Swindled churches? What to do?

[Sam]

The pastor of an independent church in this area died in an accident quite a few years ago. Another pastor was chosen. After a period of time the new pastor tried to take the church into a certain organization. It was then revealed that he had taken the pastorate of that church with that intention but had not told the members (although it seems he had told some of the organization officials). Some members agreed to join the organization and some did not. The church split and became two separate churches. I don't know how the assets (like property) were divided.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Sam

The pastor of an independent church in this area died in an accident quite a few years ago. Another pastor was chosen. After a period of time the new pastor tried to take the church into a certain organization. It was then revealed that he had taken the pastorate of that church with that intention but had not told the members (although it seems he had told some of the organization officials). Some members agreed to join the organization and some did not. The church split and became two separate churches. I don't know how the assets (like property) were divided.

Another church in this area split a few years ago. This was over Branhamism. One group got to keep the building but they had to pay off (reimburse) the other group for the money that they had invested over the years.

[Sister Alvear]

sad things like this happen...but they do...

[TRFrance]

Originally Posted by Jaxon

I would like to know if anyone has a solution to a problem that seems to be occuring more frequently.

Here's the scenerio:

Let's say an established church that has been affliated for years (you can say UPCI or other initials if you wish) has a pastor vacancy. The reason is because the longtime founding pastor has died. The church votes in a new pastor. Everything goes smoothly, no major changes for a few years. Then the pastor brings the ideato the church that disaffiliatingfrom the organization would be good because they would have more flexibility to reach the lost. The pastor tells the church he does not want to change anything that's always been preached, no deviation from docrtine or anything like that. He just says disaffiliation would be a good thing for the overall good.

So the congregation believes every word he says and votes to disaffialiate. Then it isn't long before he actually does begin to change. Doctrine, you name it. He pretty much does as he pleases. Accountable? He put in a puppet board. Of course he wil be accountable in the end to God. For now though, a church that took years to establish has been turned upside down. The saints that were deceived - most will go somewhere else and there will be a skeleton of a church remaining, if that.

I've seen it happen. It's sad. It's dishonest. If someone wants to start a church that believes whatever, fine. But it's a sad day when a man stoops so low that he would destroy a church that a man had worked so long to build, and destroy it through dishonesty.

There doesn't seem to be an answer for the problem. Any thoughts?

As you said, there doesnt seem to be an answer for a problem like that.
Even Paul the apostle had to deal with false and deceptive brethren back in his day.

The best a church can do is call a church-wide fast before they make their voting decision, and pray that the Lord will help them to choose a pastor after His own heart.

If the pastor later ends up straying from correct docrtine, that's just one of those things that happens sometimes. As long as the church members know that they sought the Lord's will and didnt vote impulsively, they have no reason to regret the decision they made.
They can just leave it in God's hands, and move on if necessary.