An abuse of authority????

[kingdomapostle]

UPDATES:

The Pastor has continued to write status messages that generally address sin issues in the church that keep the saints entangled. They have always used their fb page for edification and for fellowship purposes, so this is not mean spirited or to poke at anyone.

The Christian has publically and privately gone on an all out character assassination attempt to disrespect the Pastor by calling Him a false prophet, and those that follow him stupid (insert profanity).

The amount of disrespect this "Christian has shown is shocking" from someone who takes pride in being "saved, sanctified, and Holy Ghost filled."

IMO--
I know BOTH individuals very well. The Pastor has been in ministry for years and is respected in his community and nationally. He does not go around "picking" on people. However, he is also the overseer of other ministries, so it’s not a "stick to your flock only" situation. Usually, this Pastor is right on target when dealing with issues concerning the church and not just churches in their fellowship- we are talking national influence.

The Christian, while growing up in holiness, now attends a larger "mega church" that is very liberal when it comes to what Christians can/can not do and "still be saved." Yet he is a popular figure in the community and is very well liked by many. Therefore, he knows that his influence carries a certain amount of weight even if he is not a preacher.

While the Pastor moved on, the Christian invited "whosoever will" to come and make comments that mocked the Pastor throughout the night. It was sad scene.

My thoughts are that the Pastor's comments were pointed somewhat at the behavior of the Christian, however, they were said with concern and love for their soul and those that would see that behavior thinking “well they do it, it must be ok.” Usually Christian leaders ARE called to speak up about issues in the church so I don’t see much difference in this. No names were called, so why did the Christian have to take it so directly and so personally anyway?

God does not call us to care for those who are just a part of “our church.” What about THE BODY OF CHRIST? Leaders are not just called to watch their flock although that is their priority. Leaders are examples in the EARTH of what Why should someone be a part of our church to care about their souls. If they came to the Pastor's page, saw the comment, and was convicted/offended by it then they should change their behavior, not blast the Pastor, ESPECIALLY if they are wrong.

Even if the Pastor was out of line or crossed the lines of his authority in speaking so directly about the issue, WHY would a Christian go to those extremes to "right the wrong." You can't "right a wrong" with more wrong anyway. More damage was done on the part of the Christian for opening up the Pastor to that kind of scrutiny and judgment among those who are NOT saved or those that were commenting without really knowing who the comments were pointed at. The Christian bordered on harassment even, when he publically cursed out other Pastors/congregation that saw his comments and asked the purpose for them (X rated stuff)!

I don’t see abuse of the Pastor’s authority at all, although the status could have been handled more discretely. There is a way to address issues that do not blast others, but knowing the heart of the leader, I don’t think that was His motive at all.

[kingdomapostle]

thanks EVERYONE for your comments!!!!

[CC1]

Originally Posted by kingdomapostle

UPDATES:


IMO--

While the Pastor moved on, the Christian invited "whosoever will" to come and make comments that mocked the Pastor throughout the night. It was sad scene.

My thoughts are that the Pastor's comments were pointed somewhat at the behavior of the Christian, however, they were said with concern and love for their soul and those that would see that behavior thinking “well they do it, it must be ok.” Usually Christian leaders ARE called to speak up about issues in the church so I don’t see much difference in this. No names were called, so why did the Christian have to take it so directly and so personally anyway?

God does not call us to care for those who are just a part of “our church.” What about THE BODY OF CHRIST? Leaders are not just called to watch their flock although that is their priority. Leaders are examples in the EARTH of what Why should someone be a part of our church to care about their souls. If they came to the Pastor's page, saw the comment, and was convicted/offended by it then they should change their behavior, not blast the Pastor, ESPECIALLY if they are wrong.

Even if the Pastor was out of line or crossed the lines of his authority in speaking so directly about the issue, WHY would a Christian go to those extremes to "right the wrong." You can't "right a wrong" with more wrong anyway. More damage was done on the part of the Christian for opening up the Pastor to that kind of scrutiny and judgment among those who are NOT saved or those that were commenting without really knowing who the comments were pointed at. The Christian bordered on harassment even, when he publically cursed out other Pastors/congregation that saw his comments and asked the purpose for them (X rated stuff)!

I don’t see abuse of the Pastor’s authority at all, although the status could have been handled more discretely. There is a way to address issues that do not blast others, but knowing the heart of the leader, I don’t think that was His motive at all.

Easy to say "the pastor moved on" inferring that the person he attacked should not be concerned he was condemmed to hell now that the pastor has "moved on".

I don't care how well respected this pastor is this situation shows an extreme lack of judgement in my opinion. As my mama often said "two wrongs don't make a right". If this pastor is so intelligent and well respected surely he could have addressed the issues he wanted to without so obviously referencing this person. I tend to think he had to do it intentionally. Being obvious enough everybody would know who he was talking about but still being able to claim he did not name names.

[trialedbyfire]

Originally Posted by CC1

Easy to say "the pastor moved on" inferring that the person he attacked should not be concerned he was condemmed to hell now that the pastor has "moved on".

I don't care how well respected this pastor is this situation shows an extreme lack of judgement in my opinion. As my mama often said "two wrongs don't make a right". If this pastor is so intelligent and well respected surely he could have addressed the issues he wanted to without so obviously referencing this person. I tend to think he had to do it intentionally. Being obvious enough everybody would know who he was talking about but still being able to claim he did not name names.

WHOOA! WHOAAA! WHOOAA! When was it said that he condemned the individual to Hell? I missed that one.

