When Christian Leaders Fall: A Biblical Response to Sin and Repentance

No matter how grievous the sin—whether it’s our own or the fall of a friend, pastor, ministry leader, or someone we love—all sin is serious in the sight of God. Moments like today’s announcement concerning Josh Buice at G3 Ministries, along with similar moments throughout church history, are sobering. They should lead us to self-examination and biblical repentance before the Lord. They also remind us of this enduring truth: we have a great need for Christ—and we have a great Christ who meets us in our need: in our salvation, in our sanctification, and in the day of our glorification when we stand before Him (Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:30).

As someone who has written for G3 Press—specifically as the author of The Word Matters—this moment is especially sobering for me. Dr. Josh Buice, the President of G3 Ministries, graciously wrote the foreword to my book. I am deeply grateful for his encouragement and friendship over the years.

For those who haven’t seen it, you can read G3 Ministries’ public statement regarding Josh Buice.

I want to be clear: I am not writing this to pick on Josh or G3, nor do I claim to speak for G3, because I don’t. I’m not here to assign motives, cast judgment, or fan the flames of public commentary. My aim is to help us all pause, reflect, and consider what this moment—like others before it—can teach us about sin, grace, accountability, and our need for Christ. I write not from a distance, but as a brother grieved by the news, praying for all involved, and hoping to help us reflect on it with biblical clarity and compassion.

When a Christian leader falls, especially one we’ve trusted or been blessed by, the shock runs deep. Still, Scripture gives us a way to respond—one that neither excuses sin nor leads us to despair, but to look to Christ, the only One who can help us in every circumstance of our lives.

1. Sin Is Always Serious—Especially in Leadership

James 3:1 reminds us, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” That verse should cause every pastor and ministry leader to tremble—and it should also serve as a sober warning to every Christian. Leadership in the Church is not a platform to build influence—it’s a stewardship to guard the truth and serve God’s people (Titus 1:7–9; 1 Peter 5:1–3).

When a leader falls, we must not downplay the weight of sin. Paul told Timothy, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching” (1 Timothy 4:16). Doctrine means teaching, specifically the teaching of God’s Word. Character and doctrine are not optional; they are essential. They are deeply connected, because all doctrine comes from Scripture. Doctrine informs and fuels discipleship, shaping our lives in every way, so we can walk in a manner worthy of our calling (Ephesians 5:1) with the help of God’s grace, His people in the Church, and the means He has provided. God’s Word is authoritative for life and godliness at every stage of our lives, enabling us to grow to be like Christ (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Church History Examples:

• Athanasius stood virtually alone against the Arian heresy, which denied the full divinity of Christ. While most of the known church—including bishops and emperors—compromised, Athanasius boldly contended for the Nicene faith. He was exiled five times but remained immovable. The phrase “Athanasius contra mundum”—“Athanasius against the world”—summarizes his courage. He once said, “If the world is against the truth, then I am against the world.”[i]
• Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses in 1517 and refused to recant before the powers of church and state. At the Diet of Worms he declared, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything.”[ii]
• John Calvin, writing and pastoring in Geneva, not only systematized Reformation theology but emphasized that doctrine must reform lives. His Institutes of the Christian Religion were not academic theory—they were intended to train hearts and build character. He wrote, “Doctrine is not an affair of the tongue, but of the life.”[iii]
• Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury under Henry VIII and Edward VI, wavered under pressure during Queen Mary’s persecution but ultimately repented of his recantations. At his execution, he held his right hand—the one that had signed the recantation—into the flames first, declaring, “This hand hath offended.”[iv]

These men were not perfect, but they show that when the Church holds doctrine and character together, truth flourishes—as in the ministries of Athanasius, Luther, Calvin, and Cranmer, who stood firmly on the Word, strengthening God’s people.

2. We Must Examine Ourselves

“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” — Lamentations 3:40

In moments like this, the temptation is to look around—to comment, to speculate, to gossip, or to slander. But Scripture calls us to examine ourselves in light of God’s truth:

• “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5
• “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!” — Psalm 139:23–24

This is where the call to repentance becomes vital. Repentance is more than sorrow or regret—it is a Spirit-empowered turning away from sin and turning to God through the person and work of Jesus. It involves confession (1 John 1:9), seeing the horror of your sin (Psalm 51:17), turning to Christ’s sufficient work, putting sin to death, and a desire for holiness, because Christ alone is sufficient (Acts 3:19). As the Puritans often said, repentance is the Christian’s daily companion—not a one-time act for conversion alone.

