I, too, have never been a fan of Pipim. He, like our friend, Cliff, were converts into our church, Both were taught Adventism from a very conservative and literal perspective. The Lord he loves also loves him and I pray he will find a place where he can continue to minister. I, also, pray for the healing of his family.

I also pray for the other, unknown, person.

Susanna - Wed, 06/01/2011 - 03:23

I also pray for the other, unknown, person.

... and then there's his family.

What now?

Grace is all that is left - no matter what he or anyone else has said.

This is a sad development in the life of any Christian, and certainly for a pastor.

Note this quote from the letter on his website: "Undoubtedly, my resignation will be greeted with deep sorrow and hurt by those of you who have known me and worked closely with me. On the other hand, others who have always opposed what we stand for will have an additional reason to rejoice." That he supposes that those who found his theology and attitude unhelpful will be rejoicing is the really sad thing. He still holds the same rigid, us vs. them way thinking. Whether or not there is grace for him in this, there is still no grace for the rest of us.

"If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness;
therefore you are feared. "
Ps.130:3,4.

regards,
pat

conservatives have a lot of grace when it comes to divorce, adultery or any other sexual issues? that hasn't been my major observation or experience .

While I don't know Dr. Pipim, he joins a long list of Biblical leaders who were "brought low" by our humanity i.e. Moses, David....etc.
He deserves our forgiveness as a fellow traveler in this journey called "life".
I hope that the "youth" who have been a big part of his ministry don't become discouraged or lose "perspective" regarding our shared humanity and need for "healing" from the damage done by the cancer we call "sin". God clearly loves Dr. Pipim as He loves each of us!!!
Obviously his family and associates need our prayers and a true spirit of "graciousness" that God has shown to each one of us and in fact this "graciousness" is what is sooooo winsome a character trait of our God!!
Rather than being a "downer" let us reflect on our own shortcomings and how our God offers "healing" and "grace" to each of us as well as all those hurt in this sad event!!!
Let us be a part of that healing!! You never know but it might be part of a "change of heart" that God will bring out of this event.
All the best to Dr. Pipim et al
Fred

"Every religious fanatic is either a sexual pervert or a thief."

I did a Google and can't find a source

Just Wondering, Your comment resonates with me. I believe you speak the truth. Only the truth can set us free.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

His website still describes Pipim as "a Director of Public Campus Ministries." http://www.drpipim.org/

"Undoubtedly, my resignation will be greeted with deep sorrow and hurt by those of you who have known me and worked closely with me. On the other hand, others who have always opposed what we stand for will have an additional reason to rejoice."

Pipim's expectation that some will "rejoice" at his downfall could be projection w/ roots in his--
Gospel of Tolerance

“The popular gospel of tolerance--the belief that we should not be judgmental or judge anyone—is inconsistent, self-refuting and unbiblical.”

Confession, repentance, restitution when necessary, but why resignation. Did Moses or David resign?

Just think of the number who didn't confess or repent until after exposed!

Was resignation his idea or was it an offer he couldn't refuse?

I know of several similar instances in which a transfer was considered the proper and quiet thing to do.

I also know of several who went into the most conservative self-supporting work following such a "fall" and continued a very strident pietism.

The games people play. I had to give up golf and a lot of other activities because of age--so I can speak freely. Tom Z

If Adventism listed all the possible "sins" there would be insufficient paper to list them.

The people in the church i associate with drink coffee , listen to modern music, and show so much grace and unconditional love!

People are always shocked when somebody who espouses their own world view engages in bad behavior. There is unfortunately a widespread assumption out there that 'correct' opinions somehow translate into superior morals. In the real world, ideology is a poor predictor of individual morality. Whether a person is a Christian or a Muslim or an atheist says preciously little about their moral fiber. Religions and ideologies tells us about people's opinions, their values, their practices, but not much about their morals.

Morality inhabits the precarious turf at the busy intersection between selfishness and altruism where personal desire clashes daily with the needs and values of the community. Lucky are those who never end up under the wheels of an oncoming disaster. Life, unfortunately, gives us precious little to boast about when it comes to morals.

The unfortunate thing is that we all pretend that that's not the case. We throw the offenders to the curb to be picked up by the community's waste disposal unit, and thank God we're not like that. In the Christian church, unfortunately, morals has been largely reduced to sexual morality. If Pipim, instead of offending sexually, had beaten his wife or been abusive to his employees or been a cabinet minister in Mugabe's government chances are he would still be in good and regular standing with the church. (I doubt that the SDAs who participated in Rwanda's genocide were excommunicated after the event.) Blame the apostle Paul. He only mandated church discipline for sexual offenses. He wished men would treat their wives and slaves well, but if they didn't, he left it at that.

Getting rid of the offender is the easy way out. If Pipim had been allowed to continue in his job, chances are that he might have become a better and more effective--even more humble--representative of his faith.

Pastor Robert Osei-Bonsu you wrote on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 03:37
"I am again fully convinced how human we all are and how we stand in need of prayer, mercy and the grace of God. Pastor we are all praying for you in this difficult time, we are all standing together with you. Remember, you are not alone, millions are praying for you. Be strong in the Lord you have always testified about and He will be your strength."

You call yourself a man of God. How could you encourage such behavior? You must be ashamed of yourself and resign from your position as Dean of school of Theology and Missions for valley view University. This man knew exactly what he was doing. You will pray for him but the victim being the woman who had a problem and was taken advantage of you will not pray for her. No wonder birds of the same ........ fly together. You will crucify a woman for wearing ear rings but will pray for a womanizer. shame on you.

Not surprised that Spectrum Blog/Alexander Carpenter jumped on this. In fact, when when we discovered what had transpired, we both said, "Spectrum will be all over this." Didn't take but five minutes, it seems. Why did this need to be a headline? Because the folks who lurk in the dark corners of this blog have made it their full time obsession to throw stones at the church - and hide beneath the cover of "journalism" (right) and "dialogue".

This is a sad, sad place.

"Not surprised that Spectrum Blog/Alexander Carpenter jumped on this. In fact, when when we discovered what had transpired, we both said, "Spectrum will be all over this." Didn't take but five minutes, it seems."

I had seen a report about Pipkin much earlier in the day, actually. It wasn't for several hours until Spectrum picked it up. So "five minutes" is a bit of an exaggeration.

Sorry, meant to say "Pipim".

@glenn:

Hence the words "...it seems." Five minutes, five hours. It was still predictable that Spectrum would jump all over this.

@anon. That's not the point. It was the predictability with which Spectrum would trumpet this. The man resigned; why hang it all over the web? It's because Spectrum has an axe to grind. It's the smug satisfaction that oozes out of this place that bothers me - just read some of the posts.

It's not being "pushed under the rug" when the man did the right thing. It's being "pushed under the rug" if he maintained his position and the church was trying to hush things up.

LSU should send a condolence message to the Michigan Conference. Tom Z.

anecdotally, and according to preliminary findings in an ongoing research project on clergy, there is support that pastors who commit adutery & do not step away from ministry (if only temporarily), are more likely to recommit the offense. This is why many conferences have stopped the reshufle game, Tom. It's proven to be more detrimental than redemptive. One of the issues with the pastoral "spotlight" is that it can cause one to be perceived as if (and even believe) they are infallable/untouchable. The publicity leds to the upkeep of facade and deters one from getting therapeutic help. There are some that have come back "stronger" as Aage would say, but those have usually voluntarily (or even forcefully) taken significant time from ministry.

secondly, from a professional viewpoint, pastors have a great responsibility. True, in God's eyes sin is sin. And we all sin. Sexual sin is not somehow the pennicle of perversion! However, because of the confidence inherent in the profession, sexual misconduct is one that's singled out. Just as embezzlers are not beyond redemption, that doesn't mean we make them treasurers! Psychologists, teachers, therapists and a few other professions recognize the imbalance of influence and risk of transferrence. Therefore, sexual misconduct with clients/students is held for cause for dismissal-and for some professions-loss of licensure. The role of pastor is quite similar and shouldn't be held to a LESSER professional standard--and that's not even yet factoring the added dimension of spiritual influence! Speaking from a purely professional clergy perspective, resignation was a good call.

