In recent weeks, I’ve found myself hesitant to record for YouTube or even engage in discussions about the church at large. However, a viral video involving Pastor Terry Jackson has reignited the conversation about outdated church practices and the double standards that persist within some Christian communities. The video, which has sparked widespread outrage, shows Pastor Jackson publicly shaming an unwed pregnant woman in front of her congregation, demanding that she “repent” for her actions.
This incident has left many, including myself, questioning the culture of accountability—or lack thereof—within certain churches. Why is it that women are so often held to a higher standard of morality, while men are rarely subjected to the same level of scrutiny? This imbalance is not only unfair but also deeply harmful to the individuals involved and the broader Christian community.
The Double Standard in Church Accountability
What stood out most in this situation was Pastor Jackson’s starkly different approach when confronted by a man who allegedly was not a part of the church. The same energy he used to shame the young woman was noticeably absent when addressing the male confronter. This disparity highlights a troubling pattern in some church cultures: women are often treated as the sole bearers of accountability, while men are given a pass.
It’s disheartening to see that, in 2025, there are still churches that perpetuate this kind of gendered judgment. Women are frequently placed under a microscope, their actions scrutinized and condemned, while men in situations that are far worse face little to no consequences. I have spoken about Pastors online for years who have committed far worse acts such as but not limited to: sexual assault, violence towards women, men and children, murder of intimate partners/ children and even down to impregnating a child. In these scenarios, the still the pastor does not see an ounce of the backlash that a woman would face if she were to commit the same or similar offense. This imbalance is not only unbiblical but also perpetuates a culture of shame and inequality within the church.
A Mother’s Role and the Pressure to Conform
What made this situation even more heartbreaking was the response of the young woman’s mother. Instead of standing up for her daughter, she sided with the pastor and his views, seemingly allowing him to dictate how her household should be run. This kind of submission to church authority, often driven by a desire to be accepted within the church community, can have devastating effects on families.
It’s important to remember that while church leaders can provide guidance, they should never have the power to override a parent’s role in their child’s life. The mother’s decision to support the pastor’s actions, rather than her daughter, reflects a troubling dynamic where pastoral/ church acceptance is prioritized over familial bonds and individual well-being.
The Bigger Issue: Blaming Women for Men’s Actions
At the heart of this controversy lies a much larger issue that needs further review and discussion, the tendency to demonize women and blame them for the actions of men. In this case, the focus was entirely on the young woman carrying the child, while the man who has fathered the child was noticeably absent from the conversation. This one-sided accountability is not only unfair but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about women’s roles in society and the church.
Biblically, it is clear that both men and women are called to live lives of accountability and integrity. Yet, in practice, women are often the ones who bear the brunt of judgment and shame. This needs to change. The church should be a place of grace, love, and restoration—not a platform for public humiliation and gendered double standards which is 100% evident in the situation surrounding the unwed soon to be mother.
Moving Forward: A Call for Equality and Grace in the Church
As Christians, we are called to reflect Christ’s love and grace in all that we do. This includes how we address issues of morality and accountability within the church. It’s time for church leaders to hold both men and women to the same standard, rather than placing the majority of the burden of accountability solely on women.
Safe space must also be created where individuals feel supported and loved, rather than shamed and ostracized. Publicly shaming someone, especially in a vulnerable situation like pregnancy, does nothing to foster growth or healing. Instead, it drives people further away from the church and the message of Christ.
Join the Conversation
This incident with Pastor Terry Jackson is a wake-up call for the church to reevaluate its practices and priorities. If the church truly wants to reflect Christ’s love, a shift must take place regarding outdated, harmful traditions and embrace a culture of equality, grace, and accountability for all.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Do you think the church is doing enough to address these double standards? How can we create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone? Let’s continue this conversation together.
For more discussions on church culture, Christianity, and current events, subscribe to my website at www.cocktailhourwcatrice.com and follow me on social media @cocktailhourcatrice. Let’s work together to build a community that uplifts and empowers everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
