POLL: Can you overcome any of these “failings”?
As I mow my lawn, my mind typically wonders off into so many different thoughts. One of the thoughts that I had this past weekend was sin that takes ministers out of the game. For an example, an affair seems to be a big deal (and rightfully so) that takes a lot of ministers out of ministry. But, after the sin happens and repentance comes, is that minister black-listed forever? OR, is there redemption and that person can again minister?
The reality is that Satan wants to take everyone out of the game. Ministers fall right into that and many have been taken out. But again, just because you stumble in one of the areas below, does that mean you are done being a “minister” forever?
TAKE A MINUTE and take the poll below. Then, please explain your reason for your answer.
[polldaddy poll=”3283903″]
God can and does redeem all sorts of darkness however from our side of things there is a process of restoration. That includes how the person views repentance and confession.
Great comment Dave! I agree with you – God can and will redeem. The bigger question is can the Church forgive and move forward and can the person repent and move towards restoration?
Restoration is different than what you are talking about here. Does someone become whole only if they are serving as a minister?
There are ways that people can be a part of the body, in a lay capacity, but to be a church leader is a high calling and one that none can really live up to. But when certain trusts and covenants are broken becoming a church leader again is a difficult thing to stomach.
I know a Youth Pastor who has molested serveral young girls, spent some time in prison and has now repented, and was hired by a new church. The elders from the former church have begged and pleaded with this new church not to hire him but the new church said he has repented and is cleared to serve. I don't know about you, but that makes me angry and the thought of my kids attending there would drive me mad.
Does that make my own sin less? Am I a horrible sinner? But there are some things that just cannot be tolerated.
I think what the real issue your getting at here is trust vs grace. When the church leaders extend grace that does not automatically mean trust is restored. Trust is earned easily but when broken it can take years to restore. Also, when the broken trust involves kids, it is even harder to restore becuase your dealing with fragile souls. Kids need a solid leader as they're going through their confusing years.
Also, if the minister knows he has an issue in a certain situation, he should not even want to be back in that situation for fear of falling back into the temptation. Just like the youth leader who molested before it is a very dangerous situation to be in. The leaders of the church have an obligation to protect the members, so even if the minister is forgiven, they may not extend trust and rightfully so.