But Ive been through some experiences and Ive realized its not Gods fault that pastors go astray, its the pastors' fault.
That's right....After those to pieces of work I just really gave up on God, I really did. But Ive been through some experiences and Ive realized its not Gods fault that pastors go astray, its the pastors' fault. They simply did not want to accept the accountability of their actions and therefore continue these acts and try to cover them whilst also preaching against them.
That's right.
I'm sorry you had to go thru such bad experiences.
i wouldnt be surprised if haggard is sociopath that uses religion to make an easy living.
I know there are many examples of bad preachers and bad church leadership because too often they focus on the leaders instead of the Lord. When the church membership is more concerned with protecting their guilty leaders rather than purging the dross, they contaminate and weaken the whole church. Their integrity is totally shot when they don't police themselves.Well....I didn't have a pleasant experience either.
To this day I still hold a grudge against the Presbyterian church due to a sexual assault that I witnessed. I reported it to the Youth ministers who told the Pastor and there was no discipline against the perpetrators and I was treated like a pariah.
I am not a big fan of churches and the likes but do make an attempt at least --once in awhile.
Their integrity is totally shot when they don't police themselves.
I don't know the whole story but in general I would say any criminal activity (which would include a sexual assault) should be reported to the police. If an arrest is made, and the person is out on bail, the church leaders should go to him. They should pray with him, and counsel him, but explain that for the good of the church, he can't continue in any leadership role at church, and he shouldn't attend church if the victim was also a member. Depending on the outcome of the trial, and the repentance (or not) of the person, church discipline may also be necessary. That could include removing the person from the church membership.My question to you is this: what should've been done?
Haggard is a disgusting man whom I've never held in high regard.
People who put their pastors on pedestals are wrong; that is not biblical.
Are pastor always warned us against doing that, and to keep him accountable.
Any preacher who falls into sin should be prohibited forever from any future position of preaching, teaching, or leadership. If he's truly repentant, he can be forgiven but he still must never be allowed in a spiritual leadership role again.
I don't see any humor in this situation. It's disgusting and shameful.
Ohhhh... idolizing is a sin, ya know. :P
Then why did this guy lie about his homosexual relationships and cheat on his wife in order to engage in them?
I agree. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being gay. There is, however, something terribly wrong with preaching to others that it is wrong while you are engaging in a homosexual relationship yourself.
What's more shameful is how he felt pressured to LIE about who he is in the first place.
Yeaaaah, the bible also says you're supposed to put homosexuals to death. Why don't I see anyone following that scripture, hmmmmmm? Come on now people, let's not pick and choose! Line 'em up, throw 'em in camps, brand the homosexuals with numbers!
Oh...wait. That already happened. In Nazi germany.
And you call this a loving god?
Yes. The requirement for a "bishop" (pastor):Reba, Did the Bible say "Any one who repentant and can never be allowed in a spiritual leadership role"?
Please give specific examples of those Christian leaders.It didn't say that. According in the Bible, God chose all the "worst" leaders who had failed, repented, and continued being leadership role. God has mercy and grace.
To repent and follow Him, yes. But not everyone is called to become a pastor. That's a special responsibility that includes special requirements.Also in the new testament, Jesus Christ chose the worst people who followed him. He socialized and called the worse people to do the work for him while he was on earth.
That's why God set down the requirements for pastor in the Bible.It is not our place to say or decide if anyone who is disqualified or qualified to be leader in the future.
No. My husband has never been a pastor. Why do you ask?My question is: Are you former pastor's wife?
Here we go again.The author of different religious bible wrote, not G**.
I don't know the whole story but in general I would say any criminal activity (which would include a sexual assault) should be reported to the police. If an arrest is made, and the person is out on bail, the church leaders should go to him. They should pray with him, and counsel him, but explain that for the good of the church, he can't continue in any leadership role at church, and he shouldn't attend church if the victim was also a member. Depending on the outcome of the trial, and the repentance (or not) of the person, church discipline may also be necessary. That could include removing the person from the church membership.
Like I said, I don't know all the details of your situation. But in general, crimes should be reported to the police but the church should still provide the accused with spiritual counsel while at the same time protecting the rest of the membership.
Our church has had to discipline some members. It's not a pleasant process but sometimes it's necessary.
So everyone involved was a minor?Well---it was a youth group meeting and we ended up having the entire church to "horseplay", play tag, etc.
Anyway the one girl fell to the ground and three of the guys decided to "rough her up" and have "fun". The one placed his hand between her legs and hit it several times. Understand--she was clothed.
Afterwards she left before the youth group was finished and I rode home with the youth group ministers. They inquired what was wrong with her as she wasn't herself and I basically told them what happend.
Then I became a pariah...
So everyone involved was a minor?
It still should have been followed up on. I wonder if the youth pastor didn't want to pursue it because he feared he would be blamed for not supervising the group properly?
The boys should have been punished, and the poor girl should have been given counsel and support. All the parents should have been informed and involved. You shouldn't have been shunned. You should have also been provided counseling and support. It doesn't seem like anyone was dealt with properly.