This article was originally written and published by Todd Gray to ToddGray.org.
To say that pornography use is a “sin epidemic” in our nation, and in the Christian community, may be an understatement.
The Barna Group’s 2024 survey, “Beyond the Porn Phenomenon,” highlights the prevalence of pornography use among practicing Christians. It reveals that the problem of pornography among professing Christians who attend church regularly is probably worse than most of us could imagine.
According to Barna, 78% of men who self-identify as Christians and 34% of women in the same category watch porn. Usage by Millennials (age 28-43), show that 91% of men and 67% of women watch porn, and nearly half the Gen Z and Millennial-aged men watch porn daily or weekly.
Why should pastors, elders and ministry leaders address the problem of pornography with those in their congregation or those they serve in ministry leadership? Here are five reasons:
1. Because pornography use is a sin struggle: Those born-again Christians who are caught up in pornography use are ashamed and spend much of their day feeling defeated in their walk with God. They are losing the battle and need their church and ministry leaders to help them realize they can have victory over the sin of porn usage and that they need a plan for the fight. It is impossible to effectively live out the Christian life while losing the battle with pornography.
2. Because pornography use stunts Christian growth: In Hebrews 12:1 the author exhorts followers of Jesus, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Pornography use is a sin that entangles many believers and makes it impossible for them to run the Christian race that is set out before them. Pastors, elders and ministry leaders must help them address this issue.
3. Because pornography use damages marriages: An article on MentalHealth.com highlights the damage that porn use from one partner in a marriage can cause to the relationship. “If one partner turns to porn instead of connecting with their significant other, or uses it to avoid vulnerability or emotional closeness, problems often follow. Feelings of inadequacy, jealousy and betrayal are common when one person feels excluded or replaced by a screen.” These problems — if left unaddressed — can result in marital strife and can even end in divorce.
4. Because pornography use preys on people: The sin of pornography treats others as objects for one’s personal satisfaction rather than fellow human beings made in the image of God. Dr. Curtis Solomon, in his helpful book Redeem Your Marriage: Hope for Husbands Who Have Hurt through Pornography, reminds the reader of the insidious and progressive impact of porn. He writes, “Porn unconfessed doesn’t relent or lead solely to a little more porn — it often leads to violent porn, child porn, sexting someone from work, online sexual chats with strangers, strip clubs, prostitutes and affairs.”
5. Because pornography use hinders ministry opportunities: Any missionary sending agency or pastor search team will likely ask potential ministerial candidates about their use of pornography. It is likely that neither would consider a candidate who has viewed porn in the past 12 months. The International Mission Board responds to the question about whether porn use will keep a person from serving in missions with the following:
“Sin and temptation are a challenge for every Christ-follower, but God can empower and equip each believer to live in freedom from habitual sin, including viewing pornography. IMB is committed to sending healthy student missionaries to make disciples among the nations. We see pornography as a very important issue because of its many negative consequences. Serving overseas in a cross-cultural environment, with the stresses and challenges involved, will more likely worsen such behavior rather than cure it. Know that we want to see this sin lose its grip on your life and help you establish healthy patterns so you can be effective in your service. If you haven’t done so already, find a trusted adult in your church to help you begin the journey of accountability. As you go through our application process, we will be glad to walk with you and your pastor to see you become healthy in this area of life.”
Those of us in ministry leadership must give attention to helping men and women in our churches and ministries gain victory over pornography.
This article first appeared here.
