OK, by now you know about the Ted Haggard story (a prominent Christian leader falls morally – for more info see here).

I’m finishing up my sermon for this weekend and I think I’m going to lead off with this story. The crazy thing is that this whole scandal is making people skeptical of their pastors/spiritual leaders…and I can’t say I blame them.

H.B. London Jr. and James Dobson identify four reasons for pastoral failure (see here for the whole discussion):

1) lack of godly intimacy

2) lack of accountability

3) unresolved problems at home

4) involvement with pornography

 Oh my God, please help me! Oh my friends, please pray for me and hold me accountable!

OK, so what is the gameplan from this point on in my life?

1) Pray like crazy for God’s mercy and strength

2) Make sure my homelife is in order

3) Significantly increase the accountability in my life