The Puritan Thomas Watson wrote, “Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.”[v] He also outlined six marks of biblical repentance in The Doctrine of Repentance, each grounded in Scripture and meant to shape the daily life of every Christian:

1. Sight of sin — We must recognize sin as it truly is (Luke 18:13).
2. Sorrow for sin — True repentance involves heartfelt grief over sin (2 Corinthians 7:10).
3. Confession of sin — We are to humbly confess our sin before God (1 John 1:9).
4. Shame for sin — There should be a holy shame for what dishonors God (Ezra 9:6).
5. Hatred for sin — We must develop a deep hatred for sin (Ezekiel 20:43).
6. Turning from sin — Genuine repentance involves forsaking sin and pursuing holiness (Acts 26:20).

Repentance, as seen in the Reformers and Puritans like Thomas Watson, is not only for conversion—it is the path of the Christian life. As Luther wrote in the first of his 95 Theses, “The entire life of believers should be one of repentance.”

3. Christ Is Still Faithful—and He Is Enough

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” — Hebrews 13:8

Though men fail, Christ does not. He is the faithful Shepherd. The true Head of the Church. The One who never compromises, never sins, and never ceases to intercede for His people. Christ is sufficient in all of His work from beginning to end—and everywhere in between.

“He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” — Hebrews 7:25

When leaders fall, Christ remains faithful and true. The gospel is not diminished by the failures of leaders in Christ’s Church or everyday Christians. The cross still stands as the hope for sinners and saints. Dear Christian, your hope is not in any man, but in the One who bled and died and rose on the third day for sinners like me and you. Yet the Lord uses ordinary men in extraordinary ways, even in the midst of sin among leaders and Christians (1 Corinthians 1:27–29).

The gospel reminds us that Christ bore our sin in our place, rose on the third day, and now reigns as our Advocate. This is not just a truth for the lost—it’s for the Christian who is sad, discouraged, heartbroken, and stumbling. The gospel changes us, as we saw from Thomas Watson and the Reformers and Puritans, calling us to turn from sin, not excuse it. We put sin to death with the help of God’s grace because we are united to Christ by faith and have His Spirit indwelling us.

Historical Example:

Take Jonathan Edwards, for example. He is one of the greatest theologians in American history. After faithfully pastoring his congregation for over two decades, he was dismissed over a disagreement about church membership and communion. Yet he didn’t retaliate. He quietly continued faithfully preaching and writing, trusting God’s providence. His work during that season became some of the most influential theological writing in church history.[vi]

Even when leaders falter or seasons shift, Christ is not finished with His Church. Jesus clearly stated that the gates of hell will not overcome the Church (Matthew 16:18)—and that includes when leaders or everyday Christians falter. The Church will continue because His faithfulness remains the anchor of our hope in His all-sufficient grace. As a result, His gospel continues to bear fruit in ordinary lives, through extraordinary grace.

4. How Should We Respond?

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21

Dear Christian, let’s you and I resist the pull toward reactionary speech or passive silence. Instead, let’s take a biblical approach:

• Pray—for the individuals involved, for the G3 leadership, and for the broader Church (1 Timothy 2:1–2).
• Grieve sin rightly, with sorrow that leads to repentance and hope (2 Corinthians 7:10).
• Guard our hearts from cynicism, pride, and spiritual apathy (Proverbs 4:23; Jude 20–21).
• Renew our commitment to:
  • local church accountability,
  • faithful and biblically defined and qualified church leadership,
  • faithful service in and out of our churches,
  • and personal holiness in every sphere and stage of life (Hebrews 13:17; Ephesians 4:11–16).

Biblical Accountability: Shoulder to Shoulder

True biblical accountability is not a finger in the face—it’s an arm around the shoulder. It’s not rooted in shame, but in love.

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” — Galatians 6:1

Accountability is relational, restorative, and rooted in humility.

