CHURCH LEADERS reports that 10 days after an accountability team deemed Dr. Michael Brown fit to return to ministry—despite independent findings of serious but “isolated incidents” of sexual misconduct from decades ago—the apologist shared his heart with listeners in a YouTube video on May 7, 2025.
Dr. Brown, who is the Founder and President of The Line of Fire, thanked supporters for their love and prayers, stating that “this time away from ministry has been very painful and difficult, but I have encountered God…in ways I never have before…[and] I really look forward to ministering to you in the days ahead.”
The CHURCH LEADERS article may be read in full HERE.
Here is the above-referenced YouTube video:
Ministry Watch has also written a highly informative article about this situation HERE.
My brothers and sisters, this writer acknowledges that spiritual restoration of one who has sinned in his or her relationship with Christ is, perhaps, less complicated than the restoration of a minister of God who provides spiritual guidance and direction to others as a calling from the Lord.
Nonetheless, we should ask ourselves, do we REALLY believe in the forgiveness of sins and restoration? Is a pastor or other leader in the church who sins forever ineligible for complete restoration to ministry?
It’s a good thing that God showed mercy and used King David, Apostle Paul, etc., to bring Him glory and much of the Bible!
Biblical examples of restoration are an example to us of the amazing power of God’s mercy in the lives of those who truly repent! Should all the good a person has accomplished prior to falling prey to sin be blotted out? Should the God-ordained ministry of a person who has sinned be forever blocked, even following repentance?
I don’t pretend to provide an answer here, but we can certainly consider and pray about the following scriptures (and others as you are led):
Romans 3:23 (NKJV)
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”.
1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Galatians 6:1 (Amplified Bible)
Bear One Another’s Burdens
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual [that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit] are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness [not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness], keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.”
Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV)
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
