About 30 years ago, a young, married assistant pastor was having an “inappropriate relationship” with a woman in the church office.
Matthew 18 was followed. He refused to hear and the matter was brought before the church. He was thrown out.
The hope is always for restoration. Eventually, that was realized and the man returned to serve the church (a different church, btw- but that does not matter.)
The effect on the congregation was significant and positive. Sin in the body of Christ must not be tolerated. Accountability to leaders and accountability OF leaders is absolutely needed in the church.
What was the nature of the “inappropriate relationship?” - It was not sexual. It was intimacy- but not physical intimacy. The man was sharing with the woman what he should have been sharing with his own wife. He was violating her trust. He was violating the principle of “oneness” that should exist exclusively between a husband and a wife.
Today, the man and his wife have an excellent relationship. God and God’s people forgive. Everyone has been restored.
Inappropriate relationship not sexual....my friend calls it an emotional affair. Makes sense.