I'll try to choose the statement of mylast point very carefully. Writing isn't always as clear as speaking and I don't want to be misconstrued as casting aspersions on this situation. I'm only speaking to the point of why Pipim resigned instead of remaining in ministry: it's not secret that much of Pipim's ministry was not very grace-based. It becomes extremely difficult to preach what and how he did when something like this happens. It's hard to continue a stone throwing ministry when it's revealed that you live in a glass house. Of course it's not much of a revelation because the Bile is pretty clear that we ALL live in the same glass neighborhood. So maybe it's just now that Pipim himself realizes/admits he lives on the same street as the rest of us

"Don't shoot the messenger."

spectrum reports on adventist news...is this not newsworthy? It was previously reported on at least 3 other adventist sites before this one. Why single out spectrum? Furthermore, the vast majority of posts express regret & a call to grace and prayer for those involved. it appears the one who really has an axe to grind is you!

my post above was for notsurprised

Dear Sam,

I was so sad to hear about this. It could have happened to any of us. We should not be shocked by our sins. Jesus said he know's what we are capable of and is not surprised by anything we do. "Satan has desired to sift us like wheat," Jesus reminded Peter.

You have been a valiant voice for truth on today's college and university campuses. I have not always agreed with what I have considered your rigid perspective and independent ministry style - but you are a true brother in Christ and I am deeply saddened for you, your family and for the thousands of students who look to you for leadership. My prayer for you is that this lapse will offer you a new vision of God's forgiving love and open the possibility for a renewed relationship with you and your family. Your letter is sincere and I am sure heartfelt. It will not erase the sin you have committed, but will go a long way toward the healing process for all involved.

You, your family and your ministry partners remain in my prayers,
Ron

Sex crimes are the only things worse than thought crimes in this New Adventist World Order. If your thoughts are not aligned with those in power, be particularly aware of honey pots (I have no reason to believe that this is the case here).

Tom, it would be easy for those at LSU to gloat, and it would be human nature. But I have heard nothing but an outpouring of love and concern for all those involved in this unfortunate incident. LSU is staffed with devout sincere people who want the best for others, even those who threw stones while living in glass houses and behind curtains.

I single out Spectrum because of the general tone of disdain for the church that I find here - over and over and over again.

Which is totally different than the disdain some conservatives express towards certain Adventist colleges, theologically incorrect SDA theologians, liberals, all other Protestant and Christian sects, all other forms of religion, people who live in the city, pluralism, tolerance, Christian formation, contemplative prayer, seeker-friendly churches, etc.

Wow. Did you just hear yourself?

Right diet, right music, right dress does not equal relationship with Jesus.

Elaine,

Are you talking to me?

@glenn: you're reading things into what I'm saying that simply aren't there. You can provide nothing that would suggest that I would condone that sort of disdain, either.

@Steve: thanks for weighing in my conversion status. Disappointment with Spectrum must mean I'm lost. Sometimes, you guys really are the pot calling the kettle black.

Kenneth I don’t think what Pastor Osei-Bonsu wrote is wrong!!! What you wrote show you really have something against this man. I don’t know you guys but, please if you have any problem with Ps Osei-Bonsu please go to him that is what the Bible tells us to do. Weather he is the Dean of the school of Theology @ VVU or the GC President, all of us are sinners saved by grace and only grace not by our own power or merits. Sometimes we Ghanaians shamefully disgrace ourselves and it’s about time we stop being silly in places like this and learn to be civilized in this age and time. This is a problem that all heaven and all sincere and God fearing people are praying and crying about and you turn around being self-centered… you have started casting stones wait till you get to the end of YOUR river…

“All have sinned and have come short of the glory of God – Romans 3:23” – Kenneth Breku Amoateng, I am one of the “ALL” mentioned in this text and I hope you are one too. It is only when we see our own sinfulness that we can weep and cry when a brother or sister falls into a temptation and in this case “a trap using all the agencies of the powers of darkness” Today you are writing about Ps. Pipim and you are pointing fingers at him but remember that this will not be his end for he has confessed his sins to the world - what about you??? As a sister-in-Christ and a Ghanaian I will advise you to pray instead!!!

"Grace"

Pastors, medical doctors, psycologists and people in positions working with voulnerable people, are educated in how to deal with and prevent "temptations" like what we are discussing.
As most SDA`s dont drink alkohol, we talk about making wise or bad choises, - not that alkohol would make the consequenses ¨less serious.
Time will show - but some signs of humility from the phd doctor and his friends would probably help a lot, not a fake try to be a prophet about own martyrdom.......

Not Surprised: You came in here with a blanket condemnation of Spectrum and everyone here, just for reporting on a story that the Michigan Conference and Samuel Pipim had already released. That was unkind, unfair and unchristian. It was actually worse than that, it was mean spirited. You condemned people who were extending the hand of grace to a man who has very publicly attacked Spectrum types.

And finally you do not even have the courage of your convictions to put you own name behind your attacks. How can you claim to be a person of God, if you have to hide?

In the the grip of grace

Steve Moran

I don't think it is about gloating. None of us are 'holier than thou' that we should be pointing fingers at Dr. Pipim for any short comings that happen. If half of our thoughts were laid bare before the world, we'd probably be anathema to virtually everybody except the most depraved! It is not in his moral shortcomings where we find fault with Dr. Pipim.

The point I think that some are trying to make is that Dr. Pipim has spent much of his career making SDA molehills into mountains. Preaching the necessity of sinless perfection and holy living to a nit-picking fault, making certain lifestyle issues of salvific importance and berating those who aren't living up to the 'holy' lifestyle of what being a 'good SDA' is all about. Then we hear about this!

It is bad enough when evangelists like Jimmy Swaggart fall prey to the sexual temptations he railed about. It is even worse when someone practically calls your salvation into importance because you want to ordain women, wear jewelery, listen to contemporary music or go to movies and then commits a sin that really should be the focus of what 'holy living' is about.

Do I think he should resign? Perhaps not.

But I really think he should be focusing his ministry now on less fault finding and Pharisaic living and more on what being a Christian is all about. He needs to change his legalistic emphasis on those things that don't mean much in the grand scheme of a Christian's experience.

Kenneth pray that you dont fall (be it adultery or embezzlement)...but if you do and have a genuine repentant spirit, you will have pity of someone who is trying to regain a relationship with God and his family. If we all had the courage to come public with even the simpliest sin as lying, we will be more compassionate to a fallen brother. In my opinion, this is an honorable thing to do.....He that is without sin, let him throw the first stone.

Nicely said, Alex. Thanks for that articulate expression of a well-functioning community.

Alexander, your comments are appreciated and the openness that the Spectrum blog allows for everyone. Being open to all seems to encourage the harshest comments are by those who post anonymously or with a pseudonym. Is this encouraged? What if every poster chose a pseudonym? Would it be allowed? When those who do so hide by refusing to use their given name it appears to encourage more derogatory comments either personally or directed against Spectrum. Why is this allowed, even encouraged?

Approximately 11 pseudonyms have been used 26 times on this one thread. Is this an epidemic? Or is it merely endemic to such blogs?

Prediction: it won't stick. I've noticed that if someone is a strong and smart conservative who defends the church's most traditional ideas, they almost always get rehabilitated quickly. He will come back even more arrogant and accusatory than he has been.

"Luk 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of." to those who are rejoicing.

"Pro 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief." to Dr. Pipim.

No matter how hard the devil try, he is defeated. Pastor, God is still with you what God Has giving you will help finish the work. Victory is at the end and we will get there. Peace be with you. Today is one of the days I will never forget.

Good things begin to happen when we get exhausted from dancing to the tune of shame, even if it's the tune that we created.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XY01cp8XUo&sns=fb

I think we should all pray for the family, the people involved and the church, but most of all we should pray for ourselves, for "the but by the grace of God go I".

I am deeply saddened that people would go into lengths to really nail the man even after he had come clean, it really makes me wonder if we're still heaven bound? I mean think about; Should Jesus right now appear in the skies would we be caught up with Him? For some reason I doubt just reading all this it's like we're happy that he fell for some and others are defending. Well we all have fallen short, NO ONE in here has not fallen short and NO ONE here is immune to sin, personally I have met Dr Sam and have a healthy relationship with him and I think less of him as a minister, theologian and thinker; I believe that what really defines a man isn't his actions but its how he deals with his actions and he has taken responsibility for it and let's move on people

The work has not stopped in the field, there are still souls to be reaped for the kingdom, Jesus is coming again!

You sound bitter my friend; just think of what the psalmist said; If God kept a record of all our iniquity who then can stand?

I really doubt you can stand even though I don't know you.

I think we are all human and at times there are temptations come our way and we try our very best to for go it but it turns out hard to resist. By saying this I don't mean Pastor was right in doing that but one thing that I know is he has done the right thing. There are so many Adventist pastors who have gone through a moral fall and still is in the ministry pointig out others wrong. I know people will be pointing fingers at him but he has settled his case with God and his family which is the most important thing in all this. God is the Almighty judge and He is the only one who sees beyond what is within us so please do not try to judge Pastor but rather pray for him and his family so everything that they will do will be a blessing.Even though he might have wounded so many people, we should keep up the faith so we will all not be found wanting. My last thing is "he who has no sin let him cast the first stone".

