In many African cultures, we deeply revere our leaders, elders, and fathers. This same respect is shown in the church, where pastors, elders, and bishops are seen as fathers and the foundation of the church community. Because of this, it can be very difficult and disorienting whenever a church leader falls into sin.
Calling out a pastor’s sin can feel like dishonoring a parent in a culture that often prioritizes harmony over confrontation, mediation over exposure, private correction over public accountability, and peace over purity. It can seem shameful for the church, even destroying harmony, removing a social safety net, and inviting criticism from outsiders. Because we are shaped to avoid shame and protect honor, confronting sin, especially in leadership, feels deeply uncomfortable. But the important question is this: what does Scripture tell us to do when a shepherd stumbles?
Honor Does Not Mean Untouchable
Because of our high respect for leaders, we can easily place pastors and bishops into an “untouchable” category. We may quote, “Do not touch my anointed ones” (Psalm 105:15), or appeal to verses such as “Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father” (1 Timothy 5:1), or “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man” (Leviticus 19:32), to justify silence in the face of sin. Indeed, the Bible does tell us to respect our leaders. But it also teaches that pastors are caretakers, not owners, of the church (1 Corinthians 4:1–2), and that they serve under Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).
Also, all believers, including pastors, are part of a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), are united in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28), have the same Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9), and share the same faith (2 Peter 1:1). Every believer is called to share the gospel (Mark 16:15) and be a witness for Christ (Acts 1:8). Pastors and bishops do have a special calling: caring for God’s people and leading them well (1 Peter 5:1–3; 1 Timothy 3:1–7). But the Bible does not say they cannot be corrected. Our cultural discomfort should not stop us from doing what the Bible says. Staying silent about ongoing sin is not humility; it is actually disobedience.
God’s Clear Instructions
Scripture consistently calls believers to pursue restoration with gentleness (Galatians 6:1), to confront sin first privately (Matthew 18:15–17), to bring wandering believers back to the truth (James 5:19–20), and to bear one another’s burdens (Romans 15:1).
But if we stay silent, we dishonor Christ and give the enemy a chance to cause more harm. The clearest and most authoritative instruction regarding church leaders appears in 1 Timothy 5:19–21. Paul commands that two or three witnesses must establish accusations against an elder. Yet if a pastor or bishop persists in sin, they are to be rebuked in the presence of all, without partiality. This public rebuke is not optional; it is commanded. Because a pastor’s role is public and influential, persistent sin cannot be hidden or quietly managed. Covering shame may feel compassionate, but it ultimately prevents true restoration and exposes the church to greater harm.
The Fear of God and the Health of the Church
Public rebuke of persistent sin may appear harsh, but Scripture explains its purpose: “so that the rest may stand in fear” (1 Timothy 5:20). This fear is not terror; it is reverence. It reminds the church that sin is serious and that no one is above God’s holiness.
Throughout Scripture, when the fear of God comes upon a community, the result is repentance, holiness, and renewed obedience. At Mount Sinai, God’s overwhelming presence caused Israel to fear him so that they would not sin (Exodus 19–20). When Ananias and Sapphira were judged for lying to God, “great fear came upon the whole church” (Acts 5:11). When Nineveh was reminded of the fear of God, they repented (Jonah 3). When Israel crossed the Jordan and witnessed God’s power, both Israel and the surrounding nations feared the Lord (Joshua 4–5). In the early church, walking in the fear of the Lord led to growth and multiplication (Acts 9:31). Private discipline alone may feel culturally safer. Still, it forfeits the broader blessing of cultivating a God-fearing, holy community.
Paul’s Rebuke to Peter: A Biblical Example
Paul provides a clear example in Galatians 2:11–14. Peter, a respected apostle, withdrew from eating with Gentile believers out of fear of the circumcision party. His actions implied that faith in Christ was insufficient for full fellowship. Because of Peter’s influence, even Barnabas and others followed him, undermining the gospel of justification by faith alone. Because the sin was public and the damage widespread, Paul rebuked Peter publicly. The result was not division, but clarity. The church, then and today, stands firmly on the truth that sinners are justified not by works of the law, but by faith in Christ (Galatians 2:16).
African culture often values harmony instead of confrontation, prefers mediation to exposure, private correction to public accountability, and peace over purity. These values are good and life-giving, but they should never be placed above Scripture. We should try to restore our pastors with humility and gentleness. But if a pastor or bishop keeps on sinning, the Bible commands public correction and removal for the good of the church and the honor of Christ. This will eventually cause the church to fear the Lord, leading to repentance, holiness, and growth. May the name of Christ be honored, and may the works of the enemy be brought to light.