Preachers, Congregants, and Sin
This whole issue of sin in a congregation is a little confused. Think about how different the expectation with respect to sin are for clergy and for members of the congregation.
It is assumed that clergy are experts on sin but never enjoy it.
It is assumed that members of congregations are ignorant about the nature of sin but enjoy all its benefits.
If a congregant comes to the pastor and says, “I’ve sinned and done terrible things. I don’t know why I did such horrible things.”, the pastor is to respond, “There, there, my child, don’t be so hard on yourself. God understands that we are fallible humans and God forgives you. Try to do better next time.”
If a pastor is discovered to be sinning, especially with respect to sex or finances, the congregation responds, “Fire the so and so. Run him out of town on a rail.”
“We expect better from our clergy. How dare they expect to be saved by the grace of God.”