Posted on 03/22/2005 5:58:03 AM PST by Dr. Marten
CLEARWATER - Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge George Greer left his church last week after the pastor wrote him a letter suggesting "it might be easier for all of us" if he leave.
Greer, whose orders on the Terri Schiavo case have brought him criticism, is a Southern Baptist who attended Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater.
Though he had other unrelated problems with the church, Greer's attendance faltered after a Baptist publication the church supported criticized his decisions in the Schiavo case. He stopped his donations to the church, but remained a member. He briefly discussed his relationship with the church in a March 6 St. Petersburg Times article.
Four days later, Calvary Pastor William Rice wrote Greer a letter: "I am not asking you to do this, but since you have taken the initiative of withdrawal, and since your connection with Calvary continues to be a point of concern, it would seem the logical and, I would say, biblical course."
Rice's letter became public when he sent a copy to the Clearwater courthouse. Rice also said the church supports keeping Schiavo alive, though he said he was "truly saddened and embarrassed by the level of harassment and vitriolic nature of so many comments that purportedly come from people of faith."
Rice, who has been pastor at the church for five months, added: "But you must know that in all likelihood it is this case which will define your career and this case that you will remember in the waning days of life. I hope you can find a way to side with the angels and become an answer to the prayers of thousands."
Greer responded with a letter severing his relationship with the church.
Amen, CG. She has suffered enough for several people.
I need to proof read more. Way = Why. It makes no sense to me. His fitness as a guardian has to be an issue.
You're the one who should be gloating. The parents get to watch the girl die.
The law was that tube remain in place, remember.
That's right. They do not.
*ducks*
That's nicely thought out....
So I'm no Christian scholar, but wouldn't the Christian thing for the pastor to do is to accept Greer despite his being a sinner (as everyone is, right?) and try to guide him toward making godly decisions? As opposed to apparently giving up on him and kicking him out?
See #158.
I should not think that way. But I asked for forgiveness.
I wish I could help but it is not within my grasp. So I must let it go.
Old Friend never saw fit to splain it. Probably just as well.
It was an ongoing thing. The pastor did not kick him out. He suggested that maybe Greer didn't fit in.
Troublesome people.
A church member who is unrepentant,resistant to biblical principles and guidance by elders and continuing to sin, is not considered a troublesome person but a brother or sister in dire crisis. If they chose to continue to sin, then the church elders are biblically mandated to discipline that member. The end of that process calls for disaffiliation or revocation of membership in the church.
However, this does not mean that intercessory prayer is not offered for that individual or that they are not welcome to return once they have forsaken the sin and repented.
Discipline, accountability, sacrifice, responsibility and discernment and judgment are not bad concepts. Nor are they unchristian.
Look what I found on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1469&item=5567730590&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
Unbelieveable.
Truly sick...
*smile* Often times the process doesn't need to go this far. A session with the elders where the sin is brought to light and the knowledge that others know and are holding the member accountable will often bring repentance and healing.
I can't help but wonder at the efforts made for church member Greer and for it to come to this. It is not a process that should be or is taken lightly by anyone within the church.
I am happy to hear you have found a church you committed to . Our church leaders need our prayers and support.
aww geeze. A fake of course without actually claiming where it's from. Location of the item is up in the panhandle - Sunray, Texas - Population under 2000.
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