We have a friend who is a Pastor and before he surrendered to the ministry, he and his family, got into a lot of debt. Some was his fault while some was a matter of circumstance. He is a really good person, but I was wandering if its okay for a Pastor to file bankrupcy. I know that the Lord says to pay your debts, but what if your debt is extremly out of hand with no way to make the monthly payments. Would you still consider him a man of God and should he let the church know?
2007-08-30 05:13:33 · 14 answers · asked by Melissa V 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's OK, coz he'd squandered all you tithes.
2007-08-30 05:17:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
Your question on this seems to be focused on a Pastor. What I always say is this. Christians are just people trying their best to love their God the best way they know how. Christians don't get any sort of magical powers when they decide they want to try to be what God asks them to be. People are people. Even God forgave debts/debtors in the Bible. If the court is willing to forgive this man then I do not see why anyone else shouldn't. He is a man (of) representing God, trying to love God, trying to overcome his human errors, why should he not be considered a man of God. A man of God is still just a MAN. Hopefully the Pastor will learn a lesson. It is difficult in this society to be debt free because so much of how we are measured as a person has to do with what stuff we own. Massive houses, massive vehicles, massive everything. People who feel a need to have stuff to prove their worthiness have more of a problem, IMHO. The Pastor's true problem is not that he broke a promise (or 10) to pay people back but that he has a need for so much stuff that he has found himself in this position. When a person can be satisfied with their needs being met as opposed to their wants or must have's they will not have this problem. Should he let the church know? It may be wise for him to seek counsel from some older Pastors he can confide in or speak to his eldership at the church. As far as a congregational confession, what good would that accomplish than to bring out all the other finger pointers and cause a lot of problems into the church. People are people and will do what people do. The judgers will come out, the finger pointing will begin, and human ugliness will ensue. Sometimes the wisest thing someone can do is keep a confidance. Not every one can handle every thing. If we knew everything about everyone we would be truly unhappy people.
2007-08-30 05:30:51 · answer #2 · answered by morissa2n 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Pastor is human just like anyone else, yet, he has been called by God to be the leader of that particular church. I believe before he file bankrupcy - He should pray for wisdom as to what to do (don't know if he did), shared some things at church meeting about his concerns and pray in agreement as to the decisions he should make.
I would consider him as a man of God - you must realize all of us at some point or another misuse or handle our money inappropriately - Also, He should inform the church as to what is going on and resolve the debts he owe.
If the church is not paying their tithes and offering (that does help) that contributes to the lack of funds needed in the church, and the Pastor not handling the account correctly then it puts a slump in the church - so filing bankruptcy is okay.
2007-08-30 05:41:26 · answer #3 · answered by Rose 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pastors are just as human and anyone and as such they face the same problems everyone else does. If I read your question correctly then this occurred before his call to the ministry. If that is so then maybe the debt was his wake up call to become a minister. It's far easier to be humble when you have faced adversity yourself. He should not be judged solely on what happened in the past - his actions right now should speak louder.
2007-08-30 05:28:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately this happens to alot of people. Your Pastor is still first and foremost a human with human faults. This is something that happened to him before he surrendered to the ministry and it is very unfair of you to judge him. The best you can do is pray for him in whatever decision comes from him. I'm sure he is also doing his share of prayer too. As for letting the church know, that is between him and the church, besides they probably already know more then you think.
2007-08-30 05:31:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First off, if you have a paid pastor you are not a church as their are no paid pastors in a true Christian assembly.
If the man has acquired debt, has no prospect to repay, and can afford the attorney and fees he is free to file. He will of course need to deal with the rules of conduct set up by your local religious club.
2007-08-30 05:41:58 · answer #6 · answered by Tommy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Specifically the Bible doesn't say anything about bankruptcy.
But going by the scriptures that do talk about similar things we find that a person ¨should carry his own load''.
That is , we should do what we can to look after ourselves wherever possible.
Also the Bible encourages us (although it is not classed as a sin) not to borrow money if we can help it.
Borrowing , especially large amounts that are not secured is extremely unwise.
When possible we should pay things with our own money.
If we do that , bankruptcy is almost impossible.
In conclusion , its not a sin to file for bankruptcy , but it probably does show an unwise thinking attitude on the person involved.
This could cast doubts on their ability to represent God in a good , honest and accurate way.
For more Bible based info plz feel free to email me.
2007-08-30 05:29:53 · answer #7 · answered by I♥U 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would have to know what "Some was his fault" means and I would have to know the" matter of circumstance".means. This question is way to general for you to get a healthy answer from.
2007-08-30 05:24:07 · answer #8 · answered by Allan C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i know that he is only human, but when you are in a position of authority, you are judged to a higher standard & your responsibilities are greater.
scripture says that if a pastor can't take care of his own affairs, how can he possibly run a church???
2007-08-30 05:34:43 · answer #9 · answered by t d 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In Matthew 6:5-13 Jesus says : "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS,
AS WE HAVE ALSO FORGIVEN OUR DEBTORS.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Any More Questions??? John
2007-08-30 05:31:41 · answer #10 · answered by moosemose 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he is a good man he should stay, but he should also try, in some way, to repay little by little his debts.
2007-08-30 05:19:13 · answer #11 · answered by remy 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