Indeed, we are in the dispensation of grace however if I may quote the Apostle Paul: Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? His answer to that rhetorical question was a resounding - God forbid! I reckon many of us would have quickly withdrawn our membership from Apostle Pauls church if he lived in our dispensation. Why? Because our standard of Christianity wouldnt have been accepted in the church of a man who lobbied to have the immoral brother expelled (1 Cor 5).

How can we help our Christian brethren who genuinely struggle with sin?  What about pastors, parachurch leaders, and gospel artists whose lifestyles dont quite mirror what they sing and preach? Just before you scream judge not that ye be not judged No, I am not referring to falling into sin but rather, living in sin. As supporters do we ignore the sin issue and continue to benefit off their gifts or do we lovingly pull the plug on our support for a season. Grace, forgiveness, and love are words often used whenever a prominent Christian figure falls. Theres an obvious tension between extending grace and rebuking in love but the two neednt be mutually exclusive. 

About 6 years ago, worship leader Vicky Beeching came out as gay at the peak of her career. Churches stopped booking her and she eventually left the Christian music industry to become a tv commentator. Remember the 1990 Dove award song of the year, Thank you by Ray Boltz? It was a huge CCM hit and Boltz was selling out tours, however all that came to a grinding halt when the prolific songwriter and musician dropped the bombshell that he was gay. After her public altercation with her ex-husband, Juanita Bynums name seemed to appear less frequently on event flyers and conference bills. Just recently, Brian Houston fired Hillsong New York lead pastor Carl Lentz for moral failures. The list of ministers who have been held accountable for their actions, is endless.

So, is it time to lovingly call Darrel Walls to account? This past year has seen the singer embroiled in a few same-sex scandals, the most recent being video footage of him kissing another man. The gospel community has shown him great support, with only a few calling him to account. Dont we inadvertently become enablers when we fail to address the sin and only applaud the gift? No-one is suggesting he turn his back on gospel, but at the very least a sabbatical followed by a period of restoration would be expected.

By Akosua Dwomo-Fokuo, Premier Gospel Presenter

For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. He who is without sin should cast the first stone. These familiar scriptures are frequently tossed around.