SEX! (Because I know that title will get you to read this.)

There is no question that something is seriously wrong with Dennis Cobb. Cobb, 57, is the Presbyterian minister and churchwide official who was fired this week after he was arrested by the Louisville Metro Police for allegedly exposing himself to an undercover detective on May 14. (Read the story at http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070530/NEWS01/70530021.)

For the past eight years Cobb has worked at the denominational headquarters as manger of the church's General Assembly gatherings around the country. Assuming he did what he was accused of doing, what he did is beyond comprehension. Absurd, really. I mean, when was the last time you heard about somebody "flashing" in public? 1979?!? I'm not questioning the decision to fire him. I don't know enough about the situation to do that. Is he so screwed up that this was the only option or does he just need a good long leave of absence to get help (and deal with the legal mess he's gotten himself into). I have no idea. And, frankly, this isn't my concern.

What I am struggling a little bit with is what the Presbyterian communications coordinator said to explain the decision to fire Cobb. She is quoted as saying that the denomination has a “zero tolerance” policy for sexual misconduct. Period.

Now, it's not the zero tolerance for sexual misconduct part I'm struggling with..especially if we're talking about behavior that takes advantage of the innocent and the vulnerable. Not in a day and age when we've heard the stories of too many people who carry the scars of what their pastors did to them when they were children. But I have a big problem with the Period.

How come sex is such a big deal that it has, in fact, become the ONLY deal?

How come, where pastoral leaders are concerned, our denominations don't have zero tolerance for sloth? Or cynicism? Or arrogance? Or incompetence? Or cowardliness? Or indifference in the face of injustice, nationalistic aggression, racism, and the kind of rampant consumerism that is killing the planet and creating a gap between rich & poor wide enough for whole continents to fall through?

How come the only thing we seem to be measuring has to do with sex?

One congregational leader told me a story that is, I'm afraid, way too familiar: When her church called a new pastor a few years ago, he made it very clear from the outset that the most important thing in his ministry is his paycheck. In an early "get to know you" interview with him, he was asked by the congregation if he would stand with them on a couple of issues they know are controversial in their denomination, including lay presidency and their desire to become a more welcoming community...specifically, they wanted to know if he would agree to conduct blessing ceremonies for same gender couples. He never said whether he thought doing this would be "right" or "wrong." He didn't talk about Jesus. He didn't talk about the Bible. He didn't use theology to explain his position. They never even found out what his position was. His answer was this, "Well, I'm not going to lose my job over it."

Can I just tell you that, when a pastor puts his paycheck or his pension ahead of following Jesus wherever Jesus leads, there is no way the people will follow the pastor. He didn't last 3 years. But not because denominational leaders held him accountable for his limp leadership. He left in a huff...and the denominational leaders held the congregation accountable for not being "supportive." They're in so much hot water right now with the local denominational leadership that they'll probably never get another pastor.

It's almost enough to make you wish you could catch a guy flashing because at least that would get somebody's attention.

Here's a theory: In this culture, we use sex to sell everything from clothing to cars. And it is the biggest, best distraction we have. After all, if we're preoccupied with wondering whether or not Brad & Angelia did it while he was still with Jennifer, then we don't really have to listen to what this multi-adoptive duo might have to say about AIDS & the orphans of Africa. Titillated by tales of celebrity sexual escapades (and those of our neighbors), we can tune out the truth about global warming and world hunger and the fact that every single day the choices we make contribute to these problems.

We have allowed this cultural fascination with sex to take center stage in our mainline denominations. In fact, sometimes it seems like it's the only thing ON the stage.

The obvious question is: What are the REAL issues that our obsession with sex is helping us avoid?

And even more to the point: What are we going to do about this?

When are we going to stop letting the culture set our agenda and start measuring the things that REALLY matter...like participation in God's mission to bless and save the world...and courage...and Spirit-filled generosity...and a heart for justice...and a commitment to following Jesus wherever he leads? When are we going to start preaching the radical, counter-cultural message of the Prince of Peace?

When?

Comments

[PS]

To get nit-picky about this: Since he pleaded not guilty, who do you believe if you are the denomination?

More to your point: We can't really measure sloth, arrogance, incompetance, etc. and they aren't against the law, so how can they be used to fire anybody? And sometimes these things are difficult to put into a "review." If you give somebody a bad recommendation, you can't get rid of them because nobody will take them.

I know of a situation where a pastor didn't seem to be doing much of anything (based on my own observation and also based on conversations I had with staff after the fact, as they were quite PO'ed.) The board was getting down on this person, but this person found another "great" position and moved away. Makes everybody wonder just who would have given any good recommendations and if the new place did any checking. But the previous place is really glad to have a new start.

Question: is a person with some of these traits NOT where God wants them to be? Are these traits spiritual problems?