Paul’s pastoral instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 captures this spirit: “Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”

Historical Examples:

• The Early Church practiced loving correction and mutual care (Acts 2:42–47). Confession was normal, restoration was possible, and discipline was redemptive—not given to punish, but to demonstrate the seriousness of sin and the cost that Jesus paid for it (Matthew 18:15–17).
• John Owen emphasized the church’s role in mutual sanctification. He wrote, “Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.”[vii]
• Charles Simeon, an evangelical pastor in 18th-century Cambridge, was resisted for over a decade by his own congregation—some even locked the pews to prevent people from sitting and listening. But Simeon responded with patience and love. He once said, “The truth is not mine, nor yours, but God’s. And if I suffer, let me suffer for the truth with joy.”[viii]

5. A Word to Pastors and Leaders

Pastors are often the ones encouraging others—but they need encouragement too. In a time when the weight of the ministry is heavy and leadership is under intense scrutiny, the Church has an opportunity to come alongside her shepherds.

Biblical counselors, fellow elders, and faithful church members can be a means of God’s grace to their pastor. Please consider the following, my brothers and sisters in Christ:

• Please, dear Christian, encourage your pastor with Scripture.
  “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• Please, dear Christian, pray for your pastor.
  “Brothers, pray for us.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:25
  “Strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf.” — Romans 15:30
• Please, dear Christian, ask your pastor how he’s really doing.
  “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
• Please, dear Christian, serve your pastor and his family tangibly.
  “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.” — Galatians 6:6
  “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” — Galatians 6:10
• Please, dear Christian, be the kind of church member who refreshes the soul of your pastor.
  “For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” — Philemon 1:7
• Be a man—and men (if you have a plurality of elders)—who lead the way by fostering a culture of humility, honesty, and mutual accountability in your local church.
  “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another.” — 1 Peter 5:5
  “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17
• Biblical elders don’t just guard the doctrine of the church—they guard each other.
  “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” — Acts 20:28
  “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.” — 1 Timothy 4:16
• Remember, dear elder: the goal is not perfection, but progress in godliness together.
  “Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” — 1 Timothy 4:15
  “Not that I have already obtained this… but I press on.” — Philippians 3:12

To those who are pastors and to my fellow ministry leaders: this moment is a call to humility, holiness, and to look to Christ. Dear Pastor, may you take heed to both your doctrine and your life (1 Timothy 4:16). Dear Pastor, may you be a man marked not by platform, but by prayer—not by charisma, but by the biblical qualifications taught by our Chief Shepherd Jesus. May you pursue faithfulness in private, in your home, in your service in the church, and to your broader communities for the good of your local church and the witness of the Body of Christ.

6. A Missional Witness in a Watching World

When Christian leaders fall, it’s not just the Church that notices—the world is watching too (1 Peter 2:12). When the world sees the Church compromise or cover sin, the gospel becomes clouded. The reason is: when the world sees us compromising or covering our sin, they question whether we really believe the gospel can save sinners (Romans 1:16), whether it is genuinely transforming our lives (2 Corinthians 5:17), and whether we take seriously our preaching and our witness (2 Timothy 4:2). These moments ought to call the Church to repentance (Revelation 3:19) and to respond with truth and love (Ephesians 4:15).

Dear Christian, when you and I respond with repentance, humility, and faithfulness to Christ, the world sees something different—they see Christ transforming us into His likeness (Romans 8:29). Our repentance is a witness to others that the gospel we profess is what we truly believe (James 2:17). In moments like these, our repentance demonstrates our integrity (Proverbs 10:9), which points others to Christ (John 1:29). As we reflect on the opportunity these moments afford, our humility can even silence accusations of hypocrisy (Titus 2:7–8) and magnify the grace of God that saves sinners and is transforming His people (Titus 2:11–14).

Until Christ returns, the Church remains a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14–16), called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:10–12)—shining forth with both grace and truth (John 1:14) in and through our local churches (Hebrews 10:24–25), into our neighborhoods and cities (Jeremiah 29:7; Matthew 22:39), surrounding regions and states (Acts 1:8), and to the nations and the whole world (Matthew 28:18–20; Revelation 7:9–10).

Dear Christian, our mission to make Christ known must not be undermined by hypocrisy or by silence (Romans 2:21–24). Instead, it must be strengthened by our commitment to live in the light (1 John 1:7), to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and to adorn the gospel with lives that reflect its power (Titus 2:10).

All of this is why integrity matters (Proverbs 11:3) and why local churches must care about biblical discipleship (2 Timothy 2:2) and biblical church discipline (Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 5:1–5). Dear Christian, this is why today we grieve not only the sin of Josh Buice, but our own remaining indwelling sin (Romans 7:24).

