Scandal's Not A Spiritual Gift?

I grew up in the Assemblies of God, the world's largest Pentecostal movement and over the years, I met many, many ministers with tremendous integrity, compassion and ability. But I also noticed that a disturbing percentage of the "marquee name" Pentecostal preachers seem to end up bringing shame on themselves and the church....

Now there's Haggard, admitting to some unspecified transgressions. Haggard, who describes himself as a Southern Baptist, nonetheless embraces pentecostal-charismatic theology -- such as speaking in tongues, the laying on of hands for healing, prophecy and other "gifts of the Spirit."

Certainly, no religious group has a monopoly on clergy misconduct. And as I noted at the top, most of the Pentecostal preachers I have known were hard-working, loving, faithful people. But why is it that many of the biggest names in the Pentecostal movement -- over and over again -- end up disgracing themselves and the church as a whole?

[via Bible Belt Blogger]