Maame pray for the woman or man he had that moment with. How did you know God had settled with him. This is hypocracy. "My last thing is "he who has no sin let him cast the first stone" is a childish excuse to commit sin by sleeping with a man or woman. Nothing from Pipim's letter shows that he is sorry for what he did instead narrating all his achievements for people to have sympathy with him. This is nonsense and speak the truth and the truth will set you free.

"My hope and prayer is that Dr. Pipim gets the help he needs to rebuild his life in authenticity." Was he inauthentic in his convictions?

*********************

@Not Surprised...

You miss my point. One can certainly be passionate about their theological and doctrinal convictions but not have grace and truth (and I mean truth on the level of the inner life and its outworking in personal ethics ) penetrate into the heart of one's private life and personal relationships. I'm not saying that this is necessarily true concerning Dr. Pipim. But, the moral breakdown of an affair is often an indicator of deeper, relational issues going on that haven't been addressed and need time to be brought into the light and healed. IOW, it is frequently not just a momentary lapse.

If this is the case, then an authentic rebuilding would be necessary on a personal level. I said before, that I hope and pray that he would get the help and support he needs to be healed. No malice intended.

Thanks...

Frank

May the good [Lord] forgives the whole family and power [Pipim] back
into the ministry.Dr Pipim pour his heart out and said the truth,i surely
known he have being for given.Everybody should pray for him and the family.

i agree Frank 7..".temporary lapse"....jumped out at me, indicating that we are listening to a somewhat sanitized story

This is a personal tragedy for those directly involved, our thoughts are indeed with them.

That the circumstance is so publicly discussed is worthy of reflection.

Custom and practice has been to deal with these events discreetly. The motive has been to bring the least public condemnation, to minimise exposure of the family, to preserve the honour of ministry and an element of face saving for the church. In this we risk the charge of cover-up. We also risk exposure to secondary conspiratorial gossip.

In this case we have the Minister publicising his own resignation, misadventure and apology to his own constituency, along with the Presidents letter to his constituency ourlining the time line of management, on the CAMPUS website which is presumably owned by the Michigan Conference.

One has to question whether this really is a better way of doing things?

Are those centrally involved better served for the publicity?
Is ministry better served through explicit exposure?
Is the church / cause better served through this level of 'openness'?
Do we get an appropriate balance between the humility of humanity and pride in the boldness of confession?
Is the Conference President better served for publishing his six days with a six shooter?
Where was the evidence Pastoral care and Support of the family with time for reflection?
Is this overt approach designed to keep the Michigan agenda on track?
Is this the face of Macho managerial behaviourism from which no one is safe?
Is the strategy - Quick Confession with Quick Reinstatement?
Will there be a humble recognition that intense behaviourism leads to divisiveness?
Will leadership take time to Reflect and Reconsider?

In short the emperor was naked. I wonder how many left the church or were forced out as a direct result of his fanaticism and that of his followers?

There are many prayers that can and should be uttered at this moment and every moment in the life of the Christian and of the church. A prayer for one does not preclude prayers for others.

My prayer for Dr Pipim is that this trauma in his own life, that of his family, the other party and the church will lead him to a deeper understanding of the basis on which he has already been fully and freely forgiven. Not because of a commitment to greater vigilance, not because of clinging more tightly to "our distinctive message" or even because of the sincerity of his contrition. The offense is too great, grace cannot be purchased so cheaply! And not only this offense, but every human sin and in particular my own, far greater sins are infinitely costly. Forgiveness is ours because of Jesus alone, who extends forgiveness even to those who know not what they do: "Jesus paid it all. All to him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, he washed it white as snow."

Having understood this, my further prayer is that Dr Pipim, myself and each and every other Christian saved by grace is that we will walk each and every day remembering the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) and knowing that only those without sin are qualified to throw stones and He would rather utter words of forgiveness and grace anyway!

I hope he finds REAL GRACE....not something he talks about, but something he experiences.

So sad. Really Sad.
I rejoice in all the support letters from people that made clear do not support his theology, but in his hour of need pray for him and all the parts involved.

Sadly, and as Geo S. comments, is to read that Pipim is still not carefull making limit marks beteween 'they and us'.

I really hope Pipim reflects in the signals he is sending by writing:
"Undoubtedly, my resignation will be greeted with deep sorrow and hurt by those of you who have known me and worked closely with me. On the other hand, others who have always opposed what we stand for will have an additional reason to rejoice. For this, I am deeply sorry"

So I wonder, because I won't dare to say that he thinks this, I really hope not. Is he saying that He needs grace and understading from others, but he won't give grace and understading to others that have oppsed against his thology?

If the case was the other way around, if a Pastor that oppoed his theology and ministry would have felt morally, would he have rejoiced in that? I wonder.

I hope he gets a greater understanding of what Grace is, and learn to see who is adventist or not through the eyes of God's grace.

Pipim has always been quick to condemn others if they did something that in his idiosyncratic interpretation of the Bible was wrong. Let's hope that he will now be able to see that in the real world things are never as black or white as he had chosen to believe. If he learns from this experience and realises that other people's views, perspectives and interpretations are as valid as (and certainly not inferior to) other people's then at least some good will result from the evil he has caused by his mistaken preaching over the years - and I consider his teaching to be much more evil that his sexual incontinence..

Alexander Carpenter - Wed, 06/01/2011 - 16:41
"I've been generally impressed with the tenor of the conversation thus far."
Sorry, Alex, Not Surprised has shown how slanted your observations are. Shouldn't proclaimed intellectuals also pride themselves on objectivity? As the conversation has continued it has become more vicious. Nothing is gained by crucifying Dr. Pipim; however, many comments show how a side of human nature that obviously gloats when a strong man falls. Shame on those who engage is such demeaning behavior.

If and when one of the libs experiences a fall it will be interesting to see how Carpenter and company relate to it. Dr. Pipim, many are praying for you.

Your Friend.

I hope you realize that you contradict your own point. The theology behind the man was demanding the very same thing you are saying not to demand from him..

????????

Sometimes we feel we are adequate and we rely on our own strength to overcome sin and make our way to Heaven. It is by grace and nothing at all. This is a lesson to all of us. Always be VIGILANT. More grace to you, Pastor.

Based on the comments of Ghanaians who post on this site, won't it be of interest for us to learn what form of discipline would be appropriate for a man of Dr Pipim's international stature if this were left for our Ghanaian SDA brothers and sisters in North America, UK, and in Ghana to decide? Will they treat Sam Pipim with more grace (tolerance, leniency) than the average Ghanaian SDA member? I lived in Ghana for 6 months while serving as a volunteer staff in one of our SDA hospitals there. Some ethical issues arose during my brief stint in the country and, needless to say, I couldn't persuade them I was right and they were wrong!;)

Nana Osei Kwadwo
(Nana means "chief" or "elder" and Kwadwo means "Monday" because I was born on that day. Kofi means "Friday" as in Kofi Anan, former UN Sec Gen.)

Within six months he'll be declared to be on a track to repentance and rehabilitation. Within a year someone will have engaged him for some kind of church work again. Give it two years, and he'll be writing books and be as judgmental as ever.

Accuse me of the rankest cynicism, but would you be entirely surprised?

It amazes me how easy to forgive a sexual indiscretion many conservatives are with one of their own. Your Friend seems to still hold Dr. Pipim on a pedestal. His message is akin to "Hey we shouldn't beat the man down! Shame on all of you for calling the man out! Pastor we are praying for you!" My question would be, would Your Friend and others have the same 'forgiving' spirit if it were one of our liberal/progressive leaders who fell? I doubt it. If I may wax eloquent like CityLights at this moment, the conservatives would be grinning from ear to ear and stoking the fires of the Inquisition even hotter knowing that their reasoning that abandoning the pillars of the church will lead to gross sin, is confirmed.

The hypocrisy is sad.

Here are people who rail against those who hold differing beliefs, calling their SDA membership and even their salvation into question because of what they perceive as 'backsliding' and 'apostasy' in the church. Yet when one of their own commits a serious offense against God, well, 'he is only a sinful human after all! Let's not pound the man down!'

Pipim should be forgiven. We should not beat the man down. We are sinful ourselves. This is all true. Nonetheless the blatant hypocrisy and 'straining at gnats while swallowing a camel' mindset of the cultic conservative must be pointed out.

Again, I pray that this incident will soften Pipim's and his followers' cultic mindset of making issues of meat, dress, dance and other minor issues of salvific importance and be more tolerant and aware of what the important issues of Christianity are.