Even so, we do not grieve without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13) because we know our Redeemer lives (Job 19:25). He is ruling and reigning forever (Revelation 11:15), and will at the last Day fully establish His everlasting Kingdom (Daniel 7:13–14; Revelation 21:1–5). “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more…” (Revelation 21:4). While we await that glorious Day and live in-between the times, may our lives adorn the doctrine of Christ today (Titus 2:10)—so that our witness reflects His glory before a watching world, and our churches shine with the light of His grace (Philippians 2:15–16).

7. A Call to the Church in This Moment

Dear Christian, this will not be the last time a Christian leader falls—sadly. But when it does happen, let us lean in, examine our own hearts, repent, and remember that we are to walk humbly before the face of God (Micah 6:8). We are to pray fervently as Christians (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). We are to repent wholly before our God for our remaining indwelling sin and to seek the help of other Christians in our local churches when we are hurting or struggling (Galatians 6:1–2; Hebrews 10:24–25).

You and I have a great need for Christ and a great Christ for our need. So let us keep our eyes on Jesus—the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)—who will never fail His people, because His Word never changes (Isaiah 40:8), His grace is all-sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9), and He always has a people called by His name (1 Peter 2:9). As the Chief Shepherd, He calls, sends forth, and equips men called by God and biblically qualified to serve the Church (1 Peter 5:1–4; Ephesians 4:11–12).

Dear Christian, may you and I pray today not only for our shepherds and our churches (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13; Hebrews 13:7), but may you and I attend to our souls through examining them before the Lord, turning in biblical repentance—for the good of Christ, the strengthening of our families, so that we might be a help to others in our homes, our churches, our workplaces, and our city—for His glory.

8. Conclusion: A Great Need—and a Great Christ

Today may feel like just another day—but in God’s providence, it’s a time for repentance, reflection, and renewed hope in Christ. The Lord remains the same as He ever has been (Hebrews 13:8). His promises are yes and amen in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20), and His Word is always true (John 17:17).

The glory of the gospel is seen not only in sinners brought to repentance and faith, but also in God’s people growing to be like Christ in every season of life (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). The seasons of our lives are under the watchful care of His sovereign hand. The providence of God is at work even in the events of today—including the fall of leaders—and in your own life. That means Christ remains the same. He is saving sinners. He is sanctifying His people through the same gospel that saves sinners.

His gospel is still powerful because He is utterly sufficient (Colossians 2:9–10). His Word is still true. As Jesus promised, the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church (Matthew 16:18). The mission of God will continue—saving the lost, making disciples, planting churches, and strengthening the saints—even in the midst of the sin of His people, by His grace, and for His glory.

So, dear Christian, let’s you and I humbly repent. Let’s pray fervently, intentionally, and with great purpose for Christ’s Kingdom to come—for the Lord to send out workers into His harvest from the local church (Matthew 9:37–38)—biblically qualified, equipped, and daily growing in Him.

May you and I repent as we’ve seen and discussed today—not only seeing the sight of our sin, but beholding the glory of our Savior who helps us in our repentance. May we keep short accounts before the Lord who sees, knows, cares, and—on account of Christ—loves His own (Jeremiah 31:3).

Dear Christian, let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus in this day and in all seasons—for He is the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who will never fail His people (Hebrews 12:2).

Robert Murray M’Cheyne said, “We always have a great need for Christ—and we always have a great Christ who meets our need.” [ix]

References

[i] Athanasius – “Athanasius contra mundum” paraphrase and historical summary from Nicene controversy.

[ii] Martin Luther – Speech at the Diet of Worms (1521), various historical accounts.

[iii] John Calvin – Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 6, Section 4.

[iv] Thomas Cranmer – Quoted in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.

[v] Thomas Watson – The Doctrine of Repentance (1668), and The Beatitudes.

[vi] Jonathan Edwards – Freedom of the Will (1754).

[vii] John Owen – The Mortification of Sin, Chapter 1.

[viii] Charles Simeon – Quotes from Simeon’s letters and sermons, compiled in Memoirs of the Life of Charles Simeon by William Carus.

[ix] Robert Murray M’Cheyne – Often attributed; found in Memoir and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray M’Cheyne.