WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR PASTOR HAS BEEN DISQUALIFIED??
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR PASTOR HAS BEEN DISQUALIFIED
It’s Sunday morning you wake up and prepare for church. You arrive with your family and smile and interact with the fellow worshipers in the parking lot. As you enter the sanctuary the glee leaves and there appears to be a gloom over the members. Your pastor enters the pulpit and announces that there has been infidelity on his part. He then requests your prayers of reconciliation for his wife and family. You’re shocked and wondering what to do next now that your pastor has been disqualified.
It’s Sunday morning you wake up and prepare for church. You arrive with your family and smile and interact with the fellow worshipers in the parking lot. As you enter the sanctuary the glee leaves and there appears to be a gloom over the members. Your pastor enters the pulpit and announces that there has been infidelity on his part. He then requests your prayers of reconciliation for his wife and family. You’re shocked and wondering what to do next now that your pastor has been disqualified.
Perhaps you get your morning cup of coffee and begin reading the paper and there on page 6 is a picture of you pastor being booked on charges of child molestation. You’ve been hearing the rumors for years but have discounted them because of your allegiance to your pastor. You can no longer ignore the fact, your pastor has been publicly exposed in his sin. Now that he is disqualified, what's next?
The scenarios could go on, they are many. You have pastors getting restraining orders filed against them by their mistress. You have congregants showing up in church pregnant with his baby out of wedlock, pastors being caught in public bathroom stings, Ted Haggard, etc, etc, etc. They are occurring every month around this country as God is exposing to you, those He has already disqualified. Listen to Jer 23:11 "For both prophet and priest are polluted; Even in My house I have found their wickedness," declares the LORD. (Please read the entire chapter of Jeremiah 23)
You’ve been looking forward to your mid-week service. It’s that connection you need to make it through the week. As the service draws to an end the pastor announces “a special important announcement”. You sit anxiously waiting for the report of the newest blessing from God. Then He announces that he is divorcing his wife. "The Lord has told him that his present wife is not the woman he was supposed to marry". You notice his charming wife is not there and recall she has not been attending services as frequently as before. Your initial reactions include “how could he do this” and then the feelings of betrayal set in. It is a fact, for indeed you have been betrayed. Your heart sinks, as you think of all the years of loyalty, the rumors of past years flash across your mind. You then embarrassingly think of how many people you have personally publicized to about the holiness of your pastor. Then you suddenly think of those dear friends who left earlier, biblically pointing out to you the warning signs of a coming moral failure. You remember when they had you highlight Eze 22:26 "Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and unholy, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. To them the hand writing was on the wall, but now you’ve heard it from your pastor’s very mouth. Your thoughts center on him being forgiven, so that he can return to being pastor. You talk with one of your friends who left earlier and they confirm what you didn’t want to be true “your pastor has been disqualified from leadership according to the word”.
THE CIRCUMSTANCES
Your pastor has committed adultery. This is usually evidenced by;
Divorce and sudden remarriage, children out of wedlock, public announcement of sexual immorality including fornication, pedophilia, homosexuality, incest etc.
So the question becomes how the Godly handle a moral failure?
1. Pray for Spouse and family.
2. Pray for victims/participants.
3. Pray for church body and weaker brothers/sisters.
4. Support spiritual restoration for former pastor.
5. Accept the fact that he can be restored to fellowship but has disqualified himself from pastoralship.
6. Prayerfully participate in the selection process for the new pastor.
7. If your former pastor insists on maintaining his leadership position, leave because that pastor and church is out of order.
2. Pray for victims/participants.
3. Pray for church body and weaker brothers/sisters.
4. Support spiritual restoration for former pastor.
5. Accept the fact that he can be restored to fellowship but has disqualified himself from pastoralship.
6. Prayerfully participate in the selection process for the new pastor.
7. If your former pastor insists on maintaining his leadership position, leave because that pastor and church is out of order.
