People of a Second Chance

by Ted and Gayle Haggard

Ted Haggard seemed to have it all: everyone loved Pastor Ted. However, underneath the smile was a broken and hurting man. Eventually, his secrets were uncovered and the world was exposed to his brokenness. For almost three years, Ted and Gayle have been on the journey back to restoration. What can we, the church, learn from the Haggard's experience about the importance of relationships, demonstrating grace, giving people a second chance and making the church a welcome place for those who are hurting?

Comments

Brian Townsend

As a recovering sex addict and minister I can only say "Wow!" Thank you for upholding scandalous grace and the good news of the gospel. God embraces us in our filth and works with us to transform us within His loving embrace. Thanks again!!!!

Richard Doebler

The church, like Ted, is imperfect. Those of us in the church are still learning and growing in the practice of our faith. I'm a bit confused, however, about Ted's implications that a church that extends grace should abandon other biblical truths. Undoubtedly he received many unloving, spiteful barbs from the ranks of so-called believers. Such attacks are shameful for a community of love and grace.

But does grace mean no consequences whatsoever? Does forgiveness alone qualify a person for church leadership? Aren't teachers supposed to be held to greater accountability—judged more strictly (James 3:1)? I'm trying to figure out how we offer grace without skipping over the healing process? What about confession and repentance—followed by testing (1 Timothy 3:10) so one is found to be above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2)? What about the time required to reestablish a good reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7)? How do these biblical principles work together with grace?

Nadine Wright

Great interview. I identify with a lot of things they communicate. I greatly respect Ted & Gayle Haggard, more now than ever before, and I think the Gospel has come alive in them more now than ever before! Their message is very important to the church! I'll definitely be sharing this...

Ann Roberts

I think this is a very confused and confusing interview - God's grace extends to the broken-hearted. However the sword of truth cuts cleanly and clearly. Of course the love of God is primordial, but it is a love that brings us to our knees and lets the scales fall from our eyes as well as covering over a multitude of sins and breaking our hearts. Although we will only see clearly when we see the Lord of all, He promises us light and wisdom for today. I find that sadly lacking here. However, I embrace with all my heart this gospel that not one of us deserve.

In South Africa during the years of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, we learnt that truth and reconciliation are tough and incredibly painful. God's grace came at an enormous cost, we need to tread very carefully to not cheapen it.

Lisa Zirkle

Wonderful interview. God Bless Gayle and Ted Haggard, and He is! and many of us as well by hearing their testimony.

Thank you for providing this interview.

Rita Ledbetter

I have followed this story since it broke. I found Ted's intepretation of his sin AT FIRST as a 'satanic attack " out side himself ( as he spoke on Oprah) as typical of common wrong theology taught in hyper Charasmatic circles. Big signs of trouble and he did not seek professional help . He thought the "devil made him do it" . He since found he had isses to deal within his own soul - if I undestood his story correctly. I too have been in those hyper Charasmatic circles and I still love much of what I learned but some of it was garbage . I still want to understand the why of this sin..besides wrong theology . The answer seems toget help before you drown. This story is absolutley highlights for me the importance of RIGHT theology and right community . If the guys on the India mission trip would have just got it right..maybe Ted would have been OK.

I respect Ted for his journey and applaud Gayle for staying

janice dunnet

powerful...the church can learn from this...i appreciate his desire to own what was his and to communicate the gospel, so well...gayle saw the Greater good that can only come from an unselfish heart...applaud you, gayle.

catherine

I would just like to say, can't you people remember how he was part of the big anti gay/lesbian movement. Stopping same sex marriage. He would regularly mention same sex relationships and always always say what a sin and how bad it is etc...

I would rather pray with a gay or lesbian pastor who is open about ther flaws and sexuality, than a bigit as haggard, who clearly has two standards one for himeself and one for others.

THE TRUTH IS WHAT GOD SEEKS, AND WANTS!

Hitler only wanted a blue eyed blond hair nation, and he was complete opposite, Haggard is another form of Hitler in my view.

Now I understand some of you not agreeing with you, and if this isn't posted then it just shows the world that truth and honesty is not wanted.

P.S I am a married women, not gay/lesbian.

Clover Carroll

Wow...Now that is the Gospel!

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People of a Second Chance

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