Have we lost respect for the ministry?
 

I know a situation where the asst pastor is married to a woman he ran off with when he was a pastor of a church. I think he holds a upc license. I've seen other things by ministers as well but still allowed to keep a license and preach. This leads me my question, have we lost respect for the ministry?
Do we not protect and respect the ministry by being selective who is allowed to minister? We teach to honor and respect ministers, but does it not make it harder when questionable men in questionable scenarios are allowed in it? Seems like ministers themselves are losing respect for the office, not just people.


Would you agree a pastor that married the woman he ran off with is disqualified from any ministerial position?

Re: Have we lost respect for the ministry?
 

I have not lost respect for the ministry and hold them in high esteem.

The Bible gives many examples of the failures of humanity . . .
It's only by his mercy we are not consumed.

Re: Have we lost respect for the ministry?
 

I am referring more about respect for the ministry by who is or isn't allowed in the office.

Forgiveness/mercy isn't the issue.

Re: Have we lost respect for the ministry?
 

Your details are pretty vague, how can anyone comment on allegations that amount to gossip. I caution you to be careful.

Matthew 12:36-37
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Re: Have we lost respect for the ministry?
 

Asking about a scenario isn't gossip. If you're not comfortable giving an answer that's ok.

Re: Have we lost respect for the ministry?
 

It depends a lot on the district and the district good judgment. Some are a lot more strict than others within the UPCI.

Re: Have we lost respect for the ministry?
 

Who is "we"? There are groups where the office of ministry is not held in high esteem, at least not high enough to require a decent standard of behaviour for ministers. There are other groups that are not in such a state. It all depends on the particular group, whether a denomination, a fellowship, a local church, or whatever.

A pastor who ran off with a woman... what does that mean? Was she some other man's wife? Did he leave his own wife to run off with this woman? Or did he just marry a woman? And what does "ran off with" mean? He and a woman left their local community, moved to another town, and got married? At least they got married, right? Again, unless one or both were already married to somebody else and they are basically homewreckers?

Re: Have we lost respect for the ministry?
 

Sorry for confusion, a married pastor that ran off with another woman, adultery. He left church he was pastoring to be with her. Married her and now in the ministry again as asst pastor.

We doesn't mean everyone or every where, but I've seen it enough in our area for it to be an issue.

Re: Have we lost respect for the ministry?
 

Looks like the individual decided to expose what he was doing behind everyone’s back. Guys (or gals) who are shady, usually expose themselves sooner or later. Respect is earned in life. I don’t care what you call yourself. If you claim to deadlift 500lbs, there is only one way to prove it. You have to do it. We are always critiqued at what we do. Not matter if you are a preacher, the butcher, the baker, or the candle stick maker. You are always under the watchful eye of the people. You might think you are getting away with it, but sooner or later your mask will slip.

I don’t lose respect for the ministry. I respect the ministry. I’ll lose respect when you keep claiming to lift when you can’t. Earn respect, do the hard work, and always keep in mind you are being watched. Because who you are in the dark is really who you are.

Re: Have we lost respect for the ministry?
 

I have respect for the ministry as well and always given grace, but some lines do need to be drawn. I think that's what you're saying. If so, I agree.