One Advantage...

One advantage mainline churches (like the ELCA, United Methodist Church, and Presbyterian Church USA) have over Evangelical, non-denominational churches is the tie to a larger system. With Ted Haggard's recent actions and resignation from his church in Colorado Springs (http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/05/haggard.allegations/index.html), his church is in danger (along with other Evangelicals) of having a fall out. Often times, large non-denominational churches are led by very charismatic leaders who attract people. The problem becomes a focus on the leader perhaps above God even. Then when one of these leaders falls, God goes down with him.

In a mainline denomination, there is a larger system that can help in such a situation. Bishops or other pastors are able to step in and help the healing process. It sounds like some of that is happening in Colorado Springs at New Life Church - but the process there and the standards for leaders seem to be much less defined than in the ELCA and other mainline denominations.

It is difficult no matter which church denomination something like this happens in - but we are all flawed and human. I pray for Haggard, his family, and all the members of his church now.

Kate