While it is fun and challenging to debate scripture why is the focus on disecting scripture instead of seeing the tremendous amount of harm that comes to those abused with in this and many other denominations. What can we do for them? How can we protect the innocent within our churches from the evil that awaits them on Sunday’s? Would that not be a more valuable use of our time?

Wes did mention what I did above.

So, what Wes said.

Dougald

Wes and I know each other very well, in fact we co-lead those endeavors in Central Asia together. I say this because my question and response are short to him. He knows me and knows my heart. Maybe that is a bad thing.

Wes,

Great post! I do think that this subject needs to be addressed. I also think that there needs to be a great deal of discussion on this issue both in the “ivory tower” and in the “pew.”

But, I have one thing I would like to address though it does not have to deal with the main point of your post.

You state that “pastor search comittees should do background searches.” Of course I understand that you are working with the current system of hiring a pastor and that you weren’t writing on the following topic but…Should they not be pulling pastors from within their congregation? Background checks could still be done but the comittee would know the person better if they came from within their congregation.

Thanks for letting me comment a little off topic.

Dougald

I wonder if it might be possible to identify two categories of sexual sin that would disqualify from ministerial office permanently.

Sin that also constitutes criminal behaviour – sexual violence, abuse, illegal computer images, etc; and sexual sin which arises out of the ministerial office itself – adultery with church people, church resources used to view porn etc.

Neither exclusion denies the possibility for repentance or redemption but accepts a care both for the good name of Christ and his church and for the need to protect the fallen pastor from situations where temptation might arise again, since the calling to live as a faithful Christian is even greater than the calling to pastoral office.

Other matters need to be addressed on a individual basis but I would wonder if at the very least it might be right to ask a pastor to step back from office and seek counsel and oversight. Should some of the CP millions be diverted from association staff to provide interim funding which would allow a pastor to step back from ministry for say 12 to 18 months for that challenge and support and not at the same time throw his family into poverty. Isn’t it possible that it is trying to avoid destitution that makes some pastors minimise the damage of their sexual sin.

Just some thoughts from the other side of the pond.

Oh and why cant the SBC Exec Com or the Convention take a formal decision which automatically removes from the convention any church which knowingly employs or retains in employment anyone who has or is given a conviction for a child sex offence. If churches can be dis-fellowshipped for breaking biblical morality (employing active and practising homosexuals as pastors), which can’t they be dis-fellowshipped for breaking both biblical morality and endangering children?

The light bulb just flipped on. I see now. Sorry! I was too hasty in my follow-up to Wesley I didn’t think through exactly what I was saying. I do agree there; church discipline will not cause such abuses to cease altogether but it would work to curb them. Sorry for my muddleheadedness!

You said that if the church discipline thing took place this would all be stopped or at least stopped ead in its tracks. I think it would be lessened, not stopped. Maybe too find a line to draw?

I’m lost. Walk me through where we are disagreeing because I am not seeing it. I don’t disagree with anything you have said in #17. Thanks brother!