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 Should Fallen Pastors be Restored to the Pastorate? |
Old Time Country Preacher |
When I say "FALLEN," I mean, if a feller meets all the criteria listed below, should he "EVER" be allowed to pastor agin?
1. He is servin in a pastorate?
2. While servin in the pastorate he commits physical adultery.
3. The moral failure becomes public.
Now notice, I didnt say:
Can he be forgiven an be restored to fellership with God?
Can he be restored to the church?
Can he ever serve in a limited way sommers in ministry?
But, Should this feller "EVER" be allowed to pastor agin? |
Acts-pert Poster
Posts: 15570
2/18/06 5:05 pm
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BV COG |
If you want a promotion, commit adultery, go through the restoration and get a bigger church than what you had before the fall.
Do I think pastors should be allowed to pastor again, if we don't let them pastor in the COG again, they will just start another independent church.
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Acts-dicted
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2/18/06 5:12 pm
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| Yes, absolutely yes. |
Tim Finlayson |
| If you want grace, you better be sowing grace. |
Acts Enthusiast
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2/18/06 5:16 pm
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| Re: Should Fallen Pastors be Restored to the Pastorate? |
notwanghere |
I believe there is a definate difference between fellowship with God, and the trust of man. Now I am not saying no, but I do feel their are distinctions. Whether someone "defrocked" starts an Independant Church should really have no bearing on the issue. To be frank I have never really studied scriptural (NT) directives on this issue, so anything I would have to say would be purely subjective.
I am unaware of any Pauline directives specifically addressing this issue. In my subjective heart I feel that "to whom much is given, much is required", and to violate the purity of the call of ministry may very well disqualify someone from credentialed work, but I would be quick to yiel to those better versed in this. |
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2/18/06 5:26 pm
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| Re: Should Fallen Pastors be Restored to the Pastorate? |
Pastor Gary |
| Old Time Country Preacher wrote: | | But, Should this feller "EVER" be allowed to pastor agin? |
I am not prepared to give a blanket "yes" or "no" answer -- it really is a case-by-case situation. I have been in the position of showing mercy, allowing a man to return to pastoring, and had him repeat the same sexual sin again and again. (Sad note: we pulled his credentials and he is now pastoring in COG. Yes, The AB was given full disclosure and opted to "work with him." shrug.)
On the other hand, I know of a situation where a man was involved in a lengthy sexual affair, has been restored, his marriage saved, and he is a successful pastor today. To the best of my knowledge he has never repeated any kind of sexual misconduct, and I am happy he was restored.
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Acts Mod
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2/18/06 5:29 pm
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| If "restored" |
MrSmith |
... should we then refer to them as fallen?
If they are forgiven do we still refer to them as sinners?
But for the GRACE of God there go I - someone once said. I think that's a great motto to live by.
I wonder how many more would be "fallen" if someone found out about what they'd done or what they do - oh, what a question...
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Friendly Face
Posts: 127
2/18/06 5:34 pm
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| Forgiveness Takes Away The Fallen Title |
BV COG |
Just as the blood takes away the curse of sin!
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Acts-dicted
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2/18/06 5:35 pm
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| Re: Should Fallen Pastors be Restored to the Pastorate? |
Memory03 |
only after the restoration process is complete. It is my opinion they should start from the point of "Doing their first works over". Just like they never pastored before. First church...worse church so to speak.
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Memory03
8233 post at the original Acts Board...
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2/18/06 6:34 pm
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| Re: Should Fallen Pastors be Restored to the Pastorate? |
Kenny L Flaming |
| Memory03 wrote: | | only after the restoration process is complete. It is my opinion they should start from the point of "Doing their first works over". Just like they never pastored before. First church...worse church so to speak. |
Is that really Restoration or "penance"
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Pastor of Cross Pointe
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http://www.crosspointe-church.net
Formerly "WardlinePastor" |
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2/18/06 8:32 pm
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| I say yes |
pastordavid64 |
I say that if we are a church where God's grace and mercy are abundant then yes. But I also say that he should start at the beginning and work his way up. This way he can re-establish himself as trustworthy. I DON'T believe a person like this should be put in a pastorate to soon though, there has to be a restoration process. He should have to be accountable to a mentor for this restoration time.
Pastor David |
New Member
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2/18/06 9:07 pm
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| Re: Should Fallen Pastors be Restored to the Pastorate? |
Memory03 |
| wardlinepastor wrote: | | Memory03 wrote: | | only after the restoration process is complete. It is my opinion they should start from the point of "Doing their first works over". Just like they never pastored before. First church...worse church so to speak. |
Is that really Restoration or "penance" |
name something in a position of trust that does not have consequences with moral failure. I also don't think they should ever be able to reach the top ranks of credentials either.
