
Tullian’s Current Twitter Image
We have all heard the expression, “You can’t keep a good man down.” While there are situations where this expression rings true, there are other situations when staying “down” might be the best thing to do.
Tullian Tchividjian – “Evangelical Posterchild”, writer, author, and speaker – was the Lead Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church until June when it became public that he had been involved in an affiar. Here is more about the story.
Since his resignation, Tullian has been defensive about his continued use of social media during this dark time in his life. He has 107k twitter followers, and regularly tweets. Recently, most of his tweets focus on pain, sin, and his grandson.
Tullian has said that he is “tempted to hide until [he is] ‘shiny’ again,” if he did [hide], he would “undermine the message” the work of God. (As if the work of God is dependent on him?) Time to be real – Twitter is about product and personal promotion.
Tullian is doing more than tweeting these days. I recently listened to a podcast produced by Vanderbloemen Podcast which featured Tullian on the topic of “Recovering after You have Failed.”
I was a little shocked by the title (which may not have been his choice).
I was a little shocked by the timing. He resigned from his church at the end of June. It has been less than two months since since he stepped down. I am not sure that two months is enough time to comprehend his failure. I am positive that it is not enough time to speak about recovering after his failure.
I listened to the podcast, and here are a few thoughts that stood out to me.
- Half of the podcast focused on his “Amazing Past.” During this time, he was definitely still on his well-rehearsed preaching and teaching pedestal.
- He wonders what type of person he had become. Great question because nothing warps people more than power (especially when it is spiritual power).
- Adultery is a “Career Killer” for the pastor.
Should Christians raise this Evangelical Leader back to his pedestal applauding the message of grace?
Please Note:
The giving and receiving of grace is not up to us as Christians – God alone is the Giver of Grace.
However, as Christians we do make choices about who we follow, listen to, and purchase their resources. We desire leadership, and are quick to pick up the latest “Christian” trend-setters. (It reminds me of 1 Corinthians 3:4 which says, For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,”).
If in twenty years, I hear that Tullian has wrestled with his heart, healed his marriage, fought for his family, and clung to faith as he sought new life and vocation. Then – I would pay GREAT money to hear his story and learn from his journey.
What are your thoughts?
Dr. G. David Boyd is the Founder and Managing Director of EA Resources.