What's going on in Colorado?

By The Christian Post, Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Another pastor from Colorado Springs has had to step aside over alleged actions unbecoming of the position.

While “sexual encounters” is not on the Rev. Donald Armstrong’s list of possible infractions, officials following a nine-month review of the church’s finances found it necessary to place the pastor on 90-day paid administrative leave. The diocese said during that time, Armstrong will not be allowed on the property of Grace and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, where he has led the 2,500-member congregation for 19 years.

The first question one might ask is: “What’s going on in Colorado?”

Armstrong's suspension comes two months after Colorado Springs megapastor Ted Haggard was fired from the 14,000-member New Life Church after acknowledging he bought drugs from a male prostitute and received massages from the man. And it comes one month after another pastor at New Life, Christopher Beard, resigned after admitting sexual misconduct and other mistakes.

While Armstrong is presumed to be innocent at the moment, the recent spotlight in Colorado Springs calls into question the lifestyles of America’s Protestant leaders – which are often times overshadowed by the errors of the Catholic Church’s troubled clergy.

Although all mankind is unarguably sinful, those chosen to lead God’s people must abide by higher standards. It’s not just the words alone that will lead the people, but the life.

And if there are sins too difficult to overcome, confess them and turn away from them. And not just confessing to the Lord, but also to those who can help.

Man will sin. But it’s what actions are taken after committing the sin that could mean the difference between salvation and scandal.

Confess to the Lord. Confess to the Church. Don’t wait to confess to the media.