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Memory03
8233 post at the original Acts Board...
Real Men get their haircut in a Barber Shop... The rest go to beauty parlors... |
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Posts: 21953
2/18/06 9:25 pm
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| Too many variable for a simple yes or no answer. |
RaceForTheCure |
There are times when restoring a person to the pulpit would be o.k. For example, committing consensual adultery and then seeking forgiveness and restoration. However, there are other times when restoring someone to the pulpit would be out of the question even if there salvation has been restored. For example, sexual assault and then seeking forgiveness and restoration. Too many variables if you ask me for a simple answer.
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2/18/06 9:54 pm
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| Some Had Suggested |
BV COG |
That if the price is right that anyone can be restored.
I agree with Mem, they shouldn't be allowed to achieve the status in ministry they had before, but should be allowed to minister if they meet all the outlined requirements as set forth by the Minutes of the 2004 General Assembly of the Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee.
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Acts-dicted
Posts: 7914
2/18/06 10:00 pm
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| Re: If "restored" |
Old Time Country Preacher |
| MrSmith wrote: | ... should we then refer to them as fallen?
If they are forgiven do we still refer to them as sinners?
But for the GRACE of God there go I - someone once said. I think that's a great motto to live by.
I wonder how many more would be "fallen" if someone found out about what they'd done or what they do - oh, what a question... |
Does restoration "take away" the loss of trust from the church body? Can the church body ever truly trust this person again? Can they trust any pastor again? Does the restoration process "take away" the shame, pain, disgrace, stigma, etc., of the fallen pastor's failure? Is it not the church body that must pick up the broken pieces of ministry and live with the shameful action before the community?
Much is said regarding the fallen pastor, and this feller does need to make it all right with God, but what about the church body thats been violated? |
Acts-pert Poster
Posts: 15570
2/18/06 10:37 pm
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| Wouldn't It Be Great |
BV COG |
That when a poster "falls" (gets banned) on the board that all the posters on the board decides the restoration process of the fallen poster?
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Acts-dicted
Posts: 7914
2/18/06 10:40 pm
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| Not here....... |
sheepdogandy |
we make a distinction between forgiveness and qualification for Eldership.
If one truly repents they will be willing to do "something else" in church.
I say this in light of what I'm preaching tomorrow night.
The gifts of God are "without repentance".
How can folks who live like %&$#%(*!@#$%^.
Preach, sing, play etc... impressively?
Back when their heart was right with God He gave them a gift or gifts.
He doesn't take them back.
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Charles A. Hutchins
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Congregational Church of God
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Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology
Posts: 7307
2/18/06 10:46 pm
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| It is an awful shame |
Kenny L Flaming |
When a preacher (or anyone) fails God but I feel the bible teaches restoration as a complete repair-
Lets use a pastor having an affair with a lady in the church or community
When he has repented and has been restored according to Galatians Ch 6- How does God see him? Does God see him as a 2nd class citizen?
Will people look at them differently after the fact- sure-
But we in the body of Christ should do all in our power to allow the Lord to use him again.
Forgiveness and justification and restoration were all accomplished at the cross!
Just my 2 centavos!
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Pastor of Cross Pointe
Abbeville LA.,
http://www.crosspointe-church.net
Formerly "WardlinePastor" |
Acts Enthusiast
Posts: 1360
2/18/06 11:13 pm
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| We Don't Know Much... |
A Single Life |
First, we don't know if they were saved in the first place.
Second, we don't know if they've repented.
Third, we don't know if they are saved now.
We do know they took advantage of a position of highest trust and used it for their own fulfillment.
But I say sure. We put pedophiles back in the classroom. We put rapists back in charge of girl's camps. We put drug dealers in school to become druggists. We put bad cops back on the force. We put embezzlers back in charge of the bank. We put alcoholics back in charge of the brewery. We put terrorists back in school to become pilots.
Why not put lechers back in the pulpit. See if they have really repented and won't adulterate the flock anymore. LOL |
Friendly Face
Posts: 188
2/18/06 11:26 pm
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| Re: Should Fallen Pastors be Restored to the Pastorate? |
notwanghere |
| Perhaps the admonition that a charge against an elder requires a greater standard of verification than against another believer demonstrates that if found guilty the cost is greater. This may add credibility, that while of course there is forgiveness, restoration to the office may be forever forfeited. If not why the higher level of accusation? I'm still thinking ... |
Acts Enthusiast
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2/18/06 11:35 pm
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| Re: Should Fallen Pastors be Restored to the Pastorate? |
TheoloJohn |
It is difficult to imagine how such a man could ever again qualify as a NT bishop or elder according 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, "blameless" and "having a good reputation among outsiders."
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Golf Cart Mafia Associate
Posts: 2160
2/18/06 11:38 pm
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