Don't Tell. No Hell.

Just flip on the news and you realize that Evangelicals are getting better at forgiving each other for different kinds of moral failures - but we are still having problem admitting the "I've Fallen And I Can't Get Up" part of it. We are human and there will always be Christian leaders who make stupid decisions.

So what should you do after you realize you've made a stupid decision? ADMIT IT AND DON'T CONTINUE TO MAKE MORE STUPID DECISIONS! Don't tell people including the media that you didn't make that stupid decision, even though you did. Don't try to downplay it. Infact, don't say anything publicly - come clean privately.

Not wanting to admit you've done wrong, certainly isn't a new thing - even Adam had a hard time and tried to cover up with a fig leaf.

Why can't we admit we've done something stupid? Are we afraid we are going to lose our ministry? Are we afraid that we will lose the thing that we find our identity in? Are we afraid we will lose our influence & power? Are we afraid of becoming an outcast? Or... Do we think we are above it all and we've convinced ourselves it really isn't that bad - that someone how, we will continue to do more good - even if we've screwed up.

Every ministry needs a "Oops I've Been Caught - Emergency Crisis Plan"
Just to be able to answer the following questions:
- Who gets the first phone call?
- Who is the wise discerning group that lends council through the crisis?
- What are the HR policies and legal ramifications?
- How is the family cared for?
- What needs to happen in the first 48 hours?
- Who issues an appropriate statement?
- Does every person know how to handle calls from the media?
- How do you control the gossip?
- How do you begin to rebuild?

Some have suggested that Evangelicals should sponsor an annual National Day of Resignation. Christian leaders and pastors who are not walking the talk—and know it—can resign, no questions asked. We’ll call it “Don’t Tell. No Hell.” Seriously. Let’s set aside one day a year to encourage struggling sinners to shed their leadership roles. Evangelicals understand sin and we value grace and forgiveness. (“There but for the grace of God go I.”) National Day of Resignation would be an annual gut check for Christian leaders. If they’re ministering with integrity, stay with it. If they’re living a lie, it’s OK to resign that day—no questions asked.
Hey. Sounds like a good idea for politicians too.