HA! He's a perv himself! The Banning Pastor

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I wonder how many elders in the first century church were originally Roman pagans who attended the pagan temple "activities" prior to conversion?

Prior to coming to faith in Christ... not sure how much that speaks for any of us. And though many of us will falter, as an elder, there are expectations much higher... a heavier cross to bear so to speak.

[On The Wheel]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I wonder how many elders in the first century church were originally Roman pagans who attended the pagan temple "activities" prior to conversion?

Quite a lot, to be sure.

Paul himself murdered Christians before coming to the Lord, thus earning him the title of "Chiefest of Sinners".

However, I don't think he would have been qualified to be a pastor if he come to the Lord, planted some churches, then decided to murder some more Christians after which he repented and desired to minister again.

Anybody who engages in the kind of behavior that pastor admitted to is wholly unqualified to ever lead the flock of God. He can repent and be a sheep, but never again a shepherd.

I believe in grace and mercy as much as the next guy, but I'm continually shocked by the lengths people will go to worship at altar of toleration at the expense of Biblical precepts.

Sometimes wrong is just wrong. Disgrace is disgrace. Abomination is abomination.

[Praxeas]

People have a hard time with the notion of a man that can tell people "if you use facebook, turn in your license" coming from someone that while he was a pastor had a threesome with a church officer.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by On The Wheel

Quite a lot, to be sure.

Paul himself murdered Christians before coming to the Lord, thus earning him the title of "Chiefest of Sinners".

However, I don't think he would have been qualified to be a pastor if he come to the Lord, planted some churches, then decided to murder some more Christians after which he repented and desired to minister again.

Anybody who engages in the kind of behavior that pastor admitted to is wholly unqualified to ever lead the flock of God. He can repent and be a sheep, but never again a shepherd.

I believe in grace and mercy as much as the next guy, but I'm continually shocked by the lengths people will go to worship at altar of toleration at the expense of Biblical precepts.

Sometimes wrong is just wrong. Disgrace is disgrace. Abomination is abomination.

I agree....

But at the end of the day, there is no checklist manual in Scripture... there are guidelines. It's up to the wisdom of the other elders if this person meets those qualifications, using the guidelines and listening to the Holy Spirit.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Socialite

I agree....

But at the end of the day, there is no checklist manual in Scripture... there are guidelines. It's up to the wisdom of the other elders if this person meets those qualifications, using the guidelines and listening to the Holy Spirit.

And those dumb enough to keep voting them in.

[TJJJ]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

People have a hard time with the notion of a man that can tell people "if you use facebook, turn in your license" coming from someone that while he was a pastor had a threesome with a church officer.

Bravo Prax.

That was what I was trying to say but did not use the right words.

I absolutely believe in forgiveness for everyone who repents. But...

What we are dealing with here are the qualifications for a Bishop or Elder. Period. This man violated that and is now disqualified from being either. Can he be saved? Yes! Would I follow this man as a pastor? Absolutely no!

[TJJJ]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

And those dumb enough to keep voting them in.

Amen!

[whoami]

Originally Posted by praxeas

people have a hard time with the notion of a man that can tell people "if you use facebook, turn in your license" coming from someone that while he was a pastor had a threesome with a church officer.

exactly!!!

[On The Wheel]

Originally Posted by Socialite

I agree....

But at the end of the day, there is no checklist manual in Scripture... there are guidelines. It's up to the wisdom of the other elders if this person meets those qualifications, using the guidelines and listening to the Holy Spirit.

There is no "checklist" per say to become a Christian. However, the qualifications for being a bishop are clearly defined. Threesomes, foursomes and more after coming into the church would most certainly disqualify one from the leadership of people.

Anyone who would follow such a man deserves all the foolishness he can dispense. His leaders, who allow this to happen, will ultimately be judged by God. I know I would not want that leader to be me.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by On The Wheel

There is no "checklist" per say to become a Christian. However, the qualifications for being a bishop are clearly defined. Threesomes, foursomes and more after coming into the church would most certainly disqualify one from the leadership of people.

Anyone who would follow such a man deserves all the foolishness he can dispense. His leaders, who allow this to happen, will ultimately be judged by God. I know I would not want that leader to be me.

I agree with you, OTW, but if the congregation wants to keep him as pastor, isn't that up to them? I don't think they're going to go to hell or anything for having him as their pastor.

I do think the fact that it's in the past by several years makes this a slightly unfair discussion. If his congregation knew about it and kept him as pastor anyway, or maybe he was reinstated after a time (I don't know), that's their decision.

I would be interested to know whether or not the congregation was aware of his past *mistake*, or if they found out when the media dug it up.