Weeks, et al) have a low view of Scripture when it comes to personal behavior. If one does even a cursory study of divorce, it is a sin and is only clearly NOT a sin when there is unrepentant adultery or when the one instituting the divorce is not a believer."
What scripture are you using for "when the one instituting the divorce is not a believer". Just wondering.
Even though the Lord makes the exception for adultery, He also makes it plain that it's not something that God really approves of. God says in Malachi 2:16 that He hates divorce and makes no mention of any acceptable reasons.
Governor Lodelia Tate please make sure you havent deceived yourself as well. Too many self appointed prophets out there making a profit in the name of the Lord. Many prophecies dont come to pass and many of them go against what is revealed in the scriptures. The bible says that those who go to the false prophets will have the same reward as the false prophets. I think it was Martin Luther who once said that those whom God intends to destroy them he gives leave to play with the scriptures. Isnt this what most of these self appointed prophets/preachers do - play with scriptures. The consequences are to to be expected nothing to be surprised about.
mcfbc:
You hit the nail on the head right there! AMEN!!
Members of any congregation need to hold the pastoral leaders to a higher standard since they are teaching the Word of God...doesn't the Bible say that those who teach the Word would be judged more strictly??
The REAL problem here is that they (the Whites, Bynum & Weeks, et al) have a low view of Scripture when it comes to personal behavior. If one does even a cursory study of divorce, it is a sin and is only clearly NOT a sin when there is unrepentant adultery or when the one instituting the divorce is not a believer.
Neither of these situations fit those criteria. Too often we try to justify our sinful actions (in the case of the Whites "moving in different directions", in the other - an "forgiven" incident (by the way, if she forgave him, then why is she not reconciled with him?).
This is the problem when we steer away from doctrine and following Christ fully to walking by our emotions and following Christ conviently.
Both parties need to repent of these sins and stay faithful to the vows they made to God and before their witnesses. They should step down from their ministries to bring about the unity they committed themselves to and that is called for by Christ.
They both should be very ashamed that they are acting in this manner and bringing such dishonor to our Lord.
From Saudi Arabia we were elated to see 'prophetess Juanita Bynum' speaking in tongues and revealing the counsel of God at her wedding. Couldn't she forsee her own status/future while counselling others? Is preaching on the television sufficient ? Are the principles of the Bible applicable to the preachers as well ? Is the preaching/prophecy ways to earn money and fame only ?
my people,
what is a greater sin - divorce or lieing? gayism or adultery? how do we focus on things that seek to derail our calling and our kingdom establishment. Jesus said i would build my church and yes we have 5fold ministers....men anionted to function on certain offices but SUPERMEN!
they were amongst the people before the ordination....they had been with the people, dance with and like the people, hung outt with and like the people.
should we focus on their mistakes? should we focus on showing our displeasure over a fruit on a tree and not do something about the root cause? Our leadership is a reflection of the people. infact they are the sum total of their people's character. if we want better leadership we must focus on the ideology on which our system find their pillars on.
we have to be responsive to the ability of god in us all. it is time to stop blaming other and get crackin on what can i do? what can i help with? public leadership is a reflection inner leadership and somewhat a promotion.
what do we say to these thing? IF GOD BE FOR US WHO CAN BE AGAINST US!
love you all
In the case of Randy and Paula White they even seem to be blaming their marital problems on the Church "they blamed it on the two different ministerial directions their lives were going".
Then you have Paula White out selling her newest book. The ad in my bookstore's monthly mailing says "Renowned speaker Paula White equips readers to conquer pain and build a strong sense of self through principles that have transformed her own life". This is a woman who is ignoring God's word and therefore God, is doing exactly what she wants, and then trying to hawk a book telling others how to live like her. Heaven forbid.
My problem is not the issue of perfection. I don't expect leaders to be perfect. My problem is accountability. Who is holding these people accountable for the sins they are committing? Who is challenging them in the decisions they are making. And my biggest problem with this is their being allowed to continue with their ministries. To me that is the worst part of this. There needs to be a time of healing, a time of restoration, a time of repentence in seeking God's forgiveness and direction. Not a flippant public asking of forgiveness and then going on as if nothing ever happened. I don't believe that divorce should exclude someone permanently from ministry. I have two pastor friends who both have been through divorces. And after a period of a couple of years out of the pulpit God began to bring them back. They walked through the valley without the pressures of ministry and came back effective leaders for Christ.
Since when was the expectation that Christians, let alone pastors, should not get divorced tantamount to 'expectations of perfection'? My God, how far have we sunk? Fidelity is a basic, not an optional extra. The day we seek to be shocked by the divorce of spiritual leaders is the day we've already lost it.
pgcfriend:
Al Mohler IS a sincere man who loves the truth and staunchly defends it regardless of denominational affiliation. What he said is accurate in the sense that Pentecostals and Charismatics (especially the visible leaders) allow personal experiences and "revelations" to guide them rather than the inspired Word of God.
Don't read in to his quote what's not there. Realize Mohler was asked about one specific situation in Christianity. I can assure you he would have spoken vehemently against the sin-sickness that plagues some Baptist churches known as child abuse.
I'm sure that R. Albert Mohler is a sincere man but his head is in the Southern Baptist sand. He acts like anything other than Baptist is prone to problems and scandal. He forgets that the secular media is NOT reporting on problems with sex abuse of children being hidden against Pentecostals but Southern Baptists. Sin is a problem throughout the body of Christ, not just Pentecostals/Charismatics. I guess there is NOT a lot of emotionalism coming into play when their preachers molest children. I would like for him and others that worship their denominations over Christ to get past their elitist attitudes and come up with solutions. Pointing the finger at people they disagree with theologically is not fair and does notthing but hinder progress in our transformation in Christ. We are all in a process of being transformed in Christ. That process comes by the renewing of our minds along with the new spirit we received after accepting Christ.
Outside of R. Albert Mohler's quote being included I thought the Time article was very fair and objective. I guess they had to include someone that wants to take pot shots at the Pentecostals.