sexual immorality in the ministry

Are you talking about past or present?

If a pastor is currently practicing sexual immorality then yes. But if he has in the past (i.e. sex out of marriage, etc.) then the past is the past. Christ washes sins away and renews our minds.

In Christ,

Brooks

 

I think if it is a recent thing, he needs to take time out. Get counselling.

If it was years ago, and hasn't repeated, then I think he can be open to the work.

 

Personally, I would not want a pastor who could not control that area of his life. If it was before he was a Christian, that's different.

 

There are no Biblical qualifications for an evangelist, since what we today call an evangelist is not a Scriptural office.

 

I would say that sexual immorality would make that person a person of questionable character.That persons sin would be just as forgivable as a divorced persons for the purpose of being a pastor. By personal act he would have shown himself not to be a one woman man unless he can go back and undo the sex act.Now God will forgive the sin but that does'nt change the qualification for the office.

 

We must be aware of the temptation for those who engage or have engage in sexual immorality. The position of pastor is one that requires trust and honesty as well as purity of thought. This is NOT to say that pastors are not human or are more mature in their walk. However, we must hold them to a standard, just as anyone in the Church. We must follow God's word when dealing with immorality. The Pharicies and Saducies (sorry about spelling as I am imperfect) were imperfect. They fell into the things of the world. They were held accountable by Christ. We must do no less for our pastors. I would say that those who have demonstrated a lack of control over the flesh may serve in ministry, but in specific areas that are not over those who might be most vulnerable. Ministry opportunities exist in many forms and some do not work directly with people.

 

I agree. If this man cannot control this portion of his life then he certainly should not be leading a flock.

 

How can a man preach against the lusts of the flesh and be knee deep in it?

 

Absolutely agree.
Some will toss the spectre of P.S. Ruckman at me. Be it known that I think he ought to step aside also.
In HIS service;
Jim

 

Are you stating that even if a man had sex outside of marriage before salvation, accepted Christ and never had sexual relations again until marriage then he is disqualified? If so, how about those that have done drugs, taken to drunkeness, etc?

 

Good Question!

Chosen One

 

The very definition of sexual immorality is to broad to press a pastor out of his position.Wouldnt there be varying degrees of sexual immorality?Certain varying degrees should certain varying degrees of punishment or what ever you want to call it.

 

I once heard that 40% of all pastors veiw pornagrahpy.If they all were to quit, resign,walk away from their ministry, where would that leave the church?Not that Im suggesting that veiwing porn is in anyway tolerable, but if thats something my pastor fell into,and overcame!To me that would leave him with a powerful testamony,and the ability to help anyone else who fell into that trap that much more!

 

One more thought.If having to confess and coming clean with ones struggles ment having to resign.Then it probably wouldnt happen much if at all!

 

Untangled what I am saying is:
A man is saved born again and is a pastor who has sex outside of marriage,that is adultry. Although God will forgive his sin his qualifications as a pastor are the same as those of a divorced man. Because of his adultry he is no longer a one woman man. Because of his adultry he is no longer a man above reproach .
There are more pastors who have committed adultry still in the pulpit than there are divorced men in the pulpit.
In my humble opinion any pastor or deacon who holds to the teaching of a divorced person not being a pastor who has committed adultry should immediately resign thier post or be branded a hypocrite.

 

POB,

I compeletely agree with you.

I thought you were stating pre-salvation premarital sex.

In Christ,

Brooks

 

It's understandable when one is lost. But after one being born again and especially if in a of leadership (Pastor, evangelist,staff) It's wrong to try to stay in a church leadership role and recieve income once you have broken your marriage covenant,vows or had infidelity. It's like saying, I value the position or job more than living the faith. The world rightly calls it hypocracy. We're not talking about the issue of forgiveness from others. But pride and rebellion appear to be the reason that one assumes he has a right to lead even though he hasn't lived what he wants to teach. It's integrity that provides the right to lead. We must model the faith before we can preach it. Step away from leadership.

 

That is not the same as the adultery of a minister. Probably should say, adultery of a former minister.