We must remember that our leaders are also HUMANS and are fallible. Dr Pipim, I really cherish you and nothing can change that. The bible says the righteous shall fall seven times and shall rise seven times. Its my prayer that the Lord will strengthen him and his family and all those who looked up to him. I pray for his return to the ministry. LET US WATCH AND PRAY

So, Must We Be Silent?

i was very much alarmed and overwhelmed when i heard what has happened to Dr. Pipim and am still even in shock. i admit that some of opinions about certain biblical and church beliefs were too rigid but he is a man who has led so many people to the Lord. therefore i pray that the lord gives him a second stand to make amends through his son Jesus Christ. to those of us who are criticizing him for being a hypocrite and calling him names ,lets remember that blessed is the merciful. to the unknown young lady and SKP, God will forgive you all your sins so please do not give up your faith.I really got to know the Lord through the bible lecture series of Dr Pipim when i was an undergraduate in KNUST,Ghana.Critics should not rejoice at the fall of a man of God,only a pharisee will do that. Rather lets pray for HIM but especially his family both abroad and in Ghana.

sorry, i meant second chance

To Maame Yaa

Nobody is rejoicing at his fall but to make make it look like Pipim is a victim is nonsense. He knew the temptation and he went to sleep with whatever being a man or a woman. You all must be ashamed to support sin

To Mrs D of Cherrybrook.

Drinking coffe is not a sin...

Please do not compare drinking coffee with a moral Fall.

Your prayers and mine! The devil is waging great wars against men and women of God. What you and I need to do is to support them with our prayers everytime. They need devine strength and guidance just as they work hard for you and I.
We also need to accept that these men and women like Dr Pipim are mortals; they're not the ultimate standards. The Ultimate Standard is Jesus who's commissioned Dr Pipim to do His work. I've prayed for Dr Pipim and hope you do the same for him in his very troubling time. God bless you as you do so.

I appreciate the generally positive comments for my fallen brother Sam Pipim. This is a loss, not only for our Church, but for each one of us as individuals. While such activity, even if one is truly repentant, should not be tolerated in positions of leadership, and Pipim has rightly resigned his position of leadership, we are all children of a forgiving God. We have all fallen in grievous ways and we all need a Savior. None of us can stand in moral judgment without condemning ourselves. May God continue to heal us all as individuals and as a Church family.

Sean Pitman

clearly Mrs. D was being sarcastic...obviously several aren't able to read that

however, many comments show how a side of human nature that obviously gloats when a strong man falls.

******************

@ Your Friend....

Your description of Dr. Pipim reveals part of the problem. He was not a strong man. At heart, none of us are. But, doctrinal posturing and public theological militancy often give the appearance of such. So does perfectionistic theology. It seriously underestimates human weakness and brokeness, and seriously overestimates the idea of human perfectability in this life.

The reality is that Dr. Pipim has clay feet ,and is in desperate need of grace and support like the rest of us...no matter what our theological hobbyhorses may be.

Thanks...

Frank

I don't remember people calling for his head, even to this day he appears on 3ABN. Is it because Dr Sam is of another race?

******************

Please don't play that card! Maybe it's because Dr. Pipim had a ministry that focused on us vs. them, one that could hardly be called gracious. He still is characterizing those who disagree with his conservative views as enemies. Thus, it seems to be more of a case that with the measure with which you judge others, you will be judged. rather than anything having to do with race.

Yet, whether or not I find his message and methods disagreeable, I believe he should be shown grace and offered help to recover from his problems...as well as his family.

Thanks...

Frank

" No sooner does the child of God approach the mercy seat than he becomes the client of the great advocate. At the first utterance of penitence and appeal for pardon Christ espouses his case and makes it His own, presenting the supplication before the father as His own request" 6T 364

Dear Pastor Pipim, thank God your source of motivation and consolation is not found only in the scribbling of men but also in the undaunted love of Christ to bear your shame and to espouse your case before the father.The condition however is true repentance; which itself is a gift from God.We all, though unworthy,for Christ sake shall continually pray for you and the entire family in this crucial moment of your life.

You missed the whole point completely! People are calling for his head! and we don't even have the full story and if we do then what? Are we going to undo the problem? Isn't he also subject to the same grace that all of us need?

@Joerants...

How many people here are calling for the man's head? The great majority of posters are offering prayers and understanding. Where is the racism in that?

Frank

Sean Pitman, I appreciate your comments. Amen!

Did @Jorants seriously just play the race card?!

Small minds get excited over trivial things...perhaps I should go back to the University and sue the school. What does propositional mean?!!! Seeing that most here are assuming, I saw it fit that why don't we widen the manner of debate. Keep in mind that NO ONE here has the full facts. Only God, Dr Sam, his wife and the other person who know what really happened. Us we're just speculating.

The image of Daniel 2 represents humanity resting on feet of clay and iron—“partly strong and partly fragile” (Dan 2:42). As iron and clay “do not adhere to one another” (2:43), neither can humanity ever be united in all viewpoints (theology, philosophy, culture, values or science). Strengths and weaknesses are always bundled together. Perfection, “perfect obedience” (EGW), God does not require what humanity cannot perform.

If we lived in the times of Elijah, translated to heaven, we would probably be shocked by his human flaws. Reformation heroes recorded in Great Controversy, were not saints, they are defective like humanity they preached to. We have to be careful not to depend upon any person to be our religious model. It is a human tendency to “worship” an image, but every time our human devotion turns out be the “image of the beast” (Rev 13), the beast inside of all humanity.

From my perspective, the reason Sam Pipim's adultery has become so "newsworthy" comes from the fact that he is living out Jesus' parable of the Unmerciful Servant. He built the pedestal that he just fell from. For decades Pipim has placed thousands in his theological stranglehold, demanding justice for petty things. Now this Unmerciful Servant finds himself back at the kings feet, in need of much greater mercy than those he demanded it from.

I do not rejoice that this has come to light. I am simply relieved that there is one less loud voice distracting our people from the only thing that matters: a genuine, daily walk with Jesus Christ. A focus on behavior modification and personal self-control can only produce one thing: disappointment.

Perhaps I'm a dreamer, perhaps I have it wrong, perhaps I'm being unrealistic. For some time I have asked myself this question: Where are we still here on earth? I have engaged in theological and philosophical debates and also some which ended on unfriendly terms with my counterparts. As much as I have admired and respected Dr Sam (which I still do) I have come to a realization that we are still here on earth because our focus has been on each other. We have focused on the specks on people's eyes than the logs on our eyes, we have analyzed people's lives and their convictions with a fine tooth comb that when they fall by the way side we make a meal of their mishaps. We have rooted our friendships on things that are of this world. Perhaps the reason we are still here on earth is that our focus is not heaven bound, we're immersed in antagonizing and labeling and forgot that Christ is the key to heaven. We have placed our trust and based our faith on the faith of others which are visible to us. These things which are indeed sad.

I, myself have fallen short on many occasions, and I know that as we come to the conclusion of earth's history many revelations of people in which we trusted are yet to come out and we're still going to be disappointed and saddened. But no matter how hard the enemy is going to attack, we must not forget that we are heaven bound beloved. God is not yet done with all of us and certainly He is not yet done with Dr Sam. Heaven is for sinners saved by grace, Jesus exercised the same grace to those who needed it most and also to those who thought they didn't need it. In this manner I would like to ask for forgiveness to those in this blog whom I may have rubbed the wrong way, the Holy Spirit is calling me to order.

Saints let us not lose the profession of our faith, let us uphold and help each other along the way, let Jesus be the One who dictates the pace and direction of our lives, lets die daily in Him, let's seek to be in His Presence on a daily basis. God is still in control, He is firmly seated on His throne and He will triumph with His own. My prayers and thoughts are with the Pipims, I'm praying for our leaders in this movement, for the pastors in the field, for independent ministries which function under the guise of holiness, I'm praying for the young ministerial students in the seminary that they may hold on to Jesus, I'm praying for the members as they take bullets for this tragedy. I also pray for myself that I may be found not wanting when weighed. Let's not lose sight and focus Jesus is coming again! Coming again, Coming again...Jesus is coming again!

I - as one who has been very frustrated with Pipim's theology/methodology over the years - also have been happily surprised at the outpouring of grace and mercy in these comments...and the lack-there-of in yours, "Not Surprised." Unless you are trying to teach us a lesson in irony I'd strongly encourage you to close your laptop and go for a walk...

A big tree has fallen indeed and it all shows how skillful the devil is. I believe this should be a big lesson to us all. Ps has publickly accepted his shortfall without considering what people may say having in mind his salvation. How many of us are bold to accept our mistakes? Pr has demonstrated that he leaves by what he preaches.Let us therefore pray for our dear minister and family in this trying moments.

