When Do We Bite/Fight Back???
I have thoroughly appreciated your help and insight as relates to a question that my brother thrice had just a couple of days ago. So, I believe I will seek much the same insight and guidance from you well-respected and intelligible Christian minds...
I have struggled with a "element" in our ministry that has no doubt proven to be a "thorn in the flesh." The greatest struggle is my unquestionable love and respect for this "element" as a person, while at the same time being genuinely fed up with lifestyle choices and practices. I have pointedly attempted to be a person and pastor of Grace rather than taking an inferior "legalistic" approach to ministry. However, I am now baffled on the "issue."
My question for everyone who will answer is this: "Can one person hinder a ministry and/or church?" Let me clarify. I realize that the answer, on the surface could justifiably be yes or no. Yes, because the effects of a person outside of the will of God could have an effect on the whole. (Example: Jonah) No, because our Lord Jesus Christ has assured us "the gates of hell shall not prevail against" the church that He builds. So... I guess my real question is "at what point do we as Pastors authentically consider silencing and/or excusing a person of position in the church that seems to be hurting more than helping?"
Let the blogging begin... I am awaiting your help.
Kevin
posted by Pastor Kevin Lanier Pullam @ 10:07 PM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Hello my brother. Very good question and one that is not easily answered because there are so many varied positions and dynamics of each individual case.
But, to put it very briefly, yes, there does come a time and a point where action must be taken to protect the flock. And yes, one person can and will hinder the work of the church. Not "prevail" but hinder. The bible teaches us about the danger, damage and devastation of "discord". The "watchman" is charged with not only "watching" but also with taking "action" when the safety and welfare of the sheep are jeopardized and/or threatened. Sort of like the real life shepherd who not only watches for wolves and other predators but "takes action" when the danger or threat gets too close or becomes imminent. Much more could be said but hope this helps in some small way.
God bless and "preach a little."
I have seemed to have missed this previous post. To the question at hand, I must express that I am in the learning process of what is commonly known as 'church disicpline'. I do think that a person must be confronted one on one. If it is a corporate issue, it may be a word or series that needs to be addressed to the church at large. But if it is an individual problem - you must go to them directly. It may be something that can be dealt with in a hasty manner. If the person appears to continue in their ways, there needs to be either a probationary period, suspension, a time of prayer, or even an issue that is dealt with through your leadership. It should always be handled with prayer and the word. Of course, you deal with the issues of whether or not the person has enourmous influence in your church. If they do, I have seen in cases where you can give a person a rope and they will hang themselves. In our case, the rope is the Word of God. The Word is the best defense and offense that we have. Our measuring rod is the Word; and if they don't measure up, it's time for them to sit down and shut up...in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer. All the while, speaking the truth in love.
Hmm, am I the first to answer this blog question? I guess no one wants to touch this one. Well here goes. I guess my best answer to this question is to, make it a matter of prayer. While this seems like the common thing to do or a simplistic answer, here's what I mean. When you pray, call this person out by name. Ask God to show you His divine will and purpose regarding this person and their reason for being placed in your flock. God may have them there to test you or the congregation, they may be placed there because he needs to do a work in them or a host of other things. I believe that a pastor can make the decision to sit someone down, take away decision making authority and the likes. This is all part of decency and order which the church needs to run efficiently and effectively. However I don't beleive that one should be excused completely or asked to leave. I say this because everybody needs God, and if the church sends them away because they are unpleasant to deal with then who can they turn to. God will never put more on us than we can bare, even if it is another person. It is at that point when we can bare no more that we become weak and He is made strong. No one can stand up against the mighty habd of God and live, so just continue to make him/her a matter of prayer and watch God change things.
Love ya,
CJ
Remember.... Cause the Effect.
Hmm, am I the first to answer this blog question? I guess no one wants to touch this one. Well here goes. I guess my best answer to this question is to, make it a matter of prayer. While this seems like the common thing to do or a simplistic answer, here's what I mean. When you pray, call this person out by name. Ask God to show you His divine will and purpose regarding this person and their reason for being placed in your flock. God may have them there to test you or the congregation, they may be placed there because he needs to do a work in them or a host of other things. I believe that a pastor can make the decision to sit someone down, take away decision making authority and the likes. This is all part of decency and order which the church needs to run efficiently and effectively. However I don't beleive that one should be excused completely or asked to leave. I say this because everybody needs God, and if the church sends them away because they are unpleasant to deal with then who can they turn to. God will never put more on us than we can bare, even if it is another person. It is at that point when we can bare no more that we become weak and He is made strong. No one can stand up against the mighty habd of God and live, so just continue to make him/her a matter of prayer and watch God change things.
Love ya,
CJ
Remember.... Cause the Effect.
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