Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: BOYCOTT (11/01/18)
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TITLE: Dilemma about Pastor Harry | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gloria Pierre Dean
11/07/18 -
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"Brothers and sisters, today we need to discuss the issue of boycotting a fellow Pastor. How in God's name do we do this in love?" she asked out loud.
"Let us pray," said Pastor Jon. After they prayed, they opened the Word to 1 Corinthians 5.
The discussions went on and on that day on relevant issues like;
"In verse 9, Paul wrote that we should not associate with people who indulge in sexual sin," said one.
" When a fellow Christian brother is committing fornication what is our duty? In this case, he is a Pastor; a leader in our church" said another.
"Is it our duty to show tolerance or is it to obey God?" asked one quietly.
"Some denominations perform what is called 'reading out'. It means you step back after having your sin publically read out. For a period you are unable to share in the breaking of bread - you are boycotted. If you came to church you have to sit in the back row. Everyone in the church knows you have sinned!" Elder Jim spoke up.
"What if the culprit is your son and lives at home?" questioned Pastor Rita.
"It would be worse if it was a husband or wife" moaned Jake, an assistant Pastor.
The room was silent.
Finally, Bishop Lee spoke up. "Brothers and sisters, we have prayed for wisdom and now we must act. We must face the fact that fellow Pastors, leaders and others we know fall into sin. So, what would Jesus do?” he paused meaningfully.
He continued, “I plan to go to see Harry today. I would encourage him to withdraw from ministry for a season, to ask God for forgiveness and to turn from his evil ways. He could seek professional help too, but he must end the sinful relationship."
Another pastor asked the bishop, "So do we stop associating with or boycott him, as the Word says?"
There was silence in the room. Each one of them had a lot of thinking to do.
Eventually, the group decided to put this petition to the Board in writing requesting a written policy so that they knew what to do in the future.
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The churches of America are full of things that do not please God. We are not as strong as we think we are.
Possibly a bit more of working through the options would have been a nice finish to your story.