This pastor has been having numerous affairs for several years with several people. Some church members are aware of some of it and do nothing about it. (They do not know just how much has really been going on) They believe that it has stopped when it has not. What should be done if anything?
2006-11-17 03:56:37 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If this is a denominational church, go to the area Bishop or Overseer (different names for different denominations.)
If this is a non-denominational church, it's trickier: you'd tell the Elders, who should reason with the pastor.
Either way, the Bible is clear: a pastor MUST be the "husband of one wife" and he must be sexually pure. In other words, no divorce allowed (unless for the other spouse's adultry) and no fooling around. Several years ago, Pastor Charles Stanley, former head of the Southern Baptist Convention, was divorced by his wife. He vowed to his church that he wouldn't remarry so he could be faithful to these central teachings of the Bible. Unfortunately, not all pastors are obedient to God's word, like Pastor Stanley.
If the Elders do nothing, you have no choice: you MUST tell the Church and insist that the problem be addressed.
There is one caution that I'd like to pass along to you: the Bible says no one should question an elder of the Church (this includes a pastor) unless there are at least two witnesses. However, if you have other uncontrovertible evidence, such as pictures, I'm sure this is acceptable. If there's even the SLIGHTEST chance you're wrong, you shouldn't make a ruckus. Remember: unsubstantiated gossip is a sin.
Peace.
2006-11-17 04:03:44 · answer #1 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The pastor needs to be removed from his position. If he/she is having affairs (and especially if they are happening with members of the congregation) he is not credible or responsible enough to be in a leadership role. He needs to get a lot of counseling and put in the work to make sure this will not happen again before he should even be considered again for ministry.
This is not to say that pastor is a bad person or undeserving of forgiveness...just that these are things that need to be addressed right away for the good of the pastor and the church.
2006-11-17 12:06:17 · answer #2 · answered by Gerty 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I know what it's like to be the victim of a ummm... (horny?) male... They may start with only the willing, but some men move on to children and other unwilling. Next thing to consider is the fact that pastors are supposed to guide their congregations, is that really some one your church wants as a leader? And finally, it is never right to take a backseat, tell someone you believe will do something. Then pray about it. Keep trying, people like that do not belong leading Children of God.
2006-11-17 12:03:39 · answer #3 · answered by cher 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well its a matter of what is the wife doing about it?
He is committing this sin against her.
How do you know how much is " going on "?
What do you actually consider an affair.. is he visiting too many single ladies in a week or you actually seen him having sex with someone other than his wife?
Unless its common knowledge you might talk to the wife and see what she feels about things. Maybe she is the type that just let things go on as long as she has a roof over her head. She really should be the one to call him on it.
2006-11-17 12:03:20 · answer #4 · answered by Tapestry6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WOW. Something has to be done. A pastor that is involved in constant adultery HAS to be approached by the church. Take someone else that knows about the situation and approach him.
2006-11-17 12:34:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you go to the Bible, the answers all there.
Matt. 5:32 and 19:9 - Jesus states the one and only reason for divorce.
1 Corn. 5:9-11, 13 Explains how anyone committing such crimes should be handled.
And for those who think adultery is not a crime, needs to read this Scripture - 1Corn. 6:9, 10
2006-11-17 12:50:37 · answer #6 · answered by Staminababy74 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He should be treated the very same way he/she treatshis parishioners who are caught with the same act.
Was hemerciful? Then mercy he deserves. Was he judgemental and flaming? Then the same he deserves... An eye for an eye yes? And moreover he is the LEADER of the his church, he should lead by example, a leader demnding others to follow the rules only to break it himself, deserves to be castigated heavilly.
Its true... all make mistakes... all commit sins... but to be rampaging others on virtue while he himself is having a sinful time just doesnt fit the story
2006-11-17 12:06:18 · answer #7 · answered by Jampa G 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Friend, A minister calling is the highest calling in Christ, They are to set an example of Christ, The Bible says they need to be blameless, which means there is qualifications for the ministry, If a person can Honestly point a finger at that minister That automatically dis-qualifies him, Because he is not blameless. They also have to be the husband of ONE wife & not having a living wife, If that person has been married before, That does not dis-qualifies him from being a Child of God, Only in the ministry, unless his 1st wife is dead,
2006-11-17 12:03:49 · answer #8 · answered by birdsflies 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He needs to STEP DOWN. The congregation needs to confront Him- rebuke him gently. And of course pray over Him. But He should not be pastoring a church. I am surprise He has not stepped down- The Holy Spirit convicts. What church is this? Maybe He is convicted but does not care- that is not good.
I know there are scriptures on this- I need to find them.
2006-11-17 12:02:16 · answer #9 · answered by Mandolyn Monkey Munch 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
suggest the board members of your Church be made aware of the situation, as they may not be aware. you said Church members. the board members would be the ones to contact first as most Churches have a " chain of command " then if no satisfaction is received go to the next highest, until a solution is reached.
2006-11-17 12:15:28 · answer #10 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