Staff Ethics Question

The Bible says the Bishop is to be above reproach 1 Timothy 3.

I would say that this does bring a reproach not only on the interim, but on the church as well.

While the scripture tells us not to rebuke an elder, but rather entreat him, I would say this is enough to ask him to voluntarily step down.

Matthew tells us if we have anything against a brother we are to go to that brother. If he will not hear us, we are to take another. If he still will not hear, take it before the church.

 

Dr Bob,

I would agree. PastorBrad stated that he had already been trying to remove this man for the last 9 months. I would say it is time for the church body to show him the door.

There is no sign of the man being a man above reproach ( a qualification for a Bishop/Pastor/Elder, nor is there a sign that he is a faithful steward.

Put such an one out from among you.

 

Brad, I agree with Dr. Bob's comments.

If I was the pastor and some of the leaders did not want to remove him for this issue, I think I would be moving on to a new place of service.

What seminary are you attending? MBTS?

 

Brad, yes these things are never easy.

I graduated from MBTS with an MDiv in 2003.

 

Just a few days ago it was reported that about 1/3 of the churches are not in compliance with the IRS too.

I pastored one of those who would not listen to me until I was audited and cleared but the church was not. I filed my taxes correctly but the church did not file correctly as I tried to tell them for two years. Glad to be gone from there.

Out of respect, talk with the man first. It is possible he has had some serious financial or health problems. Possibly things that nobody is aware of. I would try the soft approach first. Take someone that you and he trust who is an accountant or financially savvy with you.

I could tell you about a lady who was in serious trouble financially many years ago. She is doing very very well today. When I saw that I tend to give people a litle more grace until I know otherwise. If they lie to me I will not give an inch but if they are trying to do the right thing then I am patient. When I lived in Texas years ago about 1/2 of the people in the church I attended lost their homes. They were not bad people just got caught in a bad situation.

 

I loved it. I will PM you some other thoughts so that we do not hijack your own thread.

 

It is hard in the business world to remove crooks and people who will not work. Life is easy when people do what they should and are faithful.

 

If this is the case then it is time to give some tough love and require some action. It is time to hold him accountable for his actions. Most likely he has been doing this for a long time and will not learn until he is pressed into a corner. Too often people in the church will not hold people accountable. They are simply too nice to be effective and help someone. They are much like serving wine to an alcoholic.

I would bet he is both lazy and greedy. I would not hesitate to confront him about that kind of beavior. He needs to be surounded by people who will hold him accountable. Do not let him handle one penny of money.

It is time to tell him to pay up or get out of the church. The church is not a place for deadbeats to reside.

 

Be blessed Brad.

I will be in prayer for God to strengthen you in the direction you must go.

Remember, God fights your battles for you. Rely on Him to lead you in the words to say to this interim pastor.

 

I would strongly suggest contacting legal counsel such as the Christian Law Association. The purpose would be to make sure the church does not get it's self into a legal bind with the IRS. As well as to have them guide you in options as to what the church responsibility is to both the IRS and this staff member. What ever you do, do very carefully. The IRS has been the downfall of churches past and even more to come because churches think they are exempt from the rules laid out by the government.

 

I am not a pastor.
You say that you didn't like him before this happened.
Make sure you find out what is really going on before assuming some things that are not so clear from the information presented here.

You "know" he has no financial problems because 3 months ago he was paid $1300. OK.
People can be levied by mistake. I once was.
Even if not, you said it was 2004 taxes. Filing was 4/15/05. Automatic extension of filing was till 8/15/05.
Other extensions possible till 10/15/05. That is not so long ago.

Let's pose something slightly different. Say a pastor is not able to have health insurance, and ends up with a big emergency room bill he can't pay. And the hospital is impatient and takes steps. By your statements, you would remove him, thinking little of him in the process.

I am surprised that some of your posts have not been edited on this thread. You have identified your church and basically told the world who this man is. I am troubled by that.

In short, if in your shoes, I would get more information and try to look at it without preconceptions about this man's personality.

Karen