He's on the staff of the church - that is not ministry?
Second, the position offered to Tullian does not involve responsibilities unique to the office of teaching elder (or pastor). His work will be as a support staff member.
No, it's not, and while some may disagree with that, to put a staff position into a category of "ministering" is ridiculous.
That is what we call service, something expected of all believers, whether they have sinned or not.
And I would like anyone here who has not sinned to raise their hand at this time.
Is the fact that this man committed the physical act of adultery worse than the preacher that has lusted in his heart after a woman? Do you think there is no Pastor or Sunday School teacher that has done that? So should we put them under a spotlight and beat them with rubber hoses until they confess, so we can make sure we don't have any adulterers in the pulpits across America and the world?
If you need a passage to illustrate the difference between ministering the Word of God and service, here you go:
Acts 6
King James Version (KJV)
1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
They seemed to see a difference.
And I include v.3 with the purpose of emphasizing that I am not saying this man should be placed back in a position of leadership, though what God may decide in the future is up to Him. As with the examples of Paul , John Mark, and Peter, the point is that even those who have committed grievous sin have gone on to do great works for the Lord.
And it is just my guess that the forgiveness, compassion, mercy, and ministering of a restorative and loving fellowship...
...played a key role in their restoration.
I don't understand the thinking that if he's not preaching then it's OK.
Who said that?
It is too early for us to know what is going to happen. The man may not even be saved, and this event may be the very thing that brings conversion.
But what is in view is our reaction to it, and frankly I see a spirit of condemnation that more resembles the hatred of the Pharisees, who also felt justified in railing against sinners...than the compassion that should be held by those who have a better understanding of sin and how Satan destroys lives through temptation.
I will say that there is a difference between those who serve on staff, deacons, for example, or treasurers, than those called of God to minister the New Covenant. And I think there are too many who fail to distinguish that difference and it leads to a false conclusion as to what our roles as Christians should be, and what our service to Christ should be. One might think that performing those roles relieves them of the obligation to study and to witness. But our foremost calling, and that's all of us, is to minister the Gospel, whether we be in active "ministry" or not.
This man has made a mess of things, for himself and many others, but, that doesn't mean we respond in Pharisaical fashion. I think patience is necessary, and at the very least we should pray for the man.
Would you not put a congregant under church discipline for having an affair and divorcing his wife?
Of course. But what happens after that depends specifically on his response to that discipline. I don't think that because he has joined another Church this shows he is unrepentant. That is speculation and in my opinion over-stepping the bounds of what we, as outsiders and not privy to all aspects and details...should assume. Any judgment made, or any conclusion, apart from all relevant data is worthless.
ANY staff member - be it the pastor or the secretary or the custodian - who is in unrepentant sin would be removed from employment immediately in our church.
You assume too much. You cannot possibly know this man's heart.
Not only that, but you condemn the fellowship that has taken him in.
The statement from that Church displays a sober dealing with the issue in my opinion. And the fact is...they're the ones that have this issue to handle now. So give it time and let's see what happens. It may be glorious, it may be disastrous, but at least we should wait to see.
This man apparently can't hold his marriage together and can't obey God in His commands about marriage and adultery.
Takes two to tango, and we might, if we include Satan...say three.
No man, no woman...stands above temptation. And if I remember correctly, the wife also committed adultery.
Now let me ask you this: have you, since you were married...obeyed the Word of God flawlessly? If so...bravo! If not...was the transgression on your part just a small infraction? Something that God overlooks because, after all, not all sin is the same?
So he's going to be a great staff member of his church?
Who knows? Time will tell.
I have enough confidence in God, as well as the Record of Scripture to validate His Sovereignty in affairs like these, to know He can bring beauty from ashes. That He can take sinful men like Abraham, Moses, David, Paul, Peter, John Mark, and...me, lol, and use them for His purposes, rather than the purposes we once served.
God bless.
