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First of all no matter how you slice it violating a 14 yr old girl with or without her consent is a felony! Second, the man is married so there you have adultery. Third he did hold a supervisor type roll over her as a Youth Pastor where she sometimes went to Hayworth Youth, and she is a prior student. It's laughable how that church immediately closed ranks and distanced themselves from the victim to make sure everyone knew that they had nothing to do with her. From a biblical standpoint it wouldn't matter if she wanted his attention or not, he was the man and he was responsible and it was his final decision to proceed or not proceed. There is absolutely no justification for a 30 year old man to do what he did... none! Who cares if she wanted the relationship? She's 14, he's 30 and MARRIED. As to if there's good in him... that for the time being is pointless because this is not about if there's still good in him. Hopefully he has gotten right with God and God will forgive him which is really cool, however there is this thing called consequences for your actions no matter how forgiven you are. The result of his actions will be a conviction for the listed charges and more then likely there are more coming the public hasn't been advised of yet. In addition he will do time where the consequences of his decided actions will really be paid whether you agree disagree. It doesn't matter whether he's come back to God or not. Doesn't the bible say that it would be better to be dropped into the sea with a mill stone around your neck then to harm a child? I'm not saying he's not forgiven, but he is pretty much done with life. Thankfully my children are out of school.

Your remark about children not being the same as we were, "Infatuation and temptation are powerful forces for young people today." Well, I guess that takes care of that then. I guess the 60's (free love ring any bells?) were pretty temptation free, as were the 70's, 80's & 90's. What you're doing by making that remark is an attempt to justify their behavior and discredit the seriousness of the offense. Yes, by definition Caldwell is a child predator and that is why if/when he is convicted he will then have to register as sex offender. It is the state that will pass judgment on him. Of course God will pass judgment on him, and being a loving God will forgive Ben if he asks.... But like I said, there are serious consequences forgiven or not. You stated, "If this "child" was a "willing participant" I am sure she will get over it and hopefully will learn from it and move on..." Wow! You're all love and understanding for poor misunderstood Ben Caldwell, but about the 14 year old girl you say you're sure she will get over it and learn from it? Are you kidding me?? 14 year olds are not equipped emotionally to grasp the totality of this type of situation. You might want to research that. Let's see... lets talk about willing participant. So do you think one day maybe 3 months ago he told her he'd like to be intimate with her and she said, oh sure how about my house? No, very doubtful. It's obvious that it unfolded slowly, over time... it's called coercion... you know: the practice of compelling a person or manipulating them to behave in an involuntary way. Against popular belief these things don't just happen. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of them as well, esp. the victim and her family... and Ben's wife and children... they're victims as well.

By the way, I am not "painting him as a monster based on my experience."
Ben Caldwell painted himself as a monster when he "made a bad decision"(your words) to have a physical relationship with a 14 year old not once, twice, or even three times... but six admitted times over a three month period all while a youth pastor. Don't get forgiveness confused with consequences. What you said about me not knowing "this man it's easy to pass judgment." Fact: he had sexual relations with a minor (multiple times) which is statutory rape. Fact: these crimes occurred over a three month period. Fact: Caldwell admitted to these acts, plus more, hence the additional charges. Don't be surprised when everything comes out. It ALL needs to be brought out in the light.

f/foe... so, 19 additional FELONY charges. ...I doubt it's over yet. Don't be real surprised at the number of reported victims, and don't be surprised when they check previous employers and subpoena records/church members/teachers and administrators regarding complaints of misconduct involving female students... as far back as they can go. That is what is called 'detective 101' and yes, I do base that info on my experience. So, now how many 'willing participants' (your words) are you sure will get over it and hopefully learn from it and move on? YES, HE IS A PREDATOR.

These comments have been enough to get me to blog for the first time! I am a loyal Wesleyan, with 30 years in various paid and volunteer youth ministry positions in three states. I am also a mental health professional. Regardless of the circumstances or the behavior of the 14 year old girl (which should not be questioned in this forum anyway), a 30 year old married man in a position of authority and power is a perpetrator, and in no way a victim. He was willing to sacrifice his family, the life of a teenager, his career, his youth group, and the intergrity of a church and school for the sake of this "relationship."

Hear me...NO normal, healthy adult would even have a passing considertion for a romantic or sexual relationship with a 14 year old girl. They would would run FAST in the opposite direction! There is SIGNIFICANT mental health issues on the part of both parties. This is nowhere even close to normal behavior! I have heard it said that Billy Graham never ONCE was alone with another woman after he began his ministry. If someone stepped onto an elevator, he got off at the next floor. He was not willing to risk the integrity of his ministry on rumor, or give opportunity for sin.

Youth ministry is risky, underpaid, and absurdly difficult work that is seldom appreciated. That is why few people make it past nine months. This man has damaged credibility for everyone and has changed the lives of his wife and children forever. I hope the church surrounds and supports them with abundant comfort and compassion. Along with the family of the victim, they are worthy of all the outpouring that the church and community can muster. They are spattered with the mud of his shame through no fault of their own. Does he deserve grace and rehabilitation - of course! But don't make a huge mistake by making excuses for his behavior. That in iteself is a sin!