This news came out this past weekend: John Piper is taking a leave of absence from ministry from May 1 to December 31, 2010. The letter of explanation is here.

I have always had a deep admiration for John Piper and his ministry, though our theologies may have an occasional clash. His integrity in incredible, and it shines through in this letter.

This paragraph is gripping:

“But on the other hand, I see several species of pride in my soul that, while they may not rise to the level of disqualifying me for ministry, grieve me, and have taken a toll on my relationship with Noël and others who are dear to me. How do I apologize to you, not for a specific deed, but for ongoing character flaws, and their effects on everybody? I’ll say it now, and no doubt will say it again, I’m sorry. Since I don’t have just one deed to point to, I simply ask for a spirit of forgiveness; and I give you as much assurance as I can that I am not making peace, but war, with my own sins.”

I can remember so vividly over 20 years ago the fall of some televangelists, one of whom I deeply admired. He had been prophetically warned to do exactly what Piper is doing. Piper sees this on his own and is taking aggressive action. The evangelist didn’t see it on his own and then ignored godly counsel.

Piper will remain in my prayers.