Is restoration to ministry possible for adulterous pastor?

[irishcowboy]

Gal 6:1

[jackie d]

It happens alot. The pastor has an adulterous affair. While we know it is forgiveable. Have they permanently disqualified themselves as a pastor of that particular church or any future position in another church?

Yep they should be disqualified. I agree totally with Wayne B.

well then I suppose that each one of us should disqualify ourselves from ministering to anyone or carrying the word of God to people...for there is NO sin greater than the other and we are ALL guilty. And since the body of Christ is ACTUALLY what the Church IS.....we should be missing a whole lot of body parts.

[eric]

Now I wonder why I expected to hear such a remark coming from you, Jackie.

[OneLight]

It happens alot. The pastor has an adulterous affair. While we know it is forgiveable. Have they permanently disqualified themselves as a pastor of that particular church or any future position in another church?

Yep they should be disqualified. I agree totally with Wayne B.

well then I suppose that each one of us should disqualify ourselves from ministering to anyone or carrying the word of God to people...for there is NO sin greater than the other and we are ALL guilty. And since the body of Christ is ACTUALLY what the Church IS.....we should be missing a whole lot of body parts.

Not trying to diss your post, but this train of thought could open the floodgates of sin, being able to say "we are all sinners, so why not." I think what the OP was trying to ask is, if a person held the office and had adulterous affairs, or even one, would they still fit the qualification of a pastor?

[anitarose]

It happens alot. The pastor has an adulterous affair. While we know it is forgiveable. Have they permanently disqualified themselves as a pastor of that particular church or any future position in another church?

Yep they should be disqualified. I agree totally with Wayne B.

well then I suppose that each one of us should disqualify ourselves from ministering to anyone or carrying the word of God to people...for there is NO sin greater than the other and we are ALL guilty. And since the body of Christ is ACTUALLY what the Church IS.....we should be missing a whole lot of body parts.

Not trying to diss your post, but this train of thought could open the floodgates of sin, being able to say "we are all sinners, so why not." I think what the OP was trying to ask is, if a person held the office and had adulterous affairs, or even one, would they still fit the qualification of a pastor?

Yes it would. The qualification doesn't change, the insight into what motivates a person to sin will definitely change. Personally, I would consider it an honor to sit under a man who is like me...someone who loves the Lord but has problems with sin. I wouldn't be able to see the sin because it's covered under the Blood of Jesus, and if we are to truly be like Him....we need to forgive the sin as well. So I don't see why it wouldn't be permissible for someone who committed adultery, if he truly confessed the sin and turned from it, to come back into the pulpit to be used of God.

Anita

[Guest Biblicist]

1 Timothy 5:19 Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others.

"With great power comes great responsibility."

[jackie d]

Now I wonder why I expected to hear such a remark coming from you, Jackie.

I'm not sure what I should think of what you just said......

[OneLight]

It happens alot. The pastor has an adulterous affair. While we know it is forgiveable. Have they permanently disqualified themselves as a pastor of that particular church or any future position in another church?

Yep they should be disqualified. I agree totally with Wayne B.

well then I suppose that each one of us should disqualify ourselves from ministering to anyone or carrying the word of God to people...for there is NO sin greater than the other and we are ALL guilty. And since the body of Christ is ACTUALLY what the Church IS.....we should be missing a whole lot of body parts.

Not trying to diss your post, but this train of thought could open the floodgates of sin, being able to say "we are all sinners, so why not." I think what the OP was trying to ask is, if a person held the office and had adulterous affairs, or even one, would they still fit the qualification of a pastor?

Yes it would. The qualification doesn't change, the insight into what motivates a person to sin will definitely change. Personally, I would consider it an honor to sit under a man who is like me...someone who loves the Lord but has problems with sin. I wouldn't be able to see the sin because it's covered under the Blood of Jesus, and if we are to truly be like Him....we need to forgive the sin as well. So I don't see why it wouldn't be permissible for someone who committed adultery, if he truly confessed the sin and turned from it, to come back into the pulpit to be used of God.

Anita

Because of scripture. No matter how much we like a person, God has put forth rules for the offices in His Body. We might not like it, but His word stands.

OneLight

[jackie d]

It happens alot. The pastor has an adulterous affair. While we know it is forgiveable. Have they permanently disqualified themselves as a pastor of that particular church or any future position in another church?

Yep they should be disqualified. I agree totally with Wayne B.

well then I suppose that each one of us should disqualify ourselves from ministering to anyone or carrying the word of God to people...for there is NO sin greater than the other and we are ALL guilty. And since the body of Christ is ACTUALLY what the Church IS.....we should be missing a whole lot of body parts.

Not trying to diss your post, but this train of thought could open the floodgates of sin, being able to say "we are all sinners, so why not." I think what the OP was trying to ask is, if a person held the office and had adulterous affairs, or even one, would they still fit the qualification of a pastor?

It could but I would like to think that it wouldn't because we are for the most part all intelligent adults.

The problem I have with the entire premise is that none are disqualified from the Kingdom of God, yet we look at this type of thing and assume the responsibility to disqualify each other.....there's just something wrong with that picture in my heart and my mind.....that's all

[Guest Biblicist]

It could but I would like to think that it wouldn't because we are for the most part all intelligent adults.

The problem I have with the entire premise is that none are disqualified from the Kingdom of God, yet we look at this type of thing and assume the responsibility to disqualify each other.....there's just something wrong with that picture in my heart and my mind.....that's all

Sweetie,

No one said anyone was disqualified from the Kingdom of God. I know it does not feel right to judge or condemn someone. Don't let your feelings to override the truth found in Scripture. When a man holds the office of Bishop/Pastor/etc. there comes with that a great responsibility which is outlined in scripture [1 Timothy 3], that is to be considered throughout their ministry. It's not simply guidelines in choosing a minister, it's something they need to strive to live by.

One can not be without blame if one has engaged in sinful actions. Especially those which spoil the marrige relationship, the first thing God created between man and woman.

God's word also tells us we are to avoid every appearance of evil [sin] as well. It's not even supposed to look like we are doing something wrong. I remember hearing one of the GREATS. I don't remember who it was, Billy Graham, I think. He said he never ever is alone with a woman who is not his wife. Not even his secretary. He wanted to avoid temptation and even the appearance of evil.