Pastors and Pornography: Special Considerations

How are pastors uniquely tempted?

Factor	Creates
Stress/Workaholism	Desperation for Fun & Relief
Exhaustion/Unrealistic Demands	Need for a Rush
Loneliness/Isolation	Disconnection
Flexible Schedule	Unmonitored Opportunity
Others’ Struggles/ “Need for Research”	Excuse/Entrapment

 

Why Do Pastors Get Stuck?

• Shame

  “I can’t bring myself to admit it”

• Pedestal Principle

  “It’ll ruin others’ faith”

• Isolation/Lack of Authentic Friendships

  “No one will understand”

Fear of Confidentiality Breach “It’s too risky to get help”

Professional/Financial Consequences “But what about my ministry/family?” Denial “I can fix it myself by ____”

 

Why Pastors Must Stop/Not Start.

• Spiritual fruit of corruption (Gal. 6:8)

• Judged more harshly (James 3:1)

• Risk of sin escalating (Bathsheba principle)

• Compromised performance (Heb. 12:1)

• Can’t give what I don’t have (Luke 6:42)

• Desecration of God’s property (Ezek. 5:11)

• Risk to church’s reputation (Matt. 5:16)

What is porn addiction?
More about addiction
Am I addicted?
Stories of Recovery