I will not hesitate to call myself a "John Piper fan," though I'm by no means a "John Piper apologist." I have my moments of disagreement with Piper, but, all in all, I find his ministry, his writings, his life, and his grasp of the gospel to be encouraging and commendable. I deeply appreciate Piper.
I just read his letter explaining why he is taking a self-imposed eight-month leave of absence from Bethlehem Baptist Church. Personally, I find the tone and details of the letter to be refreshingly candid and honest.
I wish Piper well in his leave of absence. I pray the Lord restores his soul, his character, and whatever areas of life he needs to turn over fully to Jesus Christ.
Furthermore, repentance and humility appropriately displayed have an amazing ability to cause those who see it to seek to do likewise. At least that's what I'm feeling about my own life as I read this. It has caused me no small measure of introspection, and I daresay that's one of the powerful benefits of seeing men repent.
Godspeed John Piper! Do what you need to do then get back to doing what you were called to do.
Here's Piper's letter to his church.