As the Pawleys Island Community Church disaster continues to unfold, here’s what you need to remember

July 13 an incensed parent notified SC authorities that Warren Perry, a registered sex offender, was working as a volunteer custodian at the Christian Academy of Pawley’s Island Community Church (PICC). On July 14, Perry was arrested on charges stemming from his 2023 conviction for the sexual exploitation of a child. 

Church leaders, particularly Pastor Don Williams, scrambled to limit the fallout, but it didn’t matter. Any effort to contain the situation unraveled as Williams, his wife, and the Academy Director were all arrested and charged related to permitting Perry access to children at the church and the school.

And that was just the first week. The dominoes keep falling. More resignations, more charges, and huge lawsuits have brought more shame to the once strong congregation.

And as all that continues, there’s one thing you need to remember.

Leaders betrayed everyone

PICC leaders betrayed parents, the church congregation, the surrounding community and, most of all, the children. Christians and non-Christians alike are outraged.

Sexual abuse of any kind disgusts us and outrages us. Even more so when children are targeted. And when this occurs behind a curtain of spirituality, it’s even more horrifying and infuriating.

We all agree on that. But then Christians and non-Christians part company.

If the trends on social media are an indication, non-Christians clamor to stereotype all Christians as evil or naïve. They paint all pastors as pedophiles, and churches as havens for abusers. When news articles are posted, people biased against Christians and churches seem to dominate the comments.

But Christians see it differently. In fact, we know what is true. And that’s why I want to say this, clearly and concisely.

When you think of what is happening at PICC, and similar reprehensible situations, remember, that’s not Christianity.

But, you already know that

Christianity doesn’t promote, condone, or ignore sinful behavior or outright evil. In fact, Christianity candidly affirms that people are sinners, inclined to evil actions and disobedience against God (Rom. 3:23).

People are prone to evil conduct and, if unchecked, we tend to cultivate patterns of sinful behavior (1 John 1:8). We need God’s help to break free, and we need other Christians to hold us accountable. Also, at the same time, we are instructed to guard against temptation and strive to remove sin from our lives (Gal. 5:16).

But you already know that.

See, when you are outside the church and you are looking in, and you are incensed and outraged at the behavior of people inside the church, your anger confirms what we know to be true.

We know sin is real. By your complaints, you affirm it as well. But Christians also affirm that we have an Enemy who exploits our fallen nature to tempt us to sin (1 Peter 5:8). That is not an excuse, but it’s reality, and we have to account for it.

We are sinners, and there is real evil in the world. But you expect Christians to do better, and for the church to be a safe place.

Good. We do, too.

How this happened

So, if leaders or church systems ignore our sinful nature, or facilitate the practice of sin, or even foster evil actions, keep in mind, that’s not Christianity.

Consider this. Permitting an embezzler to be the church accountant is not gracious or loving. It’s stupid. And it’s unbiblical because it intentionally tempts the embezzler to sin.

Likewise, permitting a pedophile to have access to children is not gracious, forgiving, or loving. It’s unwise, unbiblical, and criminal. In addition, it’s a failure of leadership and of the basic calling of the Pastors to protect the flock, starting with the most vulnerable among them (1 Peter 5:2-3).

Sure, Christians are called to be loving and kind (1 John 4:19). But Christians are also called to be wise (James 1:5). Had the leaders at PICC practiced sound judgment to start with, and if they had been faithful to their calling, this may have been avoided.

Systems would have been in place, and boundaries would have been engaged that prevented Perry from having access to children, breaking the law, or jeopardizing the body of Christ.

Expectations

All of this is a reminder that the world outside the church has high expectations for those of us who call ourselves Christians, and for the churches we inhabit. Of course, often those expectations are unrealistic and, frequently, fueled by a limited or inaccurate grasp of biblical truth.

But even so, we should take those expectations to heart. And, more importantly, we should remember God’s expectations for His church.

So, again, to my non-Christian friends, when you hear of such atrocities taking place at churches, please keep in mind: That’s not Christianity.

But also, to my Christian friends, to you who may have suffered at churches through the bad decisions of leaders or the sinful behavior of members, and to all those who called PICC their church home, I would also remind you: That’s not Christianity.

PICC members, please don’t give up on the church. Don’t let this failure of leadership and this tragedy taint your perception of Christians or Christianity. Most Christians, and most churches, do their best to follow Christ. To love, to lead, to live God’s truth, and to change the world for the better. When you find them, join them. That’s Christianity.

We are not perfect. But He is.

Mind you, we are not perfect. But remember that the Bible is also honest about that, too. Peter, David, Jeremiah, Moses, Esther. The endless list of flawed people in the Bible constantly reminds us that God is not looking for perfection in His people. Not even in His leaders. He is calling followers who will submit to Jesus Christ, who will live for Christ, and, yes, who will exercise wisdom when the occasion calls for it.

Pastors, too. We limp along doing the best we can do, leading the flock, and every day humbly wondering why God picked us. Over our shoulders we see our flaws and mistakes swept away in the wake of God’s grace. And we carry on, just grateful for another day to serve Him and glad that being flawed is not the same thing as being a failure. We serve knowing that one day, He will hold us accountable (Rom. 14:12).

And yes, sometimes the charlatan, the biblically illiterate, the deceiver, the unrepentant sinner, the manipulator, or, worse, the outright abuser, calls himself a “pastor.” But the Bible is also candid about that. You can avoid them and find one who is true (1 John 4:1).

So, when you think of PICC, and when the news breaks another installment in this cascading travesty, remember, that’s not Christianity.

But, here is the good news. There is One who is perfect. One who can change your life. One who loves you and calls to you through the fog of your heartache, pain, and betrayal (Matt. 11:28-30).

So, if you are looking for someone perfect, look to Jesus.

He’s the only One who is.

So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall

1 Cor. 10:12