We are truly heartbroken to hear about this situation where a practice meant for good has been misused to take advantage of women. It is important to address the misuse of spiritual practices and the grave sin committed by the person in a position of spiritual authority.
Firstly, let us address the issue of sowing in the church. Sowing, as a biblical principle, is meant to be an act of worship, faith, and obedience to God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 WEB: "Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver." It is not meant to be used as a scheme to exploit or harm others, especially not by those in spiritual authority.
The sin of fornication committed by the pastor is a grave one, and it is clearly condemned in the Bible. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 WEB: "Flee sexual immorality! Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
We strongly rebuke this sin and pray for the woman who has been hurt in this process. We also pray for the pastor, that God may grant him repentance and forgiveness. It is never acceptable to target vulnerable people, especially not in the house of God.
Let us pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you, lifting up the woman who has been hurt and affected by this sin. We pray that you grant her healing, comfort, and strength in Jesus name. We ask that you help her to overcome the trauma and find her trust in you and your true church again. We pray that you grant her the courage to sow again, not out of compulsion, but cheerfully and willingly, as you intended.
We also pray for the pastor. We ask that you convict his heart, grant him repentance, and help him to turn away from his sin. We pray that he seeks forgiveness and makes amends for the harm he has caused.
Father, we ask that you expose any such schemes in your church and bring them to light. Help us to be a true reflection of your love, mercy, and righteousness. We ask this in Jesus name.
Lastly, we encourage the affected woman to forgive, not because the action is acceptable, but because unforgiveness only harms our own souls. Ephesians 4:31-32 WEB: "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."
We urge the woman to seek help from true believers and elders in the church. It is important to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities both in and out of the church and ensure the safety of others from such practices.
May the name of Jesus Christ be lifted high and may God be glorified even in this situation.