Once again, the Christian Church is rocked by allegations against some of its most influential leaders.

Last week’s statement by Matt Redman testifying to the healing that he has had to seek following his time at Soul Survivor has thrown into sharp focus the accusations against Mike Pilavachi and his team. No longer are we talking about unnamed or little-known accusers, but one of the most famous songwriters in the UK Christian scene, and the co-founder, with Pilavachi, of Soul Survivor.

Personal experience

Like so many, I have attended Soul Survivor events. In my case, we took our children to the Naturally Supernatural festivals that they ran for three years, which focused more on families than on teenagers or young adults, catering to the children too. Whilst they lacked the warmth and the family feel of the low-key, low-budget camps that I grew up attending (Good News Crusade, led by Don Double), there was still much evidence of God at work, and much to recommend them. The teaching was sound, the worship was passionate (if not always my style), and the Holy Spirit was warmly welcomed.

Although led by Mike Pilavachi or one of the team, they were always careful to point out that it was God doing the work in ‘ministry time’. Any praying or laying on of hands was always done by those in the congregation rather than by the leaders – all attendees were encouraged to know that God could work through them. Indeed, I can testify to a significant healing in my own life during one of those meetings, following a ‘word’ from up the front, and prayer from a young lady who was seated near me.

it is not my intention either to condemn or to try and justify these behaviours, but to consider what questions this latest episode raises for the Church as a whole.

So, the reports of Pilavachi’s antics have surprised and saddened me, as they have many. Yet it is not my intention either to condemn or to try and justify these behaviours, but to consider what questions this latest episode raises for the Church as a whole.

These questions cover three main areas:

1. What support churches and organisations offer to those who are single;
2. The misuse of power; and
3. Humility.

1. Supporting Singleness

All evidence seems to point to the likelihood that Mike Pilavachi is probably gay and has chosen a celibate lifestyle for the sake of the gospel. Most readers would agree that this is a choice that is to be commended. But it is not enough to just passively approve of those making this decision.

The need for support

In all churches and organisations where we might know people in a similar situation, we need to ensure an environment that nurtures them. The same could be said for those who are single for any other reason, whether or not it is through choice. Temptations are common to us all – and our enemy will seek to tempt us where we are most weak. It is for the whole body of the Church to support one other in our weaknesses.

Temptations are common to us all – and our enemy will seek to tempt us where we are most weak.

I understand from Mike’s preaching that he had good emotional support and friendship from within his team. That always has to be the first point of call. Yet there are many single Christians who feel lonely and unsupported. The same may be true for many PT readers, who feel let down by their churches.

The need for touch

But I do also feel there is another aspect to it, which is often overlooked. Humans have an innate need for human touch – of which sexual touch is just one part. From birth, babies crave being held in their mothers’ arms, and it is a crucial part of our formation. Cuddles are needed to comfort growing children in their trials as they develop, from the grazed knee to surviving the unkind words shared in the playground. What makes us think that this is any different once we reach adulthood?

Years ago, I attended a basic massage course with a friend. The techniques and physical understanding were helpful on many levels. Yet one thing I learned stuck with me for years. The course leader discussed with us why people paid for massages. She elicited answers from us regarding stress relief, relaxation, tight muscles, pain relief etc. And then she told us that many older people would come just to feel human touch – having gone for weeks without ever touching anyone.

In this country in particular, we tend to keep our distance from each other – even greetings have typically been reduced to a rather distant shaking of hands (post-Covid, many don’t even do that anymore). That extends to many church situations too. Such physical distancing is in contrast even to our close neighbours, the French, who are traditionally more prone to embrace with ‘la bise’ (a kiss). Just look at the Scriptures, where “Greet one another with a holy kiss” is a frequent instruction (e.g., Rom 16:16, 2 Cor 13:12).

Just look at the Scriptures, where “Greet one another with a holy kiss” is a frequent instruction

This reflection brings up many more questions – not least on how we encourage human contact between brothers and sisters whilst recognising very real safeguarding concerns – along with the fact that some people just hate being hugged! Sadly, of course, Mike Pilavachi’s method of seemingly gaining the human touch that he needed (including inappropriate massages and wrestling bouts) proved damaging to those from whom he sought it, particularly as the massages were clearly far too intimate and appeared to have sexual undertones.

2. Power

This brings us to the next question – how to prevent individuals (and groups) from misusing power.

The power of influence

This problem is as old as the hills. The saying goes; ‘Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely’. In the case of Soul Survivor, it seems that Pilavachi promised much, in terms of ministry possibilities, to the young people who attended the Soul Time gap year opportunity. Some of this he probably was in a position to grant – though likely not as much as people thought. But due to his charismatic personality, he was highly influential, and young people keen to serve God will often have been willing to do anything to keep in his favour.

It can be incredibly hard for an impressionable young person to say no to someone that they feel could open – or close – opportunities for them.

It was a soft power, one of influence as much as anything – but did he ever stop to consider that the behaviours that he was asking people to take part in would have made them uncomfortable? It can be incredibly hard for an impressionable young person to say no to someone that they feel could open – or close – opportunities for them, leading to those affected agreeing to behaviours they were not comfortable with.

Recognising the problem

I’ve been in a church setting led by a charismatic leader where abuse committed by him was brushed under the carpet by those who should have known better, yet who must have felt that they needed him to continue to lead the church. Once revealed, it led to the collapse of the fellowship, and to many damaged young people, who in many cases, tragically, lost their faith.

So, the question, not just for Soul Survivor, but for all Christian organisations, in addition to safeguarding children, has to be to consider if any individual or small group may hold a disproportionate amount of power. And to recognise that this is not just about formal power – a casting vote, or an official position which grants power, for example – but by nature of their influential and strong personality.

Each time there is news of another leader who has fallen from grace, the biblical story of David and Bathsheba comes to mind.

Clearly there is nothing wrong with having this kind of personality – it can be a huge asset. But we need to recognise that, like all other personality types, it comes with its own dangers. Consideration needs to be given to how to manage this.

3. Humility

Lastly, we all need to be aware of the need for genuine humility, and to recognise our mistakes. Each time there is news of another leader who has fallen from grace, the biblical story of David and Bathsheba comes to mind. Even David, a man after God’s own heart, not only failed, but he did so spectacularly and tragically. Yet, as he was confronted by the prophet Nathan, he was immediately convicted, and he repented whole-heartedly. This was the biggest contrast between him and his predecessor Saul – whose sin was of an arguably lesser magnitude.

Perhaps if Pilavachi and his team had allowed themselves to be convicted from the very first accusation (Matt Redman has stated that he and his wife brought complaints many years back), and repented and changed, then so much damage would have been averted – damage to all the individuals hurt in this pattern of toxic behaviour, and damage to the Church as a whole.

Helping to prevent

And so, the last question is, as Christians, and in our churches, how to we promote humility? How do we create an environment where people do not see themselves or others on pedestals, but are quick to admit their failings, their mistakes – and to support each other, with our Lord’s help, to quickly put these right?

I’m aware that I’m perhaps asking more questions than I am offering answers. However, I hope that such questions will cause us to stop and consider, and to lead to the beginning of discussions on these issues – in the hope that ultimately, they may go some way to helping prevent the next big scandal.