An abuse of authority????

[deltaguitar]

Originally Posted by kingdomapostle

I started off trying to be VERY general. However, here are the details as specific as I can be without disclosing the individuals mentioned above. For the sake of clarity, I'll use Pastor and Christian when referring to the two individuas this discussion centers around.


Days ago the Pastor notices the Christian's status messages. They are full of profanity, and references smoking, going to the club, and other ungoldy behavior.

At first, the Pastor says nothing to the Christian or anyone, but later in the week, the Pastor's status message says something like (indirect quote): Saints, we must be mindful of our witness. We can not expect babes in Christ to get a good impression of us as Christians if we purposely post behavior in our status messages that does not reflect Christ. Advertising smoking, going to the club and other behavior is your choice, but please do not misrepresent Christ on facebook when you claim to serve him.

Of course, this can fit anyone, but the Christian in question goes on a complete tangent as a response, calling the Pastor's name out, their ministry, and even uses profanity...attempting to "correct" the behavior of the Pastor saying that he abused his authority.

_____tried to be clear_____________

I would be very upset if my pastor did something like this. It is not wise. It is clear that this person is not a christian. I think the pastor should publicly apologize because of the offense. He was stepping outside the biblical way of handling issues like this.

If you have a brother who is in sin, first go them quietly so as not to expose them to everyone.

Second, take someone with you and admonish them in love.

Only when truly necessary and repentance is not going to happen do we expel them from the church or admonish publically.

There are just to many people on facebook to do this sort of thing.

Once again, I think the pastor's greatest mistake is assuming this person was 1) a christian 2) thinking that this person was under his authority because it is clear they are not and 3) handling a manner in public that could easily be interpreted.

The pastor needs to apologize and do the right thing. End of story. Call him up and explain that he handled in wrong and for the sake of the sinner announce that he handled a sensitive situation the wrong way.

[kingdomapostle]

Originally Posted by deltaguitar

I would be very upset if my pastor did something like this. It is not wise. It is clear that this person is not a christian. I think the pastor should publicly apologize because of the offense. The was stepping outside the biblical way of handling issues like this.

If you have a brother who is in sin, first go them quietly so as not to expose them to everyone.

Second, take someone with you and admonish them in love.

Only when truly necessary and repentance is not going to happen do we expel them from the church or admonish publically.

There are just to many people on facebook to do this sort of thing.

Once again, I think the pastor's greatest mistake is assuming this person was 1) a christian 2) thinking that this person was under his authority because it is clear they are not and 3) handling a manner in public that could easily be interpreted.

The pastor needs to apologize and do the right thing. End of story. Call him up and explain that he handled in wrong and for the sake of the sinner announce that he handled a sensitive situation the wrong way.

You assume that the person is not saved and perhaps that is why you feel so strongly. On the contrary, this person professes holiness, quotes scriptures, boast about the ministry they attend (in which the Pastor knows the other members and leaders quite well) and have even fellowshiped with the Pastor and His church.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by kingdomapostle

You assume that the person is not saved and perhaps that is why you feel so strongly. On the contrary, this person professes holiness, quotes scriptures, boast about the ministry they attend (in which the Pastor knows the other members and leaders quite well) and have even fellowshiped with the Pastor and His church.

I don't think he was assuming anything., Your post was incredibly vague and it's a little frustrating to judge what we say based on unrevealed facts

[kingdomapostle]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

I don't think he was assuming anything., Your post was incredibly vague and it's a little frustrating to judge what we say based on unrevealed facts

Actually I stated from the start that the person is saved. Sorry to not give the entire story all at once but as I also explained earlier, I was trying not to disclose the individuals any further by trying to only add the details that were vital to judging the outcome.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by kingdomapostle

Actually I stated from the start that the person is saved. .

No you didn't