Question: Should a believer remain faithful to his or her church, even if there is sexual immorality going on in high places?

Answer: We are to remain faithful to the Church that is made up of all believers, also known as the body of Christ. The Bible tells us to use our spiritual gifts to build up our fellow believers. Ideally, the best place for this to happen is in the “local” church.”

Now, as you asked, what happens when the leadership of a local church fails to live up to the moral standard required of pastors and teachers? While only God is the ultimate judge of such behavior, there is clear teaching in the Scriptures that those who are in spiritual leadership are to remain faithful to their wives (1 Timothy 3). They are to be above reproach. So, if there is sexual immorality on the part of leaders, they must be held accountable by the elders in the church. How that happens will vary somewhat from church to church, but it’s highly unlikely that a church of responsible leaders would permit its pastors or others in high places to remain in their positions.

If you are in such a church where there is immorality going on among leadership, and you believe the Lord is leading you to leave, then it would be appropriate for you to find another church. However, if the elders of your church are holding the leadership accountable, and the Lord is leading you to remain as a faithful member, then that may be the right thing for you to do.