One caveat, though I much agree with you . . .
I believe we all have not only the right but the RESPONSIBILITY, DUTY, OBLIGATION, DEMAND of God that WHEN & IF we observe a brother in the ditch or even clearly headed for the ditch, we go to them.
It does seem to be complicated in large organizations. How can dozens go to a busy leader. And, God did seem to establish a bit of a hierarchy with Moses.
However, Christ leveled the playing field. imho, No leader has a right to be protected from input and feedback by a hierarchy. No leader has a right to avoid responding to legitimate feedback.
There's another bit of a problem with that, however. Kenneth Hagin was a firm believer and convinced that God instructed him not to say a word in reply--that God would be his defense. Many have followed that teaching. Who am I to go against God on that score. IF God says such, OK with me. But generally, I don't believe that God instructs leaders to avoid responding to legitimate feedback. I can agree with it when it's whining of malcontents--of which there seem to be no end in Christendom.
That will change somewhat when the earth starts swallowing them up a la Moses, again.
Much appreciate your persistent wisdom hereon, CyberAnt.
I don't have the specific scripture reference before me - but Paul taught us that there is an approved method of dealing with "sin" in the church.
First, CHURCH LEADERSHIP is supposed to deal with the issue. Nowhere in Paul's teaching does he say WE HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO DEAL WITH IT - IN THE CHURCH - only in our own home. While I do believe we are to inform the church leadership if we are aware of any "sin" within the church - SO THEY CAN INVESTIGATE. Okay .. that said .. within the church structure, a person accused of "sin" is supposed to be CONFRONTED IN PRIVATE BY CHURCH LEADERSHIP. If the person does not change .. the "sin" is exposed publically. If there is still no repentence, then, the person is supposed to be put out of the church.
Now .. Pastor Warren DID NOT COMMIT ANY SIN! He invited many people to meet with him regarding AIDS. The fact that the meeting took place in his church building is irrelevant. He did not invite a HEATHEN to preach to his congregation, or support abortion. While they were bellyaching about Obama, what about Bill Gates (who was also invited), and who is also pro-choice. Therefore, I do not believe just any member of the congregation has any God-given authority to go to the PUBLIC MEDIA and air their personal gripes. People can still do it .. but that doesn't mean they have GOD-GIVEN authority to do so.
And .. basically that's all the complaints are .. personal and petty gripes. Whether my Pastor always does everything I believe - is not rational thinking - and it does not constitute sin if we disagree.
Pastor Warren does have the authority to do what he believes God has called him to do .. and sometimes we have to accept it's not exactly what we would do. Fine ..!! But .. we are not being held responsible for the Pastor's calling and we're not being held responsible for the health of the congregation.
I still say this is just personal, petty gripes .. and these kind of people need to be "put out of the church".
And .. Pastor Warren is not "in a ditch" .. and he's committed no sin against his congregation. It's best to just pray for him and lift him up - and allow God and the leadership of his church to deal with the issue.
People are confusing "sin" with disagreement.