Alex

Why don't you have one of your staff search out Pastor Paul Heubach's sermon :He Stubbled and Fell"
and publish it on-line.
It is a powerful, well reasoned, redemptive homily that covers in a lucid fashion the trend of these responses to Sanms tragic error. I believe it is in Ministry but it maybe in the Review. It is timeless, comprehensive, the essence of Gospel ministry. Tom Z.

There seems to be something going completely unnoticed in all of these comments here. The fact that Dr. Pipim is not trying to excuse his behavior or find some way to continue in his behavior. He is not trying to justify it or say it is not sin, or say "Well, now I understand it is ok to break the laws of God." He is repenting. He says he has repented to God and to his family and now, he is repenting to the church and to the people he has let down. This is very much in the line of what he has preached. He is not reneging on the truth that the Bible proclaims, but he is acknowledging that he has fallen and needs God's grace and His strength to once again be made whole.

I find it very odd that many comments here are comparing what he did with concepts he may have spoken about. It appears that the consensus is, now that he has committed this grievous sin, suddenly he'll realize sin isn't wrong anymore? I keep hearing how he needs grace and now maybe he'll start preaching a grace-based message. Yes, he does need grace. Yes, we all do. But, his messages were Biblical messages of truth. And messages from the Spirit of Prophecy. He attempted to expose some errors the church is falling into as far as spiritualism and I know this has helped me greatly.

Christ offers us his righteousness and tells us that we no longer need to be slaves to sin, but that now we can be slaves to righteousness for holiness. "For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness." Romans 6:19. Not only this, but God has given us an ample amount of teachings on what sin is and how to overcome through the power of Christ. We are assured God will always provide us a way out of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). God has even given us the counsel of a prophet in these last days so that we can guard our hearts against the deceptions of Satan. Does this mean, we never lose our focus on Jesus and turn it towards ourselves and in so doing, we fall into temptation? Unfortunately no. But God does assure us that if we keep our eyes on Him, we will not fall. It is in our action of taking our eyes off Christ that allows us to be overcome by temptation. Thus, Dr. Pipim has acknowledged that he did not rely on Christ to overcome in this situation, but instead allowed himself to fall into temptation. He has repented of it.

How can we compare this to things that we read are wrong in the Bible or Spirit of Prophecy and then we say, "Oh well, I can't stop doing that. God knows my heart." This is a much different mindset. It is not one of repentance. It is one of opposition to God's will. In our own strength, we may not be able to stop doing something, but in Christ's strength all things are possible (Philippians 4:13). If there's anything that can be learned here it is a lesson in humility for every single one of us. We must humble ourselves before God and allow Him to mold us and shape us, so that we will be His creatures, used for His will. And if we do fall, we must admit our wrong, repent, and seek the healing and purification that God offers.

As far as Michigan conference. I think this is exactly what they are asking La Sierra to do. Hold people accountable for their actions (whether it be grievous sins, which affect the whole church. Or whether it be wrong teachings). Whether Dr. Pipim's resignation is voluntary or has been coerced, I believe the point is that the conference wants to hold to what is true in the word of God. If it is necessary for a leader to be disfellowshipped (or caused to resign or take time from the ministry) in order for his full recovery in Christ, then it is necessary. Whatever will lead to his salvation and the salvation of others. This may not seem that it would lead anyone to Christ, but Paul assures us in 1 Corinthians 5, that this action needs to be taken in certain cases. Does this mean God cannot forgive him? That there is no grace for him? That he can never again be part of the church? No, it does not. Instead, the very purpose is for the person to spend time with God and repair their relationship with Him and learn once again to seek His will for their lives. At this time, they are ready to reenter the church. God simply says they must be purged out as long as they are having a negative moral influence on the people. We are to be striving to be a holy people unto God. Uplifting His character and His name in all we do and our morality cannot be separated from our claim of "love". Love for God and love for others. We may think our small sins hurt no one, but God knows the complete picture and that is why He makes clear to us many moral issues, so that we can see God's understanding of loving Him and loving others. Is it not His definition of love that we want to follow?

I think this is a set up. The people who oppose his honest teaching found a willing person to seduce him. Perhaps they even drugged him. This will become clear very soon. Just wait.

GHana SDA, he is a man who had a lot to say, but did not have the courage of his convictions. Very little moral fiber to back up his sermons. A mediocre man with a message that was too big for him. There is redemption, but that is outside the ministry.

To poster, "Ghana SDA"

It sounds like they might have drugged you as well.

Sheesh, now we have the "Pipim's the victim of an evil plot" conspiracy. So predictable. Didn't Joseph refuse Potiphar's wife? That's what an ethical man does when someone attempts his "seduction."

I do think that there's more to this story. If--as presented--Pipim only had a one-night-stand to repent about, it seems that his Administrator's reaction would have been less severe; a leave of absence, perhaps, & no publicity.

Pipim is a worthy opponent indeed. Even as his right-wing, fundamentalist theological banner hits the dust and he falls to the ground in shame and disgrace he still has the arrogance and hubris to call out those opposed to his theology, shaking his fist and cursing then as 'enemies of God who will rejoice'. Really Sam? Those who oppose you oppose God? The grotesque, bloated ego knows no bounds and he goes down spitting and fighting, his hatred for progressives and liberals undiminished. He knows his cause has taken a blow and he is ripping mad about it. I love it. What a formidable force he would be if we could just get him on our side.

In this though, he is correct. We are indeed enemies Pipim. Theological enemies who will show each other no quarter. If one of our camp were on the ropes Pipim would put the boots to them without mercy, of this there can be no doubt. I would expect nothing less of him and he expects nothing less of anti-fundamentalists. Yes, I oppose you Pipim. I oppose you in the name of Paul who wished the knife would slip on the Pharisees, in the name of Luther who called the corrupt, legalistic church of Rome a shameless whore and purveyor of crushing, works-based salvation, and in the name of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ who spared not that brood of vipers whose legacy you and those like you carry on to this day. That means you Kevin Paulson.

Do I rejoice in Pipim's infidelity? No. I could care less what shenanigans he carries on with in his hotel rooms. He is not the first high-profile religious leader to succumb to lust of the flesh and he won't be the last to be caught with his pants down. All that does is prove his corrupt, works-based salvation theology and sinless perfection refuse as the worthless trash it is. Worse than worthless, it is powerless and useless.

What I do rejoice in is that, at least for a short while, his voice has been silenced and he will no longer pollute the theology of Adventists who don't know better. For at least a short while he will no longer defile and corrupt young minds at putrid General Youth Indoctrination Conferences. For at least a while he will no longer oppress female pastors and women in general with his chauvinistic rot. For at least a short while he will no longer spit his venom of condemnation on contemporary worship styles and celebration services. The yammering, hectoring, judgmental voice heard echoing around camp meetings and church services everywhere lauding righteousness by diet and elevating jewelry and dress to salvation status will be silenced, if but for a short while. Oh yes, I am doing a dance of joy over that, no question. How many throats have you held and throttled, condemning those in the church who don't think like you as non-Adventists and apostate pretenders? How many Sam? In your own words an SDA who eats pork is not an Adventist. I daresay eating a pork chop pales in the face of your infidelity. Where does this leave you dear Pipim? Where does that leave your gnat-swallowing ministry now? Karma baby. Get to know it, what goes around comes around.

I rejoice in this tentatively though, well aware that he will continue to spread the dung of his legalistic beliefs around the denomination somehow, in some capacity, either through a different avenue or through a zealous young ultra-conservative successor that has fed on the raw meat of fundamentalism and is ready and poised to carry the torch of kicking in the teeth of Luther's message of justification by faith. There will always be another to replace the fallen. Always another M.L. Andreason, another Joe Crews, another Dennis Priebe, another Russel and Colin Standish, another Kevin Paulson and Larry Kirkpatrick ready to regress the church back 100 years and charge into the denominational fray carrying the flag of intolerance high with calls for a camp-cleanse and a purge of those who they believe to be heretics because they don't tow the right-wing party line. Do your worst fundamentalists. Because we are legion and we are not going anywhere.

This is not a place to argue or fight, as united Christians a fall of a comrade affects us. Let us pray.

1 John 2:16 KJV has it that, "16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

But who is the "world?" That is Mgune, Sanawa, Randy Skeete, Rubara, Pipim, Osama, Praxeda, Mwasapila(e?), Qeen Elizabeth, Bill Graham, Razinger, Machocho girl, Opere, Mwansa, Mbwana, Kikwete you name it. Since we are all lustful of fleshes, of eyes, etc, none of us is immune to temptation. At this point, I am learning to point at my sins. He who thinks is standing, let him watch lest he stumbles and fall. Let Jesus be our role model 100 percent. Of course, human beings can be our role models (this is an inescapable fact) but let it be just partially.

