Ted Haggard - should he ever be allowed to pastor again?

Not a baptist?

Since Haggard is (at least to my understanding) not a Baptist, shouldn't this be posted in the 'other religions' thread?

 

I really don't think that judgement call is up to us.
It is up to God and him. And a local body of Christ.

I also feel it is too soon to even think of this.

 

Because we have a God of second chances, I think he could. It's possible that a local church would trust him enough to vote him in as pastor. However, I really think his days of being a pastor are over.

 

Their church met, and issued a statement, to the effect that this "nationally known" pastor of theirs, so outspoken in his hypocritical stance against homosexuality and gay marriage, committed acts of immorality worthy of expulsion from their pulpit. Not verbatim, but that's the thought.

In the secular justice system, the evidence has been examined, and he is found guilty.

The above Scripture deals with individuals like this pastor.

He IS effeminate. No man can bear to kiss another man, make love to another man, or have another man make love to him, and not be effeminate, or homosexual. He IS homosexual. He IS a sodomite.

And because of him, the name of the LORD is despised among the Gentiles.

 

According to the above scripture he is not even a member much less ever be a Pastor. They may keep him on their roll but don't seem like they are going to but God don't have him on His roll.

 

Are there any biblical instructions for restoring a fallen pastor?

 

Common sense does have its purpose and do you think He would ever have the confidence of the people ever again that they would want or take advice from him. Also, he is not blameless and never will be in the eyes of the people.
Jut look at Swaggart and his following of today. They are but a handful. He will never be a leader in the church again and neither will Jim Baker. There is a price to pay Web.

 

It's way too early to ask, I think.

Check this out. http://www.challies.com/archives/002181.php

 

WOW...powerful link!!

A must read by all


Thanks whatever

 

I think He is right on the mark!

In conclusion, I say none of this as moralism. Indeed, this is a deeply rooted gospel issue. How can we proclaim that our God is a faithful Trinitarian community if we are not faithful to our marriage covenant and family? How can we say that the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us if we have no holiness in our life? How can we proclaim that we are new creations in Christ if we continually return to lap up the vomit of our old way of life? How can we preach that sin is to be repented of if we fail to model that ongoing repentance? How can we say that God is our highest treasure and greatest joy when we trade Him for sin that defiles our hands and defames His name?

 

It seems the exhortation and requirement for an elder to be the husband of one wife has many applications. One is that the husband/wife relationship ought to demonstrate the church/Christ relationship.

Haggard has destroyed that, he is guilty of homosexuality, deception, hyporcrisy and a serious habitual sin. Calling in the other requirements for a leader in the church we would also find other counts against him.

Under those circumstances it would appear he has disqualified himself from spiritual leadership. Of course he can repent and be a member of a local church, but I believe his leadership days are Scripturally over.

Now wanting to sound harsh or judgmental, but it's just the way I see it.

Truly it is sad to see as this is bringing so much reproach on the name of Christ.

 

What he said.

I agree. We can discuss what we think would be appropriate in our OWN congregations but this matter is up to his church and God.

He would be excluded in my church until he got right with God, and I don't believe his position of leadership would be restored, but upon repentance he would be restored to fellowship. God is a God of restoration and redemption. We should be also.

 

You're right. There is a huge difference between restoration to fellowship and return to leadership.

The ministry is a position of trust. I feel for all involved, but this was an ongoing long standing sinful relationship, not a one time sinful act. While both justify a removal from ministry, there will be a difference in how counseling and any possible return to public ministry will be handled.

 

He most certainly would be excluded from our church until he repented and got right with God then he would be received back but never to a position of preaching or any leadership.