• PRAY FOR SPOUSE AND FAMILY
2Co 12:9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Eph 3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
Eph 6:10 ¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
The spouse’s trust has been broken and the family has been embarrassed. Children are confused and hurt wondering what will happen to mommy and daddy. Many tears are being shed. They need your prayers.
• PRAY FOR VICTIMS/PARTICIPANTS
Mt 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Ro 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Ro 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Ro 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Pray for the victim/participant to be healed and/or saved. God commands men everywhere to repent.
Mt 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Ro 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Ro 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Ro 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Pray for the victim/participant to be healed and/or saved. God commands men everywhere to repent.
• PRAY FOR THE CHURCH BODY AND WEAKER BROTHER
2Co 1:3 ¶ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
2Co 1:4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
2Co 1:3 ¶ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
2Co 1:4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Ro 15:30 ¶ Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me,
God will protect His Church. The gates of hell shall not prevail against her. Pray for the weaker and newer brother’s faith not to fail and become shipwreck.
• SUPPORT SPIRITUAL RESTORATION FOR FORMER PASTOR
Ga 6:1 ¶ Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
2Th 3:15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Ga 6:1 ¶ Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
2Th 3:15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
2Ti 2:25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
2Ti 2:26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
2Ti 2:26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
Jas 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
Jas 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Jas 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Remember that the sin he committed, many of us have done likewise. The difference is that we didn’t commit the sin from a position of leadership and prayerfully not since claiming salvation. Pray that he enters into a true, lasting relationship with Christ, but remember he is now your former Pastor.
• ACCEPT THE FACT THAT HE CAN BE FORGIVEN AND RESTORED TO FELLOWSHIP BUT DISQUALIFIED FROM PASTORAL LEADERSHIP
1Ti 3:1 ¶ This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.
1Ti 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;
1Ti 3:3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;
1Ti 3:4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence
1Ti 3:5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);
1Ti 3:6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
1Ti 3:7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Be honest with yourself and realize that your former pastor does not meet God’s requirements for leadership. If he is honest in assessing himself according to scripture he too will realize that he has disqualified himself. His good testimony has been sacrificed at the altar of pleasure.
• PRAYERFULLY PARTICIPATE IN SELECTION PROCESS FOR A NEW PASTOR
Ac 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Ac 13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Lu 6:12 ¶ And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Lu 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
Lu 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
Pr 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Pr 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Pr 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
You are not to haphazardly abandon the body, but assist in the process of selection with prayer and fasting.
• IF YOUR FORMER PASTOR INSISTS ON MAINTAINING HIS LEADERSHIP POSITION, LEAVE. THAT PASTOR AND CHURCH IS OUT OF ORDER.
1Co 14:37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment.
1Co 14:38 But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.
1Co 14:37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment.
1Co 14:38 But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.
1Jo 4:6 We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Joh 8:47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
His reluctance to step aside reveals his continued rebellion against the Holy Writ. It was rebellion which caused him to slip, trip and fall. His continued unwillingness to submit to Holy Scripture is not a sign of true repentance but worldly sorrow.
ARE YOU DELUSIONAL.......................AVOID THE DELUSION
Before we read the following passage of scripture let’s take a moment to define delusion.
A false belief held in spite of invalidating evidence. A false belief held without reservation as a result of self-deception in the presence of contrary information.
1Ti 3:2 The bishop therefore MUST be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (nas)
1Ti 3:3 A bishop then MUST be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (kjv)
1Ti 3:3 A bishop then MUST be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (kjv)
Please look closely at the following passage of scripture revealing some of the consequences of adultery.
Pr 6:32 He that committeth adultery with a woman is void of understanding: He doeth it who would destroy his own soul.
Pr 6:33 Wounds and dishonor shall he get; And his reproach shall NOT be wiped away.