I am surely terribly sorry for my role model Dr. Koranteng-Pipim but I am taking it as a challenge. The guy is (was?) a great man, irrespective of the circumstances.

Let us pray for the church, for ourselves, not forgetting the great gentleman Pipim.

Conteplating yours,

Mwa Masatu.

"Clergy sexual abuse and misconduct (including spiritual abuse) is wrong. It is the pastor’s (or any other person in the role of authority) responsibility to maintain appropriate boundaries.
...
"The pastoral/clergy sexual abuse in the news recently refers mostly to the abuse of young boys by the male clergy. The reality is that women are often (men are occasionally) victims of sexual abuse and professional exploitation by pastors, ministers and clergy, as well as other professional caregivers, instructors and mentors.
...
"We also recognize the fact that some women do seek to seduce their pastors and that, at times, the pastors may succumb to this temptation. This, however, in no way lessens the pastor’s responsibility (or guilt if he falls) to protect the woman (even if only from herself) and to maintain proper boundaries. The person with the power, whether it be the pastor, a teacher, a therapist, etc., is ALWAYS the one with the highest responsibility and accountability."

http://www.thehopeofsurvivors.com/default.asp

Some have suggested Sam's leaving the ministry is a bit harsh, that he should be given time off to sort himself out, or be transferred. Is that what happens where you live? I've known quite a few circumstances where a male pastor has had sex with a woman other than his wife and that was always the end of their church employment. No leave, no time out, no transfer. The trust was damaged and the pastor (and his family) paid the price.

I am mortified to realise that the temptation Dr Pipim faced (and succumbed to) was not that of drinking coffee, and I can understand people asking if I was being sarcastic now that I understand the issue is not just one of choosing to put the wrong thing into his body, but a choice to betray his wife's trust and to engage in intimacies and intercourse with someone to whom he was not married.

Dr Pipim is not so unusual. While most evangelists don't drink coffee many of them do engage at some point in their career in extra-marital affairs, and as far as I can see this temptation is a real test for those who set public standards the was Dr Pipim has so successfully done in recent years. Once the evangelist has failed the test they are a better example of the grace of God, so it all works out in the end. This was the case with the evangelist who brought me into the church.

It's very sad for Dr Pipim's wife, and if I were her I would leave him - cheaters cheat - but Dr Pipim will be fine.

All communities of faith or without faith that I know of believe in forgiveness and redemption but I don't know that any of them has learned to live comfortably with these ideals. Who would--without considerable palpitations--raise their hand and vote into fellowship a repentant Ted Haggart or a Jimmy Swaggart? (Are you able to imagine Ted Haggard gracing the front page of the Review, proclaiming his new-found SDA faith?)

In my native Norway a generation of WWII nazi collaborators, often inoffensive people who joined what they thought was the winning side, spent the decades after the war as marked people. Our parents pointed them out to us. When we started school in the 50s and 60s, they would tell us who among our classmates had parents who had sided with the German occupiers. I knew about the scarlet letter long before I had heard of Hester Prynn.

I suspect the truth is that individuals at times forgive and forget, but communities don't. Spectacular sins will always doom the offender to a life in the shadows, outside of his or her 'circle of trust' (to quote DeNiro). Somehow communities seem to feel that taking the idea of redemption seriously would diminish the righteousness of the majority and publicly question its commitment to the highest moral standards.

Bill Mahr, on his HBO show, regularly taunts Christians with the words of Jesus in the sermon on the mount. I can say these things because I'm not a Christian, he laughs, and then adds, but neither are most Christians. Although there is obviously much more to the Pipim story than what is know publicly, it seems that this will be a good opportunity for the Adventist community to grapple with the practicalities of the Christian gospel.

Exercising forgiveness and redemption is not the same as forgetting and reinstatement. If someone was molested by their step father, they may, after a long emotional journey, come to the place of forgiveness. But does that mean "Grandpa" should now be allowed to babysit the kids? It's almost setting the situation up for a fall!

I can forgive a theif, but I don't have to tempt them by asking them to hold my wallet. I can forgive a gossipper, but that doesn't mean they get to share in my secrets. Forgiveness is what we are called to do as Christians, but I don't remember any Scripture that explicitly mandates that the offender be entrusted with the same avenues that caused the offense.

Offenses should be forgotten in the sense that it's unnecessary to rehash the situation repeatedly, but not necessarily in the sense that an opportunity is presented for recidivism. SKP can be forgiven, but I hope no one believes that in order for it to be true or "Christian" that reinstatement is an AUTOMATIC and inherent part of that process.

"All communities of faith or without faith that I know of believe in forgiveness and redemption but I don't know that any of them has learned to live comfortably with these ideals. "

Forgiveness & redemption are personal. For the community, re-employment of errant clergy & educators must include a process of restoration. Some denominations have an extended plan requiring counseling & accountability.

Perhaps a faith community w/ such a process does better at living out forgiveness & redemption. Just from the comments here, we have a sense of the many emotions & concerns the Adventist community is suffering. Restoration helps the community heal, not just the affected individual.

I hope this makes the news.

if you said he didn't say sorry then you do not understand simple english, he said it and posting that letter shows how sorry he was. There is nothing wrong of narrating his achievements and he did not ask anyone to have sympathy on him, he has won many souls for Christ and the fact that he confeses to the whole world means he prayed over it and have been forgiven, who are we to judge anyway? look at you and ask yourself if God appears today you will be with Him. The thief who was at the cross with Jesus he asked Him to remember Him and He did. Ask yourself, that what you are saying about someone God will like it. best wishes bye

There has certainly been ample time to have his name removed from the websites affiliated with his 'leadership.'

I wonder if Dr. Pipim will ever read a word written on Spectrum Magazine.

So many here are in pain to see him go through this. Yet we seem to be hanging on to the hope that Dr. Pipim will humble himself before the Lord and come to an experience of His grace versus a head knowledge.

I think one of the greatest thing that Dr. Pipim can do is to genuinely humble himself before the Lord, and ask those whom he PUT DOWN for an apology. The very people he put down are people who love the Lord and want to further His gospel message. Dr. Pipim saw them as obstacles, enemies of truth, rather than tools in the hands of the Lord.

Dr. Pipim should NEVER be reinstated into ministry. He has done enough damage before and during this incident to last a life time.

It all boils down to pride with Dr. Pipim. It is time for him to be humbled and humble himself before the Lord.

Cherilyn...really agree with your point #2. While obfuscating, I think dear Mr. Pipim revealed alot. "Failed in taking enough precautions"--do all godly men have to go through contortions to gird themselves up with enough protective devices and mental preparations when they go on mission visits. Memo to self: pack Bible and at least one chasity belt. Trips without a wife in tow, can be such a mine field

Fay, I think the Chastity belt thing is the wisest idea. We need to add that to the shopping list ABC.

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING PEOPLE HERE?I AM INTERESTED IN THIS ADVENTISM!I I HAVE LEFT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND I WANTED TO JOIN THIS CHURCH WHICH I HEARD OF IN HOPE CHANNEL.I HAPPENED TO GET THIS SPECTRUM MAGAZINE,NOW IAM ASKING YOU BLOGGERS; IS THIS THE TRUE CHURCH I SHOULD JOIN OR IT IS DIVIDED? DONT SCARE ME!!!! WHO IS THERE TO GIVE ME WHAT IS THIS ALL ABOUT???

Dear MAN

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS THE TRUE CHURCH, JUST SINNERS WITH A COMMON UNDERSTANDING OF GOD. CHURCHES WILL ALWAYS PROVIDE DISAPPOINTING EXAMPLES OF FAILURE TO LIVE UP TO PRINCIPLE. JOIN THIS CHURCH CONFIDENT THAT, AS IN ANY OTHER HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS, FROM TIME TO TIME YOU WILL BE LET DOWN. WORK ON DEVELOPING A HEALTHY SENSE OF RESILIENCE AND SELF-AWARENESS AND YOU WILL BE FINE!!!!

Victor said, “Is the strategy - Quick Confession with Quick Reinstatement?” Geo S. Believer echoed the sentiment. So do I. With his high-placed, moneyed friends like McNeilus et al., it wouldn’t surprise me a bit for him to sideline himself for awhile, earn some money, then return. Maybe a stint in global mission with Bob Folkenburg , or maybe a stint at AHS as some kind of chaplain or community service coordinator, or … But I think he’ll be back sooner than later. The only thing that might prevent this is that he became an icon of the right and he can no longer serve that role. Someone else will have to be the public face of it.

