Michael Tate...

 Hi Everyone!

As many of you have heard, Michael Tate, the singer from the Newsboys and previously DC Talk, has been caught in Sexual abuse and  Drug addiction. It's easy to see how this will shake much of God's Kingdom, as he has had such a significant influence for decades. Some may even question whether his faith was ever genuine. 

I, for one, don't ask about genuine faith as it's a slippery slope. Not to say I never ask the question, I just don't make a decision because it's the Lord who weighs hearts. I do, however, ask, where is repentance? The fact that he is seeking help is evidence of that potential of a repentant spirit and may also answer the question of his faith to start with.  My bigger question is, where was the Body of Christ during the years this man was struggling with sin issues? I don't consider any sin to be lesser or greater than another. That being said, to cause moral injury through physical abuse on impressionable young brothers in the faith, I feel safe suggesting that it may have been better for him to have a millstone around his neck lest he truly repents (Matt18:6). Scripture also says that those who know of sin and don't deal with it are participating in the sin of another (1Timothy 5).

Over the years, I have had the blessing of working alongside many ministries and pastors. Unfortunately, the reality is that so often ministers have a "means justify the ends" mentality that anything can be overlooked due to the number of people converted, justifying the sinful compromises it took to make the ministry happen. A sin justification mentality is not a biblically sound ideology; in fact, it is dangerous and wicked in itself. This is a discipleship issue, showing the cost of a conversion-focused world. 

Situations like Mr. Tate's were common to the early church. In fact, Greco-Roman culture would have seen no issue with his choices. Our view as Western society is a direct reflection of the impact the Bible has on society. We know sexual immorality is sin. Not to mention the lies and manipulation that have allowed the situation to persist.

The hard realities now are simple, Mr. Tate, if repentant, needs to be given the opportunity to reconcile with the body of Christ and be discipled. The ministers who enabled him need to be formally addressed, and the same opportunities as Mr. Tate need to be given to them.

If they are unrepentant, they need to be seen as non-believers and removed from the Body of Christ, as is biblical. Sin is never justified in God's kingdom; it always has to be dealt with, especially things that are as clear as dishonesty and sexual immorality, per biblical description (Matt 18:15-20). 

This situation is a perfect case precedent for why we need to disciple well within the body and hold leadership accountable to Scripture.