An Introduction to Even the Best of Us: Clergy Sexual Failure—The Church’s Hidden Sin

Co-Authors

Dwight Perry, senior vice president, provost, and dean of education, Moody Bible Institute
Elizabeth Pierre, assistant professor of pastoral care and counseling psychology, North Park Theological Seminary

Ed note: This is the introduction and chapter summaries to An Introduction to Even the Best of Us: Clergy Sexual Failure—The Church’s Hidden Sin

2018 was the year of the “Me Too” movement. Sexual abuse and sexual manipulation by persons—primarily but not solely men—has been the hidden sin of many major segments of our society.

Whether it be the entertainment industry, business, the military, the news industry, or even the church, sexual abuse, until very recently, was something the abused would either deny or hide, especially if the perpetrator was someone in authority. The unfortunate reality is that sexual failure is also prevalent within the church, Christ’s beautiful bride (the “called out” assembly). The deception of those who took a vow to shepherd God’s people but acted more like wicked shepherds has caused many in Christ’s church to be riddled by pain and heartbreak.

Background

In Ezekiel 34:1–10, the prophet could not have summarized this point any better:

The word of the LORD came to me: Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep…

…Thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand… I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, that they may not be food for them. (ESV)

We wrote Even the Best of Us from this perspective.¹See Dwight A. Perry and Elizabeth O. Pierre, Even the Best of Us: Clergy Sexual Failure—The Church’s Hidden Sin (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2021). In this book, we critically examine how servants of the Almighty God can, and have, fallen in the area of clergy sexual ethics. We also look at the inner life of those who are called to shepherd God’s people.

We also wrote this book as two ministry practitioners, who have a combined sixty years of full-time ministry experience. Thus, Even the Best of Us is written not only out of the wealth of that experience but also from the perspective of two persons of different genders (one female, the other male) and from the perspective of two persons of color.

I, Elizabeth Pierre, currently serve as assistant professor of pastoral care and counseling psychology at North Park Theological Seminary and University. I am also a trained clinician. I teach my students on a daily basis that “Even the Best of Us” can find ourselves in a place where we have fallen into sexual failure.

And I, Dwight Perry, former dean of faculty and professor of homiletics and leadership at North Park Theological Seminary and current provost at the Moody Bible Institute, have over forty years of full-time vocational ministry experience. I’ve shared with others how easily the enemy of our souls can trick any of us to make a choice that we regret for the rest of our lives.

In this way, we pray that readers will find that even though this book is grounded in both research and theological nuance, it is not just a book for the head, but for the heart as well. As seasoned ministry practitioners, we share from our hearts to yours.

Purpose of the Book

This book focuses on the devastation to individuals that takes place within the church and within society at large when clergy or ministry leaders commit acts of sexual failure. The main issue this book addresses is the need for clergy and persons in ministry to begin to discuss openly, with both peers and their leadership teams, ways by which a spiritual leader can build effective bridges of accountability around this area.

The reader should benefit in two ways. First, they will walk away with clear, specific, and implementable follow-up action steps that will help them to stop this type of behavior. Second, the reader will develop a theology of the church that breaks down the dichotomy between clergy and laity, and that positions the church as the place in which both parties can grow together as partners to combat moral failure by clergy.

Overview

Chapter One: The Church Too Movement Is Unfortunately Too Late

Introduces the scope of the problem, presenting alarming statistics and arguing that sexual failure among clergy is one of evangelicalism’s hidden sins—intertwined with race and class issues.

Chapter Two: Who You Are Is Not What People See on Sunday

Focuses on the leader’s inward journey, noting how performance culture can displace true intimacy with God. Explores false narratives, narcissism, and the importance of accountable relationships.

Chapter Three: Activity without Substance

Draws on James 1:2–4 and the life of Joseph to show how character is formed through difficulty. Reviews different leader types who, without checks, make harmful decisions.

Chapter Four: Just the Emotions, Ma’am

Explores the role of emotions in decision-making. Covers emotional development, family origin, trauma, attachment theory, and Satanic accusation.

Chapter Five: Sex Is More Than an Event; It Is a Relationship

Discusses gendered differences in sexuality, grounded in Scripture and psychology. Offers practical suggestions to “affair proof” marriage.

Chapter Six: Pornography, the Hidden Evil

Addresses pornography addiction in ministry contexts. Disputes the idea that it’s harmless. Includes suggestions for clergy seeking freedom. Also explores moral restoration after failure.

Chapter Seven: The Unique Trauma of Clergy Sexual Misconduct

Describes why clergy abuse is uniquely damaging—breaking trust within the church and with God. Explores layers of healing required for survivors.

Chapter Eight: Clergy Misconduct and Recovery

Examines recovery after clergy failure—caring for survivors, communities, and holding clergy accountable.

Chapter Nine: Concluding Thoughts

Reinforces the book’s thesis: even those called to serve can fall. Warns against pride and urges humility.

Final Word

Unlike some books written on this important subject, we wanted to produce one that is easy to read and easy to understand. It is our prayer that the Holy Spirit would use this book to help not only clergypersons, but also the laity, to realize that when it comes to sexual sin, none of us is exempt. As a matter of fact, “Even the Best of Us” need to be careful, lest in thinking we are standing firm, we end up falling.

Shalom!

This originally published with the Covenant Companion on July 29, 2022

Endnotes

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  See Dwight A. Perry and Elizabeth O. Pierre, Even the Best of Us: Clergy Sexual Failure—The Church’s Hidden Sin (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2021).