Why would 9Marks devote an issue of the 9Marks Journal to the topic of pornography and the pastor? Because it’s an increasingly common sin, and its commonality tempts us to downplay its destructive power in our marriages and ministries. We want you to take it seriously if you’re not, and to have the tools to help others fight if you are.

Think of how much ink Paul spilled on sexual sin in his letter to the Corinthian church. He took it seriously. So should we.

Start with Andy Naselli’s piece for a sobering warning, especially if you’re tempted to downplay it in your own life. See also Aaron Menikoff’s wise counsel. Then jump to Jason Seville’s piece for all the potential corporate consequences of this sin.

Garrett Kell takes up the complicated question of whether it disqualifies a pastor, while Garrett’s wife, Carrie, counsels the pastor’s wife.

Deepak Reju, Jaime Owens, PJ Tibayan, and James Choi offer critical help on cultivating a church that fights this sin together.

And don’t miss the pastoral tools offered by Brad Wheeler and John Henderson.

I want to keep going. Every article offers a critical tool in the battle. But you get the point. Equip yourself to fight pornography in your own life and in the lives of others. If you struggle with pornography and have concluded it’s inevitable, you have been deceived. It’s not. Christ died to sin so that we would sin no longer. Encourage others with this same good news.

—Jonathan Leeman