Unfortunately many people attending church today are delusional about the status of their pastor. “Not wiped away” means; 1 year and the reproach is still there, 2 years and the reproach is still there, 5 years and the reproach is still there ….it shall NOT be wiped away. Please do not slight the absolutism of "MUST BE BLAMELESS" or MUST BE WITHOUT REPROACH". Being blameless (above reproach) is a requirement for consideration for leadership, it is not optional. Some infractions can be overcome and qualification regained. However the sin of adultery brings a reproach and dishonor that is never wiped away, as so aptly expressed by the scriptures.
Many Pastors have been disqualified according to the terms and conditions stated in the ultimate authority, the Word Of God. Yet they continue to pastor, therefore they become man’s pastor and not God’s Pastor. It’s true that many sit under these disqualified pastors because of lack of knowledge regarding what God’s Word says in this arena. You can be sure that the disqualified pastor will skip over these passages which expose their lack of qualification for leadership position.
Disqualification from a leadership position does not mean that God will no longer use the talents of that person, they just can’t be a leader as defined in the bible. According to scripture a pastor can be disqualified from leadership for a number of reasons, however the most common are sex and money. Again most disqualifications can be overcome, however sexual immorality can not be overcome as proven by the scriptures.
Paul gives a warning in 1Cor 9:27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
This article deals with the sexual immorality disqualification. Remember God has set exceedingly high standards for leadership. When we say leadership we mean elders, pastors, bishops or overseers. When you move from the pew to the pulpit you accept a higher level of scrutiny, cleanliness and holiness.
Many Pastors have been disqualified according to the terms and conditions stated in the ultimate authority, the Word Of God. Yet they continue to pastor, therefore they become man’s pastor and not God’s Pastor. It’s true that many sit under these disqualified pastors because of lack of knowledge regarding what God’s Word says in this arena. You can be sure that the disqualified pastor will skip over these passages which expose their lack of qualification for leadership position.
Disqualification from a leadership position does not mean that God will no longer use the talents of that person, they just can’t be a leader as defined in the bible. According to scripture a pastor can be disqualified from leadership for a number of reasons, however the most common are sex and money. Again most disqualifications can be overcome, however sexual immorality can not be overcome as proven by the scriptures.
Paul gives a warning in 1Cor 9:27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
This article deals with the sexual immorality disqualification. Remember God has set exceedingly high standards for leadership. When we say leadership we mean elders, pastors, bishops or overseers. When you move from the pew to the pulpit you accept a higher level of scrutiny, cleanliness and holiness.
In light of sexual immorality let us review God's guidelines.
WHAT ARE GOD’S QUALIFICATIONS FOR LEADERSHIP (violation of ANY of the following tenets means disqualification)
Tit 1:5 ¶ For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you--
Tit 1:6 ¶ if a man is blameless (above reproach, OOPS), the husband of one wife(you can’t have somebody else’s wife, OOPS again), having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.
Tit 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed (self-pleasing and arrogant, OOPS), not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,
Tit 1:8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good (adultery is evil, OOPS), sober-minded (sound in mind, discreet, OOPS again), just(innocent, righteous ,OOPS), holy(pure, consecrated, OOPS), self-controlled, (not showing this trait, OOPS)
Tit 1:9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught (He has despised the commandment of the Lord, OOPS), that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
If conversation and discussion is taking place in the church and the community regarding the "confessed" sexual immorality of a pastor this substantiates the fact that they are not blameless or above reproach in the church or the community as REQUIRED by scripture.
THE EFFECT OF A MORAL FAILURE
• UPON GOD .......The World’s Perception of God is Tarnished
2Sa 12:14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
Ro 2:24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
His reputation as a blasphemer has done irreparable damage to the name of God.
• UPON THE BODY................ The weaker brothers/sisters in the body will suffer
Mt 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Mt 18:7 ¶ Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
Mt 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Mt 18:7 ¶ Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
Certainly one with a millstone about his neck could not be a pastor . One with such a Woe about him cannot be in leadership according to God.
