Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay
Restoration to the body is one thing. However, I do not believe that when a sin such as this becomes public, that the man can or should continue to be in his position of authority. If I am caught with drugs on my person, I am going to be a felon which bans me from certain rights or positions of power. This is the same reason that pastors, elders (whatever their title), and others of influence of the church must be careful to never let their good names be compromised. This is so that the church may always be seen as clean, moral, pure, and honest. We should not try to hide sin, but should always do our best to ensure that sin is never allowed to tarnish the name of the God whom we represent.
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I don't disagree that a minister should be in a position of authority with just a "I'm sorry" for what I've done.
I do think that relinquishing his license and
never be able to preach in a OP church again is rather harsh punishment for any sin.
Gosh, there are pastors in this region who have been caught in adultery and still pastor churches. There have been pastors who embezzled money from building funds to take their family on a disney vacation and still pastor their church. Somehow some of these indiscretions get swept under the rug, while others get thrown under the bus.
I think that if a former pastor repents, sits down and reflects upon his sin, gets adequate spiritual counseling from those who are spiritual in the church and asks God for forgiveness...at some point in time it is not unreasonable to restore some sort of ministry to him. God has mercy on those who repent of wrong doing and the gifts and callings of God are without repentance.
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