questions about church issues....

So before making this public have you done what the Bible commands and gone to him alone? Why should we who are not part of your local church pass judgment on someone when we do not know any other facts than what you have brought forth. You may be entirely correct in your assessment, but I have only your word. The marvel of the Biblical model is that it seeks truth and repentence.

 

Yes, you have done exactly that. You want us to determine if someone whom we do not know, under circumstances which you have presented only your side is acting biblically or not. I wouldn't do it in a court of law. I wouldn't do it in my church when we exercise church discipline. And we shouldn't do it here.

 

1) No

2) No

3) No

 

1. why would it be a problem to ordain the music minister?

2. Being called to preach is not the same as being called to be a youth minister.

3. Hmmm.

 

1. There is no biblical issue on the ordination, IMO. Strictly speaking, a "music minister" is an extra-biblical (not unbiblical) position. Our philosophy at our church (6 f/t ministers) is that all of our ministers are serving as pastors...they just concentrate in one area of church life. And, of course, there is only one senior pastor, to whom we answer. IMO, if you want to ordain him, and he (and the church, and the pastor) want it, bless you.

2. Once again, it depends on your church's philosophy of ministry. I've been in some churches where the youth minister was a "youth director"--in other words, and organizer of events. To me, that is a waste of church time and resources, and it meets shallow needs when deeper ones exist. My opinion is that a youth minister (or other associated titles) is to be a pastor to the students, and their families. For both of those things to happen, it is unlikely that a nineteen year-old who has no sense of calling can fulfill those roles. Of course, other churches don't necessarily agree with me. I guess what I'm saying is this: although there isn't a direct Scriptural addressing of this issue, I would say that since a church should be a wise steward of resources, then they should hire someone who can do more than organize events. There should at least be a passion for serving God and working with teens. In my book, there should be a calling as well.

Each year, we hire summer interns at my church. Sometimes, we will hire someone who is thinking about/dealing with their calling into ministry. In that case--a closely supervised, limited time/responsibility position--it helps them process exactly what they see God calling them to do. But it also is done so in a scope so that we haven't hired someone full time, permanently, who doesn't have the passion, gifts, or calling for it.

3. I'm staying out of that one. Sorry, but I don't feel I can answer that without being a party to gossip. I hope it works out, and that God is honored in the process.

 

I'm going to answer this based upon the assumption that what you have said has all been verified. You are not clear as to how you found this information out and I believe some of the replies you received are simply based on the fear that this is heresay which would put it in the realm of gossip. But taking your concerns as you've presented them...

In a situation like this, the pastor should have dealt with his family as he would any other member of the church in regard to ministry and guess what? He might have done that. You have no way of knowing if his daughter confessed and repented or how he handled it privately. My suggestion is to go to the pastor yourself with your concerns and discuss the issue with him. His response may tell you what you want to hear.

Should the daughters continue in serving in the church? I have no idea what part they have in ministry but unless you have all the facts, they should continue.

Should the pastor continue pastoring? Absolutely! The scriptures are clear that an overseer should be able to manage his family well and when he was ordained he probably had everything in control (which is one reason we don't lay hands on anyone too quickly.) But does scripture say he should step down if life happens? No.

I wouldn't wait to long before speaking to the pastor. Remember though, stick to the facts but do not bring an accusation unless you bring another with you who has been a witness to this and has the same concerns.

Hope that helps.