• UPON THE INDIVIDUAL........ An Exposed Hypocrite Has Inexcusably Disqualified Himself
Ro 2:1 ¶ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
Ro 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
Ro 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
Ro 2:1 ¶ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
Ro 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
Ro 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
God’s judgement includes his removal from the position of leadership. Read Matthew 23 and see the woes issued against the hypocrites.
If your former pastor (in God’s word and eyes) refuses to abide by this portion of the holy writ, what other portions of the holy writ will they ignore? Their behavior has exposed an unwillingness to abide by the tenets of the faith. Now by insisting on maintaining their position in spite of disqualification they are once AGAIN ignoring the word of God. It was the initial casting aside of God’s Word that caused the failure. Whatever caused that initial casting aside still persist in the flesh of that individual because once again he refuses to abide by the word and accept the fact that he has been disqualified.
An individual who is truly repentant will acknowledge so by submitting to the written word otherwise we have a worldly sorrow.
Listen to 2Co 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
2Co 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
An individual who is truly repentant will acknowledge so by submitting to the written word otherwise we have a worldly sorrow.
Listen to 2Co 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
2Co 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Will your ex- pastor cause God and the angels to rejoice because Godly sorrow which lead to repentance is exhibited? Lu 15:10 "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Listen to these verses;
Mt 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Listen to these verses;
Mt 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Ac 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
The fruits and works of repentance are Obedience, not continued wreck less abandonment of the Holy Scriptures.
God will always have work for all of us to do regardless of our past. However God has set definite qualifications for certain positions. We will all have a mission in God’s body, just sometimes that missions changes. If everyone who failed the above qualifications sat down then we would have REAL church leaders as defined by God.
In closing remember
1. Pray for Spouse and family.
2. Pray for victims/participants.
3. Pray for church body and weaker brothers/sisters.
4. Support spiritual restoration for former pastor.
5. Accept the fact that he can be restored to fellowship but has disqualified himself from pastoralship.
6. Prayerfully participate in the selection process for the new pastor.
7. If your former pastor insists on maintaining his leadership position, leave because that pastor and church is out of order.
2. Pray for victims/participants.
3. Pray for church body and weaker brothers/sisters.
4. Support spiritual restoration for former pastor.
5. Accept the fact that he can be restored to fellowship but has disqualified himself from pastoralship.
6. Prayerfully participate in the selection process for the new pastor.
7. If your former pastor insists on maintaining his leadership position, leave because that pastor and church is out of order.
If a pastor has inappropriate behavior with someone of the opposite sex. (Emotionally, not sexually) and is disqualified from his position as pastor. Why must he never have any contact with those in the congregation? Where in the bible does it state that one should be forever disassociated with? Where's the grace and forgiveness in that? I refuse to believe that this is what God wants. We all sin and should be forgiven. I can understand removing a pastor from his leadership role but to never speak to this person every again seems a bit extreme.
I'm confused, angry, and spiteful towards my church for such behavior. Please forward any scripture related to this topic and what we as members are supposed to do with the relationship establish with said pastor.
Thank you
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The bible does not state that the disqualified is never to have contact with the congregation. I clearly state that the pastor can be returned to fellowship with the congregation which aligns with the bible. Jesus died to restore us to a true relationship. However please read 1 Cor 5. Direction is given in how to treat someone who refuses to repent.
Please note #5 in this excerpt from the article.
2. Pray for victims/participants.
3. Pray for church body and weaker brothers/sisters.
4. Support spiritual restoration for former pastor.
5. Accept the fact that he can be restored to fellowship but has disqualified himself from pastoralship.
6. Prayerfully participate in the selection process for the new pastor.
7. If your former pastor insists on maintaining his leadership position, leave because that pastor and church is out of order.
If your pastor has truly repented he will bring forth fruit of repentance. Mt 3:8 "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,
Luke 3:8. An attitude of true repentance abhors evil. Isa 1:16 ¶ "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil,
Finally true repentance will be evidenced by his submission to the written word. 1Jo 2:3 ¶ Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 1Jo 2:4 He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
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