Sexual Misconduct Suspension

The Impact of Guilt on Members of the Church of Pentecost, Ghana

Abstract

The research involved 13 respondents and examined the impact of guilt resulting from suspensions related to sexual misconduct among church members, specifically focusing on The Church of Pentecost (CoP) in Axim. The church practices disciplining members by suspending those found guilty of sexual misconduct, including premarital and extramarital relationships. The study explored the conditions affecting members who had been suspended for such behaviour. Subjective evidence was gathered through in-depth interviews with respondents who were members of The Church of Pentecost in Axim and had experienced suspension for sexual misconduct. A hermeneutical phenomenological approach was adopted for this qualitative study. Existing studies on sexual misconduct and church discipline reveal varying prevalence rates within the church. Notably, The Church of Pentecost in Axim has a suspension prevalence rate of 4% attributed to sexual misconduct. A significant emotional experience reported by those who have been suspended is guilt, a conclusion further supported by scriptural evidence.  However, research specifically addressing guilt among suspended church members remains limited. The findings indicate that suspending individuals for sexual misconduct serves as a disciplinary measure employed by the church to confront sexual sin. This study will contribute to the existing literature on the effects of guilt among suspended members and offer recommendations for appropriate pastoral care.