A new faith-based television drama, It's Not Like That, is drawing both praise and criticism after its portrayal of a romantic relationship between a pastor and a member of his church sparked debate among Christian leaders and abuse survivors.
The series, produced by the faith-and-family streaming company Wonder Project, follows a widowed pastor navigating grief while raising three children and forming a relationship with a divorced mother who attends his church. The show stars Scott Foley as Pastor Malcolm and Erinn Hayes as Lori.
Some viewers and commentators have described the storyline as a "refreshing" portrayal of real-life challenges pastors face, including loneliness, grief, and the possibility of finding love again after loss. However, critics-particularly advocates for abuse survivors-say the plot raises serious concerns because it depicts a romantic relationship between a pastor and someone under his spiritual care.
Experts note that the power imbalance between clergy and congregants can complicate questions of consent in such relationships. In fact, 14 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., have laws criminalizing certain sexual relationships between clergy and members of their congregations due to concerns about abuse of authority.
The controversy intensified after the show's pilot episode concluded with a scene in which the pastor and the congregant share a kiss, prompting critics to warn that the storyline may normalize dynamics that many churches consider unethical.
Despite the debate, the show's creators say the goal is to present complex, realistic stories within a faith-based context. Jon Erwin launched Wonder Project in 2023 with the aim of producing high-quality entertainment centered on faith and family audiences.
As discussions continue across Christian media and social platforms, It's Not Like That has already sparked broader conversations about pastoral boundaries, spiritual authority, and how faith-based storytelling should handle sensitive issues within church life.