Still, I hope that he learns from this and that his family and the other person(s?) find resolution.

In deed it sad to hear a bout the resignation of Dr. Pimpim. this points to us that we are in a great war and battle with the evil one and we stand at a point that we really need the hand of God and the Grace of God. May the Almighty Give Our brother great healing from this and we also pray for him and accept him back since we still need him as youth in the ministry. even Samson,David, and the great patriarchs had their dark past but God accepted them after the confession and repentance.Lets not be first to condemn
.My prayers with Him and the Family.

@ Man:

Don't worry. This is not the Adventist church. Just people who love to drag it through the dirt. Sorry you had to see this. I love this church, and you will, too.

Tom: I've seen enough mud in this place over the years to convince me that what you say is true.

May we all live through the day when the headline in the Adventist press reads: "Koranteng-Pipim Comes out of the Closet!".

It is rather unforturnate this should happen to a man of the gospel of God. But we should not forget that obsolute perfection is far beyond human's faculty. Satan is not happy with him proclaming the word of God and drawing the youth for Christ. We should not take this personally, the Father in Heaven who sees in secret knows his heart right now. l will always respect Dr. Pipim and continue praying for him. He has faithfully spoken the truth out of this and repented of the momental and uncalled for inccident. He has humbled himself, and allow truth to have its own way. This tells how he loves God . Taking his public figure into consideration, he would have lied to save his personal interest, but chose to tell the truth to be at peace with his God and family and God's people. . l plead with us all to examine our lives not seeing ourselves in adultery but seeing ourselves us sinners in various ways and have fallen short of the glory of God. May God Whose Name is love and Merciful, continue to deliver as from evil. We need God the most in our lives, let us continue in the faith and learn how to forgive and love one another; God bless us all.

PS
When Isaiah discovered he was just like his people it didn't stop him speaking for God. Important to recognize a message for it's truth, whoever delivers it. I hope the people who are secretly relishing this fall don't take it as justification for their rejection of Pipim's messages of reformation. That could prove dangerous. The enemy is a sly devil and you may be playing right into his hand.

thank you. We should all come to reason that we are all human. We forget that sin be it lttle or big is sin. But now all fingers are pointing to Dr. Pipim. Lord Have mercy. His is known today what about those of us whose sins are covered. Do we go to the grave with it. Pipim has humbled himself to Truth. He has set himself at peace with God.That is very important now. We pray that there is no set ups in this for a man of God to fall if that is the case Lord have Mercy.

this very true.

Hey Jesus, some of us trip up big time. Some of us do it where hardly anyone knows, others have it made public for whatever reason. I love how you never kicked anyone when they were down. Not a soul. Not even your worst enemy. Your compassion and care blows me away and I know that anyone would have felt safe with you, sharing the joys, and also telling you of the darkest secrets, knowing there was no condemnation or judging (coz that just closes us up and hides it all away inside again) . You understood humanness so well and helped people grow in their own beautiful way, planting in the soil of your love the unique seed of who they were and nurturing them to become the unique plant of blessing they were designed to be.

Life's messy, and people do things that rock our perceptions, and your love and healing is still bigger than anything that can be thrown at us. Jesus, I need you and love you. You keep me growing. I love being grown by you with the fertiliser of love, compassion, understanding, encouragement, gentleness, ... I I love how you are creating in me more and more that spirit I see in you. Amen!

"For those saying that no one is immune from sin, Dr. Pipim thought that he was and slammed people on the basis that he was perfect. He found out that he wasn't. " Carlos
And Carpenter and company continue to allow ad hominem attacks on one who was serving as a minister of the gospel. Is this the real spirit and ethos of the spectrumite mindset? Whether conservative or liberal I call on you to terminate this tirade. And how often have we heard from the libs -- don't be judgmental.

How many people don't lambaste and lampoon the ordinary floor member for similar sins committed? This is a big lesson. we are equal in the eyes of the lord. Only CHRIST JESUS is the yardstick.

I have one question for those of you who have posted and those who will be posting.I do not know if you will answer.Two questions.Based on the Word of God how do you think that Jesus views Dr. Pipim?.And how would Jesus treat him if he was here on earth today?.I await your response.Be blessed.

This is heart breaking but life has to go on.

I just read "Founding Faith" by Steve Waldman. The following words which he attributes to John Adams seem appropo: Immoral behavior, ungentlemanly insolence and blackest brutality is patiently endured and forgiven. But touch a solemn truth in collision with a dogma of sect and you will find you have disturbed a nest and hornets will swarm about your legs, hands, face and eyes.

Not Surprised wrote on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 10:54:

“Not surprised that Spectrum Blog/Alexander Carpenter jumped on this. In fact, when when we discovered what had transpired, we both said, "Spectrum will be all over this." Didn't take but five minutes, it seems. Why did this need to be a headline?”

*********
Spectrum treated this tragic event the same way the Bible treated David’s fall. Had this not been the case, we would have never learned about David’s sin, repentance and forgiveness!

Mike
Based on the word of God Jesus would view Pipim as a "whited selpchure" professing on the outside but capable of immoral behaviour in secret.

A popular myth in so called Christian circles today is that one can sin with impunity and still be forgiven by God but the Bible does not say so.While Jesus cast seven devils out of MM he did not cast one devil out seven times. Scripture is plain if you lay hold of the plow and look back you are lost.

I do not know the circumstances of Pipim's transgression but a married man knows when he is being aroused or seduced .We do not give into sexual temptations unless we want to.

"Temptation of the moment"....yeh right! I wonder if there are enough women brave enough to come forward? This has been a life long power trip, and his strident campaign against women's leadership along with his other right wing rants is a smoke screen for this moral dysfunction. Prayer is important, but this guy needs radical psychotherapy.

Well said Josephine and may god bless you for your remarks. I can see you are a Seventh-day Adventist Christian with a wonderful message from god and I hope the ignorant followers of people will get your message

Margaret Osei Boateng - Fri, 06/03/2011 - 01:10
You are a disgrace to women. You are praising a womanizer. This man does not have respect for women and you are defending him. i have read his so called letter and I do not see anything that he is sorry for his behavior. Do not support sin and quote the bible to encourage sin. The cross must be lifted up and Pipim should be told his behavior and actions are a disgrace to the gospel of Jesus. whether you like it or he has been caught. Shakespeare once wrote " the evil that men do live after them and you sow what you grow. Do not deceive yourself for the man does not have any moral. billy Graham did not do it and will not accept anything less from anyone who want to encourage sin

Sampson Osei Aboagye - Fri, 06/03/2011 - 01:1

What about the woman or man he took advantage of or manipulated and slept with. Is the person not a child of God? Stop this hypocracy and let the right thing be put right. This guy went overseas to spread the gospel and ended up with a different agenda and do you know how many men or women have been suppliers to his sexual addiction? He is sick and needs some serious help. pray for the people he had deceived by sleeping.

Am I surprised that Ghanaian women are speaking out and posting on this site? Still fresh in my memory was a Sabbath morning service I attended in Ghana a few years back when all the women members of an SDA congregation voted to disfellowship a womanizer. Heartbreaking alright, but no one I knew shed a tear.

How can you say that? We dont have holy flesh until Christ comes..

@Nic:

So now Spectrum is the voice of the Holy Spirit? This is the Bible? We get to pick who becomes a moral lesson? Good night - do you hear yourself?

munya mutema - YOU WROTE:
My little children, i write unto you that you sin not,... but if any of you do sin, we have an advocate in heaven.. Dr., our sincere prayers are with you. You will forever be an inspiration to most of us.

YOU NEED TO LET THE MAN KNOW WHAT HE HAS DONE INSTEAD OF ADORING HIM FOR THE BEHAVIOR. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY MEN OR WOMEN HE HAS BEEN DOING THIS WITH. SHAME ON YOU AND MAY THE LORD FORGIVE YOU FOR ADORING SIN

Only God is good, and He is not done with Pipim yet!

Someone had blown "Your Friends'" cover recently. He is a pastor somewhere...

Can we have that information to address as Your Friend (Pr. so and so??) That'll frame the dialogue.

Dear Friend:
I appreciate the above insight, as hopefully you might the one I'm about to offer: Sam technically sponsored the theology in the "Sin & Salvation" issue of Adventists Affirm (V23/N2), as you will find Sam's signature inside the front cover of any hardcopy—right under "editorial board." In this issue you will doubtless discover, as I did, a well-defined gospel: Sin as choice, Christ's unfallen nature, justification and sanctification as salvation, and sinless living before probation's close.

