5 Things Pastors Should Learn from Josh Duggar’s Confession

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Today is a sad day. We hate seeing headlines of Josh Duggar’s confession. We are mourning over these decisions that will certainly wreak havoc on his life and family in the weeks and months to come.
Today, Josh Duggar posted the following confession:

“I have been the biggest hypocrite ever. While espousing faith and family values, I have been unfaithful to my wife.

I am so ashamed of the double life that I have been living and am grieved for the hurt, pain and disgrace my sin has caused my wife and family, and most of all Jesus and all those who profess faith in Him.

I have brought hurt and a reproach to my family, close friends and the fans of our show with my actions.

The last few years, while publicly stating I was fighting against immorality in our country I was hiding my own personal failures.

As I am learning the hard way, we have the freedom to choose our actions, but we do not get to choose our consequences. I deeply regret all the hurt I have caused so many by being such a bad example.

I humbly ask for your forgiveness. Please pray for my precious wife Anna and our family during this time.

Josh Duggar”

As pastors, we too often hear about the sins our people have committed and have the challenge of walking with them through brokenness and restoration. We are often the ones who must be so gospel-saturated that we are able to overcome the initial urge to judge or throw stones.
As you process this news, remember these pastoral ways to respond to those caught in secret sin:

1. Be Ready to Love Unconditionally

When someone comes to us and confesses sin, we must be ready to respond with love and grace, instead of quick anger and judgment.

2. Pray for Them

The best first response is to pray over the whole situation. Pray for them and those they have hurt. Pray for yourself as you lead them toward forgiveness and healing.

3. Remember the Gospel Transforms the Worst Sinners

There is no such thing as a sin so bad Christ can’t forgive it. With proper humility and repentance, God can turn even the worst sinners into the most faithful saints.  That’s what he does.

4. Protect the Church From Gossip

Shut down gossip whenever and wherever you hear it. Create a culture where talking about other’s failures is odd and unacceptable.

5. Stick with Them Throughout Their Restoration Plan

Confessing sin is often the first step of a long road of healing and restoration. Be willing to stick with your people through the long haul.

How do you minister to your people when they confess secret sin in their lives? Share in the comments below so we can all learn.