“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” — Hebrews 12:2
Many of us remember exactly where we were when we heard shocking news that changed the course of a day. In recent days, many Christians have experienced another kind of shock—the collapse of a trusted Christian leader. A man who appeared to stand tall in gifts, ability, and influence has fallen in a devastating way. Questions naturally arise: How could this happen? What should we think? How should believers respond?
Our church experienced this personally. Kenny Baldwin had been scheduled to preach at our summer tent revival. We looked forward to having him, and many guests planned to attend. Providentially, circumstances unfolded behind the scenes, and when he became unreachable, we arranged for another preacher to come in his place. Only afterward did we learn why. Like many believers across the country, we were left saddened, disappointed, and burdened.
This article is adapted from a message I shared with our church family. My purpose is not to dwell on one man’s failure, but to help believers respond in a thoroughly biblical way whenever a respected Christian leader falls.
1. You Will Be Disappointed by People
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” — Psalm 118:8
Living in a fallen world means we will eventually be disappointed by fallen people.
Sometimes those disappointments come from strangers. Sometimes they come from people we admire. Occasionally they come from those whom we never imagined could fail.
When a well-known Christian falls, it is easy to become suspicious of every pastor, cynical toward the church, or bitter toward Christian ministry. Satan would love to convince us that because one servant failed, the Master has somehow failed also.
But our faith was never meant to rest upon the character of a preacher. If your faith rises and falls with a preacher, it has been attached to the wrong object.
2. Do Not Let Another Man’s Sin Become Your Excuse
Jesus warned, “It is impossible but that offences will come…” — Luke 17:1
Sadly, some people have been looking for permission to walk away from church or from Christ.
“This proves Christianity isn’t real.” No—it proves that sinners still sin.
When Judas betrayed Christ, the other disciples did not abandon Jesus. Neither should we.
One man’s rebellion should never become the justification for ours.
A hypocrite never disproves Christ.
3. Some People Will Take Joy in Another’s Fall
David lamented over Saul’s death: “Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice…” — 2 Samuel 1:20
Whenever a Christian leader falls, there are those who rejoice.
Some are competitors who secretly enjoy another ministry being diminished.
Like crabs in a bucket, instead of helping one another get out, when one rises above another, they pull each other down.
Others are enemies of the gospel who celebrate because they believe another Christian has been exposed.
Scripture warns us: “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth…” — Proverbs 24:17–18
God never calls His people to delight in another person’s destruction.
4. There Will Always Be Counterfeits
Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” — Matthew 7:15
Counterfeits exist because something genuine exists. No one counterfeits a seven-dollar bill. They counterfeit the real things.
Likewise, Scripture teaches that there will always be those who wear the clothing of a sheep while possessing the heart of a wolf.
The existence of counterfeit Christians should never surprise us because Jesus Himself said they would come.
Judas did not make Jesus false. Neither do counterfeit Christians invalidate genuine Christianity.
5. God’s Truth Has Not Changed
One of Satan’s greatest lies is to make us believe that because a messenger has failed, the message has failed also. Nothing could be further from the truth. God has not changed. His Word has not changed. The gospel has not changed. Jesus Christ has not changed.
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” — Hebrews 13:8
The same Bible that has transformed lives for centuries is still true today. The power was never in the personality of the preacher. The power has always been in the Word of God.
6. Take Heed to Thyself
Instead of asking, “How could he?” We should ask, “Lord, keep me.”
Paul instructed Timothy, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine…” — 1 Timothy 4:16
Likewise, “…considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” — Galatians 6:1
One of the greatest dangers after hearing of another person’s fall is spiritual pride.
Peter confidently declared, “Though all men shall be offended…yet will I never be offended.”
Only hours later, he denied Christ three times.
The greatest takeaway from any moral failure should not be curiosity about another person’s downfall but careful examination of our own hearts.
What guardrails need strengthening in my own life? Where have I grown careless? Am I neglecting private holiness? Do I have faithful accountability? Am I guarding my thought life? Am I avoiding situations that unnecessarily invite temptation?
Beware—sometimes the loudest critic today becomes tomorrow’s headline.
7. Respond with Humility, Not Humiliation
There is a difference between grieving over sin and delighting in disgrace.
This particular failure may not be our “besetting sin,” but every one of us possesses sins capable of destroying our testimony apart from the grace of God.
That is why Paul wrote, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest…I myself should be a castaway.” — 1 Corinthians 9:27
He also warned believers to “Flee fornication.” — 1 Corinthians 6:18 and “Flee also youthful lusts.” — 2 Timothy 2:22
Paul never assumed he was beyond temptation. Neither should we.
The safest Christian is not the one who thinks he cannot fall. The safest Christian is the one who knows that apart from God’s grace, he could. Robert Murray M’Cheyne reportedly said after hearing of another believer’s sin, “But for the grace of God, there goes Robert Murray M’Cheyne.”
That ought to be our response as well.
8. Pray for Everyone Affected
When this became public, I confess that I personally felt deceived. Our church had promoted Kenny Baldwin for our tent revival. His picture appeared on our banners, invitations, and promotional material. If I felt disappointed, how much more those directly affected?
Most importantly, we should pray for any victims who have been harmed. Pray for their healing. Pray for families whose lives have been shattered. Pray for churches attempting to shepherd confused congregations. Pray for leaders who must make difficult decisions. Pray for genuine repentance where there has been sin.
And remember that restoration to fellowship with God is not always the same as restoration to public ministry. David was forgiven, but he still suffered consequences. Moses remained God’s servant, yet never entered the Promised Land. Peter was restored after denying Christ, yet his failure forever reminded him of his dependence upon grace.
Forgiveness is complete. Consequences often remain.
9. Many Men and Women Are Still Faithfully Serving
When Elijah fled in discouragement, he believed he was the only faithful servant remaining.
God reminded him otherwise. “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal…” — 1 Kings 19:18
Bad news always spreads faster than quiet faithfulness.
There are still thousands of pastors, missionaries, Sunday school teachers, deacons, church members, and Christian parents quietly serving Christ with integrity.
Most will never become famous. Many will never preach to large crowds. But heaven knows their names.
Do not allow the headlines to blind you to the thousands who continue serving the Lord faithfully.
10. Keep Your Eyes on Christ
The writer of Hebrews gives us the only place where our eyes are ultimately safe. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” — Hebrews 12:2
Our faith was never built upon a preacher. It was built upon Jesus Christ. Men may fail. Churches may disappoint. Leaders may fall. Jesus Christ never has and never will.
The gospel did not begin with Kenny Baldwin, and it will not end with Kenny Baldwin.
Jesus said, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Matthew 16:18
The same Word of God is still “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.”
Our confidence has never been in the strength of men. Our confidence has always been in the faithfulness of Christ.
May this heartbreaking reminder drive every one of us to greater humility, deeper holiness, earnest prayer, and an even firmer commitment to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus, “The author and finisher of our faith.”