[kingdomapostle]

Originally Posted by CC1

Easy to say "the pastor moved on" inferring that the person he attacked should not be concerned he was condemmed to hell now that the pastor has "moved on".I don't care how well respected this pastor is this situation shows an extreme lack of judgement in my opinion. As my mama often said "two wrongs don't make a right". If this pastor is so intelligent and well respected surely he could have addressed the issues he wanted to without so obviously referencing this person. I tend to think he had to do it intentionally. Being obvious enough everybody would know who he was talking about but still being able to claim he did not name names.

WHOOOOOOOOAH, was that your imagination, assumption, or just you misreading or did not read at all what was said throughout this entire thread? The Pastor did NOT condemn anyone to hell. Sigh.
The Pastor moved on AFTER GOING TO THE CHRISTIAN, TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OUT OF THE WHOLE THING...etc. HE NEVER PRETENDED NOT TO KNOW anything, that's dishonest.

Fine. Believe what you wish, its your right, but please don't add to this for dramatic effect.

[kingdomapostle]

Originally Posted by trialedbyfire

WHOOA! WHOAAA! WHOOAA! When was it said that he condemned the individual to Hell? I missed that one.

It was NEVER said...nothing missed. Let the head banging continue (yours is better than mine...was trying to find a smiley to fit but...I like yours better)

[acerrak]

I think all the pastor can do at this time is turn the other cheak and try to ignore the personal attack

since the christian has ingaged in unchristian like ways, and the situation has developed. I think it would be best for the pastor to take this situation, use scripture and reflect on the current situation.

expecialy were Jesus said they persecuted me they will persecute you for my name sake.
continue to point to scripture and do not make personal rebutles.
if he makes a personal rebutle it may give the so called christian another open door to step into.

i would also continue to generaly use the situation to teach others while not being directed at anyone specific but continue to uplift the saints, and show error in a general since.

People on the other hand will see what kind of attitude a pastor or a man of God should have, and so he should stand firm in his principles and not let the guy get under his skin. exspecially when people are looking at you intensly. both sinner and saint.

so dont crack under the accusations of the sinners and (full the fire "see we told ya so") and for the saints to see a man of God stand strong. ( this will also build up there faith when they see there spiritual leader under scutiny stand in Gods word)

[kingdomapostle]

Originally Posted by acerrak

I think all the pastor can do at this time is turn the other cheak and try to ignore the personal attack

since the christian has ingaged in unchristian like ways, and the situation has developed. I think it would be best for the pastor to take this situation, use scripture and reflect on the current situation.

expecialy were Jesus said they persecuted me they will persecute you for my name sake.
continue to point to scripture and do not make personal rebutles.
if he makes a personal rebutle it may give the so called christian another open door to step into.

i would also continue to generaly use the situation to teach others while not being directed at anyone specific but continue to uplift the saints, and show error in a general since.

People on the other hand will see what kind of attitude a pastor or a man of God should have, and so he should stand firm in his principles and not let the guy get under his skin. exspecially when people are looking at you intensly. both sinner and saint.

so dont crack under the accusations of the sinners and (full the fire "see we told ya so") and for the saints to see a man of God stand strong. ( this will also build up there faith when they see there spiritual leader under scutiny stand in Gods word)

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY GREAT ADVICE!!!!!!!!!!! WOW, thanks for sharing that. I totally agree! From what Ive seen, looks like this is exactly what the Pastor is attempting to do. None of us are perfect, and I'm sure lessons have been learned and that their are many more to glean from the experience.

Something good HAS to come out of that mess, it was horrible to behold- I even got phone calls about (did you see that). It was not from people interested in entertaining foolishness, they were sincerely hurt by the display of carnality that was shown toward someone who is so highly respected. It's obvious when I look through spiritual eyes, that the enemy wanted a show down!

[stony ground]

The pastor was warning his flock, nothing wrong with the warning, he's doing his job. You can argue with his choice of venue, but giving that his warning referred to Facebook, Facebook does seem a likely place for the warning to have maximum impact.

My former pastor used to say "When you throw a rock into a pack of dogs, the one that yelps is the one it hit." If the "Christian" involved in this drama took the pastor's words to be directed at him/her, then he/she might consider that his/her outburst towards the pastor is the product of a guilty conscience. As a member of the flock, the "Christian" 's outburst would do more to steer me clear of him/her than anything the pastor said.

[kingdomapostle]

Originally Posted by stony ground

The pastor was warning his flock, nothing wrong with the warning, he's doing his job. You can argue with his choice of venue, but giving that his warning referred to Facebook, Facebook does seem a likely place for the warning to have maximum impact.

My former pastor used to say "When you throw a rock into a pack of dogs, the one that yelps is the one it hit." If the "Christian" involved in this drama took the pastor's words to be directed at him/her, then he/she might consider that his/her outburst towards the pastor is the product of a guilty conscience. As a member of the flock, the "Christian" 's outburst would do more to steer me clear of him/her than anything the pastor said.

Amen! It was suggested that the Pastor would have handled the matter with more wisdom if he would have just preached about it on Sunday. I understand the point that was made, and perhaps that would be a better choice (more wise). However, who in the congregation would even understand a referrence to fb status messages? Many probably don't even have a page. So, I thought that it was also fitting to bring it to the forum in which it was being done in the first place, although it does make you subject the activity we are discussing now. I actually don't find error in what the Pastor did at all. Any action can be taken for ill intent, but I don't think that the Pastor has that type of heart.

When you are convicted or even refuse conviction and it turns to offense, its easy to lash out at the messenger. Yet the God the Christian serves says live Holy. I suppose he'll curse God out too. That's the sad part.