Sexual misconduct is an endemic destructive behaviour that includes sexual harassment, abuse, rape, and violence. Most perpetrators are male – regardless of age and marital status – though some may be women. Likewise, victims may be male or female. From childhood molestations or incest to adult cases of sexual abuse, studies show that perpetrators are often known by the victims and include friends and family members. Another major group are religious leaders.

Sexual misconduct within religious circles is not unique to Christianity. It has existed across faith traditions for centuries, often minimized or shrouded in secrecy. People mistakenly believe that the Holy Spirit is confined to the pulpit, and tend to prioritize “anointing” over moral character. However, Jesus taught us to look for fruit (Matt. 7:16-20). The biblical narrative of Samson shows that anointing does not negate the consequences of unchecked appetites.

Impact of sexual abuse

Sexual misconduct and abuse create a legacy of collateral damage. The trauma radiates from the survivor to encompass their family, friends, and broader communities. It also impacts perpetrators’ own families and networks. While there may or may not be physical scars, emotional and psychological wounds are deep and may be lifelong for victims. Perpetrators may forget the details, but victims continue to carry the trauma.

Our inaction undermines the gospel.

When shepherds violate God’s sheep, the injury is profoundly spiritual. By mirroring God’s authority while practicing cruelty, these leaders fundamentally compromise the victim’s ability to trust God. Some withdraw and isolate themselves, and many victims turn away from God.

Religious leaders who are abusers exhibit a set of psychological and behavioural patterns.

Control and charisma:

They have a high need to be in control and to receive affirmation and attention. They may struggle with loneliness, insecurity, hidden addictions or a personal history of being abused, but mask these with charisma. They strategically seek ministry roles that provide unchecked access to vulnerable groups such as children and youth, under the guise of providing spiritual guidance.

Limited accountability:

Perpetrators typically have few accountability partners or superficial ones. They are less likely to discuss their struggles with the goal of seeking help; rather, they use this to garner sympathy from unsuspecting targets. For high-ranking leaders, structural isolation increases where leaders are surrounded by subordinates who do not question them. Their peers may ignore problematic behaviour with the claim that “Only God can judge.”

Unbiblical honour and reverence:

The Christian value of honouring our leaders inadvertently creates room for sexual misconduct. On the mission field, women may be expected to serve male missionaries or stay late at church, creating avenues for inappropriate behaviour. Misapplied scriptures are used to excuse leaders when they violate others. Most church leaders remain silent, leaving congregants to navigate these confusing behaviours alone.

Room to groom:

Persons who engage in sexual misconduct know what they are doing. It is rarely an accident. They follow a calculated strategy to desensitize their target (called “grooming”) for eventual sexual gain. Perpetrators often target vulnerable and non-assertive people, and eager believers seeking discipleship. They may also groom the victim’s family or community to win their trust. Once established as a safe authority figure, the abuser escalates from subtle touches to invasive acts. By this stage, victims are trapped in conflicting emotions of shame, self-blame, and fear of speaking up.

Sexual misconduct policies

Mission agencies need sexual misconduct policies for addressing such behaviours in an objective manner. When policies are lacking, it allows leadership to turn a blind eye when misconduct is exposed. Established misconduct policies may be adapted from institutions that have them. However, policies without effective implementation defeat the goal.

Missionaries are a powerful force in sending the whole gospel to the whole world. Yet, sexual misconduct acts as dangerous “tares” in the mission field. Whether we are funders, trainers, or mission agencies, we bear a solemn responsibility to safeguard both the communities we serve and our staff. Our inaction undermines the gospel we claim to uphold. Read the longer version of this article here: https://bit.ly/PsychologySexAbuse