Private Sin, Public Fallout, and the Future of Church Leadership

What does faithful leadership require in a year already marked by tension, failure, and spiritual urgency?

In this episode of Passing the Pulpit, Matt sits down with Jesse Jackson, Senior Content Editor at ChurchLeaders, to talk about the stories that are shaping the Church in early 2026—and why pastors can’t afford to ignore them. Drawing from Jesse’s daily work covering church and ministry news, the conversation moves beyond headlines to the deeper spiritual realities underneath them.

Together, they discuss pastoral vulnerability, the danger of private sin, and the small decisions that often lead to public collapse. They reflect on recent high-profile ministry failures, the necessity of repentance and restoration, and why isolation is one of the greatest threats to leaders today.

The conversation also turns toward hope: God’s mercy toward repentant sinners, the compassion of Christ for doubters, and the call for pastors to be prepared—not presumptuous—in the face of temptation. This is an honest, pastoral conversation for leaders who want to finish well by choosing humility, community, and faithfulness over image and self-protection.

You can keep up with Jesse on ChurchLeaders or read more about who he is HERE. 

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Here are links to the stories referenced in the episode; 

https://churchleaders.com/news/2211627-philip-yancey-confesses-to-8-year-extramarital-affair.html

https://churchleaders.com/news/2211986-dilbert-scott-adams-passes-away-jesus-christ.html

https://churchleaders.com/news/2211845-tony-evans-unbound-podcast-restoration.html