Posted on 05/08/2020 7:38:36 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
Pedophiles? NEVER
Adulterers?
Maybe but after a long waiting period and clear signs of repentance. I am often willing to give people a 2nd chance but not a 3rd.
There are degrees of sin.
to dixie -——
The Bible uses the term “beyond reproach”.
That is an extremely high standard.
I can not imagine how an adulterer could ever be “beyond reproach”.
Are you saying that is possible?
In a leadership role? No. They can return to the body of the ministry, but not in a leadership position.
RE: In a leadership role? No.
Didn’t St. Peter deny Jesus three times?
Didn’t St. Paul persecute the church?
RE: The Bible uses the term “beyond reproach”.
That is an extremely high standard.
_________________________
May I ask this question please -— does being a Pastor of a church require a higher moral standard than being the King or High Priest of Israel?
marron ; totally agree
the ‘fallen’ should not be trying to re-enter a leadership position.PERIOD
It depends on the offense. Sex offenders - never.
How The Ancient Catholic Church Dealt With Priest Sex Offenders
https://www.ucatholic.com/blog/how-the-ancient-catholic-church-dealt-with-priest-sex-offenders/
Peter - not after they received the Holy Spirit.
Paul - wasn't a Christian when he persecuted the church.
Yes. Read 1 Tim 3.
A bishop then MUST BE blameless, . .
RE: A bishop then MUST BE blameless, . .
Were St. Paul and St. Peter blameless?
Ask Jesus, He appointed them. The qualification for being blameless applies to their life after becoming a Christian, and after receiving the Holy Spirit.
Seek forgiveness by going to Confession.
Christians fall. It's what they do. Non-Christians don't fall because sinning is their normal state. They are supposed to sin without limits.
Peter fell and the LORD restored him to ministry.
King David was a murderer and adulterer, the one man after God's own heart. He was restored. Anyone else want to top that?
The wisdom issue is WHEN or IF there is actual repentance, and that process if found in church discipline........as in the local church deciding: not a bunch or arm chair quarterbacks exposing their preferences.
RE: The qualification for being blameless applies to their life after becoming a Christian, and after receiving the Holy Spirit.
During the prolonged absence of Moses on Mount Sinai, the people provoked Aaron (The High Priest) to make a golden calf. (Exodus 32:1-6). This incident nearly caused God to destroy the Israelites (Exodus 32:10).
Why did Aaron continue as High Priest? Isn’t that position as important as being a Pastor? ( I would say EVEN more important because you represent an ENTIRE nation ).
Your argument is not with me, but with scripture. Good luck with that.
Forgiveness, yes!
Confession and forgiveness are a treasure. But that does not imply restoration to ministry.
RE: Your argument is not with me, but with scripture.
But I just cited scripture, albeit, the Old Testament. Isn’t your argument with scripture as well?
I always thought that repentance was a part of seeking forgiveness.
Of course it is but repentance and forgiveness do not guarantee restoration to ministry.
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