A minister who has been guilty of sexual sin does not recover in a week. It is a look road back. Like "grief work" recovery takes time and often follows a general pattern. As a mentor in recovery in too many cases I've observed the following pattern, though sometimes the stages overlap or appear out of order. Does this pattern I've observed fit other situations?
1. Denial -- "I really didn't do it" (e.g. "I did not have sex with that woman.")
2. Blame -- "They made me do it." (Overwork, heavy burden, my spouse.)
3. Anger -- "They handled this wrong" (The rebuke, removal from ministry, the church)
4. Hopelessness -- "I may never recover."
5. Getting help -- "I am sinful and I am helpless."(c.f. John Wesley)
6. Sense of grace -- "God is bringing me hope... a glimmer, but hope."
7. Pennance -- "I am paying the price..."
8. Turning the corner -- "I think I've turned the corner... I'm on my way to recovery."
9. Restoration in the Body -- "I feel a part of my local church again."
10. (Occasionally) Restoration to leadership -- "It's been a long road back, but I now have some leadership"