Looking for some input today, my email address will be posted at the close of this rant.

Former Pastor Ted Haggard's physical transplant was announced. Seems that Ted and his family are headed for either Iowa or Missouri, to study online for future degrees and employment in the field of counseling. Can't the church model grace and restoration in her pews?

This week on my show I asked, "Is it better for Ted and his family to leave Colorado Springs and New Life Church, or would it be better for him to 'attend the church' - and for the church to work through forgiveness, restoration and applying grace to all parties involved?"

One of my fears in Ted Haggard leaving the 'burning fire' (John 21), is the quick ability to create a new persona and denial. Yes, staying in Colorado Springs would bring much shame, pain and heartache (sin hurts, this is why it is sin...good lesson wouldn't you say?), but isn't it better to be around people who love you (grow to returning to love you), know you, know your weaknesses and can keep you accountable?

Better yet, wouldn't it be better to actually have a church model Jesus' grace in a situation of egregious, consequential sin? The world might see something new.

I know all of the measures of discipline that should be applied here, but go with me on this. If I sat on the oversight committee, I might have recommended that Ted (and his family) study online in Colorado Springs. Help (emotionally and spiritually) them move into a house that they can afford in light of their new salaries and severance package. And encourage them and the church to welcome them back ("no" teaching, position, employment or oversight of any kind, etc.) at New Life as any attender, visitor or member of Jesus' gang of sinful (needing grace) followers.

Could we actually learn to offer authentic grace (I'm not talking about some form of sloppy agape) on the other side of sincere repentance if we allow the man to run to Iowa or Missouri? Jesus didn't as it related to Peter, he called him back to a charcoal fire - the same place of his announced and fulfilled denial.

I know 'out of sight, out of mind' is a nice solution for the new Senior Pastor and those at New Life who are confused by Ted's sin, but is this really 'Graceland'? Is it better that they all depart on different roads, walking away with this confusion and bitterness?

I welcome your thoughts. I'm assuming that most of you will shout me down, as did the callers on my show. I'm just looking for a chance to pattern grace in this situation. If the 'good news' is for only 'good people', what's so good about that news?

erichogueshow@hotmail.com for your coments, thanks.