In this periodical you will also discover the name Kevin Paulson, who elaborates on the subject of righteousness by faith. I suddenly wonder what Pipim might have felt seeing his "Pauline doctrine" exposed to such treatment? Nevertheless, the Hamartiology, Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology expressed in this issue extends far beyond those names you mentioned above, and reaches straight up to the GC president's office, as David Larson so eloquently expressed when he informed us that the winning theological ballots were officially in.

As a point of interest, if in fact Sam's theology was based on justification-alone salvation, as you seem to suggest in your post—and I don't for a second doubt the accuracy of your remembrances—then we could perhaps argue that this brother was at best confused about his doctrinal package, and at worst duplicitous in sharing his core beliefs. This internal-external tension of belief (in his case, apparently espousing one theology in private and supporting another in public)—which some of us have experienced at some level—may one day be seen as a "blessing" within the movement of young people he was so identified with. Remember, words of clarity and consistency is a sacred, uncompromising virtue with our youth....not just works of popularity.

In the end, those who understand Adventism's political machinery likely believe his "moral fall" will do little to diminish or demoralize the work of GYC, for he was neither its founder/theologian nor its most trustworthy spokesman. Or so it seems.

That many assumed Sam's labors were inextricably attached to the success of GYC is understandable. I see nothing unfair in this perception. However, those who from 2002 led-out and extended the borders of this movement knew better than to give credit to themselves or anyone else for having ignited the sparks for this global, decade-long revival. And as such, key youth leaders behind the scenes shouldn't perceive this sad tragedy to be anything but one man's tragic disgrace.

Sure, tears will fall, hearts will break, questions will certainly be raised. Yet it will be no surprise if few behind the scenes believes that GYC's missional path won't continue to thrive within Adventism, despite the loss of this hugely beloved, if somewhat unstable, adult.

You joke when I say Dr. Sam was tricked, it was set up. He is a strong wilpower Christian, they have done something to him. There is powers behind this that is not Jesus, powers of Jesuut or Satanic. You will see. I know this, because I know people in Africa. Any man can fall if tempted strong enough by Jesuuts. They know how to break a man, they use drugs hypotism witch doctors very evil. You will see.

"Only God is good, and He is not done with Pipim yet."

You are correct. He will be back. His style of hard-edged condemnation theology is just too valuable to the church. It is only a matter of time. I give it a year, and he'll be reemployed by a church entity. You heard it here first.

Darrell C you are ignorant and a fool for you to call Africans psychotic. If you do not know what is right and wrong then you an an idiot. all you need is common sense to know that Pipim had caused adultery and is a sin and a preacher should be held accountable for his behavior. You are not different from him for you do the same as Pipim. Watch your mouth before the wrap of God falls on you.

Daniella: Thanks for sharing your beautiful prayer. I hope it brings comfort to Dr. Koranteng Pipim.

City Lights: While we share the good news of the everlasting gospel, I would suggest that Pastor Kevin Paulson exercises far more control in expressing his ideas and even scores points because of the intelligent way that he writes. One of the things that was against Pastor Walter Rea was the sarcastic way that he wrote his White Lie book. Had he exercised the appealing to logic style of Kevin Paulson he could have made his points more effectively.
But there is another ingredient that is missing: LOVE. 1 Corinthians 13 shows that "Love does not gloat over people's sins" including those publicly confessed by Dr. Pipim. Whether they are confessed or not, LOVE DOES NOT GLOAT OVER THEM.
In most of Paul's books we see a pattern: the 1st part deals with Justification and the 2nd part with sanctification. Paul could address the early Christians as "Perfect in Christ", "accepted in the beloved", "seated with Christ in heavenly places", "complete in Him" etc., and yet they were full of immorality, lying, cheating and so on. Paul drew attention to both in a beautifully balanced way.

All I can say, as with the Apostle Paul, that Dr. Pipim is "complete in Christ", "accepted in the beloved", covered by Christ's imputed merits. As far as his sanctified life is concerned, I am sure that Paul's words to the believers would no doubt be applicable to him as they would be applicable to all of us, because "in many things, WE ALL OFFEND." But who am I to point those out in brother Pipim, when I have much bigger issues to deal with in my own life?

@Mike - Fri, 06/03/2011 - 10:57 You wrote;"People are not answering my question posted earlier.And I am not surprised.My questions were what is Jesus thinking about Dr.Pipim now?.And if Jesus was on earth today ,how would He treat the Dr.Pipim?"

My response: Jesus is thinking that he is a womanizer, a liar, hypocrite, Pharisee, adulterous, false preacher with message to deceive people and full of pride. Jesus will not encourage adultery but will let Pipim know what he did was wrong and will ask him to bring the person he slept with being a man or woman that he will know his sexual preference. He will curse the womanizer demonic spirit out of him that you Mike will not be afraid to be around him. I hope you are satisfied with the answer.

If we can back away from the particularities of this specific case, much more generally speaking I think that instances of this sort prompt at least three valuable kinds of questions.

1. Ecclesioligical quesitons: How should the Church as the Body of Christ respond in its necessary administrative work? It seems to me that it should (a) protect its good name and the safety of all with whom it interacts; (b) foster the redemption and reconciliation of the one who is in trouble: (c) leave it to those who are closest to the situation to determine on a case-by-case basis in consultation with qualified specialists what precisely to do each time.

2. Psychological questions. I cannot help but wonder about the extent to which the defense mechanism of projection has been at play in such cases. It has been my experience and observation that the psychologists are right when they say that we all have a strong tendency to accuse others of our own faults and failures and that the more consistently and harshly we condemn others the more likely it is that this is what we are doing. The trouble is that we do not consciously do this; therefore, unless a good friend or counselor helps us understand ourselves we dig ourselves deeper and deeper into this dark pit of self-deception.

3. Theological questions: Cases like this suggests to me that those who say that with God's power we can overcome all sin in our lives might be right if we limit the term "sin" to those relatively rare times when we consciously, intentionally and with full self-awareness and freedom do that which we honestly believe to be wrong. Yet those who say that moral perfection is impossible in this life might be right if we expand the meaning of the term "sin" to include the far greater number of unhelpful things we do without really realizing at the time precisely what is going on.

If the prayer of Jesus on the cross, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do" does not also apply to all of us, we are all doomed. The good news is that it does!

Again, the specifics of this paraticular case at this point appear to be so common as to be boring almost beyond belief. But I think that we can benefit by thinking about the general patterns.

@Carmen Lau - Fri, 06/03/2011 - 07:18, You are a wise man and feel blessed for you message. Yes, his followers are trying to cover up for him but the truth will remain that Pipim is a womanizer, a liar, manipulator, adulterous, proud, . he needs to attend the school of humbleness, truth, sincere,

To Daniel Owusu-Djan - Fri, 06/03/2011 - 05:18 you wrote:
"So, i believe that we all have made mistakes before, this man is entitiled to making a mistake, Seriously I would stand on his behalf anyday, this man has had an impact on sooo many lives, my spritiual journey changed for the better after I had attend youth camp a couple of years ago, the lives that he has changed is incredible, look the wisest mad made a mistake, and so what if i'm he's a pastor?? Isnt he human? He"s not a God, I respect even more that he has come forward with this, because many others would hide this. God Bless Him in what way that he is in. If God has forgiven him why cant us humans do so?"

My response: I think you are shallow minded and you need to read the bible to understand what is scriptural stand on such a behavior. Pipim is a minster and to engage in such a behavior is unacceptable. Do not worship man for Pipim does not care about you. He is only for pipim. You wrote "this man is entitiled to making a mistake," by spending his own money not when you sin against one of the commandment by sleeping with somebody we do not know whether a man or a woman. He is not god and stop worshiping him.

@Dziedzorm Segbefia - Fri, 06/03/2011 - 11:44
thank you George Knows for your comments and let me add a few for the Dziedzorm Segbefia.
I thought you were a Christian but now I see you are a hypocrite and worse than a Pharisee. You comments are disgusting as your name is for people like you make Christianity annoying to many people because you do not let truth prevail at all time. Just because the guy is a pastor does not mean anything. You wrote a lot and said nothing about the poor woman or man who was manipulated for his selfish sexual pleasure. the Bible that I read does not set a double standards. but Pharisees and hypocrites like you adore his behavior in the church.
The church of God will not allow sexual perverts to influence God's church. If god's money was used in buying his ticket and paying for his hotel then you will answer to God one day. Stop adoring sin and call sin a sin. You are not god and am not but we need to speak the truth and the truth will set us free. You are a disgrace and a shame to the church. I have given you my peace of mind if you can go to hell.
The Lord's church will be protected. Pipim has no respect for the church hierarchy, women, church doctrines and he thinks his mission is to change the world but you go out and sleep with other women. Pipim's theology is " Do what I say but not what I do" shame on you all who adore his behavior.