By Oyewole O. Sarumi
The death of Jimmy Swaggart at the age of 90 evoked mixed reactions. A man who once preached to millions and whose music moved nations, his life and legacy were marred by scandal and moral failure.
It is deeply disheartening that, when his life was recounted, the headline that most people remembered was not his ministry or his impact on generations, but his fall from grace.
The stark, unforgiving reality of public perception—a reality that remembers sin more than redemption—is a sobering warning to all ministers and church leaders. The lesson is clear: how we live our lives will either build or destroy the kingdom work we do.
Though the world may remember the scandal, the lesson is not merely about Jimmy Swaggart. It is about each one of us who bears the name of Christ. It is about our integrity, our holiness, and our responsibility to uphold the gospel in a world that is quick to scrutinize.
The fall of a leader like Swaggart provides a mirror for those in ministry today to reflect on the precariousness of moral integrity and the long-lasting consequences of unguarded moments.
The Power of Legacy: A Ministry Shaped by Scandal
Jimmy Swaggart’s ministry once stretched across the globe. He was an evangelist, a preacher, and a musician, all in one. His sermons inspired millions, and his music touched the hearts of many. He reached the unchurched, bringing the message of the gospel to homes around the world through his television ministry. Swaggart was once an influential figure in the Pentecostal church, admired for his eloquence and boldness in preaching the Word.
However, his downfall in the late 1980s, when he was caught with a prostitute, overshadowed the powerful message of the gospel that he had once delivered.
Despite his public repentance and the restoration of his relationship with God, the world could not forget his moral failure. His legacy, shaped by his own mistakes, was irreversibly altered.
It is not fair, but it is the harsh reality of how the world remembers its fallen leaders. Public opinion is not as forgiving as the grace that God extends. It is a bitter reminder that no matter how much we do for the kingdom, our personal integrity and holiness must remain intact if we are to leave behind a legacy that glorifies God. When the world scrutinizes the life of a minister, the cost of compromise can be catastrophic.
A Call to Holiness: Protecting Your Legacy and Integrity
The fall of any Christian leader, especially one of Swaggart’s stature, is a call to all ministers to examine their own lives. Church leaders are not immune to the temptations and moral pitfalls that come with fame, power, and public influence. But there are certain lessons that we must learn if we are to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
- Pursue Ruthless Accountability
In the world of ministry, accountability cannot be merely superficial. It must be real, raw, and intentional. Leaders must surround themselves with people who are willing to confront them when they veer off course. The temptation to indulge in secret sins or to cover up moral failures is ever-present, but accountability is the safeguard that ensures integrity is upheld. Accountability is not optional, it is the foundation of a life that honors God.
Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, speaks of running a race with discipline, and maintaining a strict self-control (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Leaders who fail to hold themselves accountable to others, who resist the discomfort of confrontation, will find themselves vulnerable to temptation.
- Guard Your Moral Life with Vigilance
Ministers must treat their moral lives with the utmost care, just as a man guards something precious. In the moment of temptation, the consequences of a fall can be far-reaching and irreversible. It is easy to deceive oneself, believing that time will heal wounds and cover up moral lapses, but time does not erase the damage done by sin. The scars may fade, but the consequences remain.
In 1 Timothy 4:16, Paul advises Timothy, “Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching.” Leaders are called to model the highest standards of morality and integrity. When a leader falters in this area, the trust that was built over years can disintegrate in a matter of moments.
- Handle Finances with Integrity
Another area where church leaders can easily fall prey to temptation is in the handling of finances. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10), and the temptation to manipulate the gospel for personal gain is ever-present. Swaggart’s ministry faced scrutiny not just for his moral failure but also for financial mismanagement and questionable practices. Ministers must be stewards of God’s resources, handling them with fear and trembling. The altar of God is not a place to seek personal gain, and any attempt to exploit the gospel for wealth will ultimately bring disgrace to both the individual and the kingdom.
- Build Systems of Integrity Around Your Life
Building a life that is above reproach requires the creation of systems—structures of integrity that protect both the leader and the ministry. These systems are not built on charisma or personality; they are built on sound character, accountability, and consistency. Leaders must surround themselves with people who will hold them accountable, and they must set up structures in their ministry that promote transparency and trust.
It is not enough to have a large following; leaders must have a strong foundation of integrity, support, and responsibility that guards them from temptation and error. This includes healthy relationships with fellow leaders, clear boundaries, and transparency in all areas of life.
Living Above Reproach: Lessons from Scripture
Throughout Scripture, we see the importance of integrity and moral uprightness in leadership. From the fall of King David to the admonitions of Paul to Timothy and Titus, the Bible consistently calls leaders to a higher standard. Integrity is not merely a suggestion for leaders, it is a divine command.
In Proverbs 4:23, we are reminded, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Our hearts, as ministers of the gospel, must remain pure and focused on the things of God. We cannot afford to indulge in hidden sin or unholy habits, for these will eventually manifest and destroy our ministry.
Jesus also gives a powerful warning in Matthew 5:14-16, calling His followers to be the light of the world. This includes leaders who are supposed to be examples for others. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” When we fail in this area, not only do we dishonor God, but we also cause others to stumble.
The Consequences of Moral Failure: A Public Warning
The story of Jimmy Swaggart is a stark reminder of the consequences of moral failure. When a leader falls, the entire ministry is impacted. It is easy for the world to forget the good deeds and the thousands who were impacted by his ministry, but the world cannot forget the scandal. Public failure, especially for those in leadership, has lasting effects. It not only damages the individual but also stains the reputation of the church and the message of the gospel.
While God is faithful to forgive, the reality is that humanity does not forget. Public perception is hard to change once a scandal has broken. Leaders must live in such a way that their legacy is not one of disgrace, but one of honor and integrity before both God and man.
Conclusion: This piece brethren is a call to faithfulness as we plow in the field of this perversed world. The death of Jimmy Swaggart, and the ensuing media coverage that focused more on his failings than his accomplishments, serves as a wake-up call to all church leaders. Ministers are not immune to the temptations of sin, and the stakes are high. The kingdom’s work is at risk when leaders fail to live holy, accountable lives.
May this serve as a warning to all who carry the mantle of leadership in the church: Don’t gamble with your legacy. Pursue holiness. Guard your moral life. Handle finances with integrity. Build systems that protect both you and your ministry. And, above all, remember that God forgives, but the world will remember.
The true measure of a leader’s anointing is not in the size of their ministry or the number of their followers, but in their ability to remain faithful, to stay holy when no one is watching, and to walk with integrity in all areas of life.
Let us live in such a way that, when our time comes, we will be remembered for the good we did in the kingdom, not for our failings. May God help us all to stay clean, stay accountable, and stay burning for His glory.