Pastoral Internet Regulation & Control

Minister_WD · #1 06-26-2008, 04:19 AM

I recently heard of a pastor who has an Internet safety person on their church staff. All church members are required to have filter software installed on their computers, which logs their online activity. It is mandatory that church members email reports of their online activity to the Internet safety staff member, who then reviews the reports. If he finds anything questionable, he notifies the pastor who then addresses the person in question.

I understand the reasons for having an Internet accountability partner, but is having a dedicated staff member really necessary? Would you sit under a pastor who had this type of accountability system in place? In my opinion, having an Internet accountability partner should be a decision a person should make on their own, not dictated by their pastor.

Jermyn Davidson · #2 06-26-2008, 04:25 AM

maybe this guy pastor's a small congregation making this at least feasible.

nwlife · #3 06-26-2008, 04:27 AM

It gives the pastor too much control in their lives, now there are some who in counceling it wouldn't be a bad idea to do a situation similar to this because of the particular need for counceling ...But for most normal people, no way.

tbpew · #4 06-26-2008, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nwlife

It gives the pastor too much control in their lives, now there are some who in counceling it wouldn't be a bad idea to do a situation similar to this because of the particular need for counceling ...But for most normal people, no way.

The starter premise does provide a good mix of specifics that I think may actually be served by something like a discussion at an online forum.

The reason I quoted nwlife's post above, was because when I read it I heard some one expressing a hard linkage between accountability and control. IMO, this linkage can not, and never does, exist...but I think I completely understand why a person would make the statement.

Accountability DOES NOT equate to OR EFFECT control.

If you see the details of my life, you still have ZERO control of my life choices.
The acountability component just adds another level of consideration that I must INDIVIDUALLY and PERSONALLY process before I make a decision to ACT.

The thought of a PASTOR mandating any particular compliance with any particular activity, is fully predicated upon:
1. His real authority to rule (which is directly linked to his ability to punish/put in bonds)
2. His ability to supply or withhold the things another seeks to have.

For my part in this thread, I am not immediately interested in what RULERSHIP a pastor has...as much as I am interested in how people subject themselves to accountability initiatives.

Brad Murphy · #5 06-26-2008, 05:41 AM

I would be willing to do this if they would also take on this responsibility in other areas as well... if I go to the library, I expect them to read every single book in advance of each visit, and remove any questionable books from the shelves, etc. Or I guess, they could just have the librarian send over a list of books you have checked out (hmmm, reminds me of something...)

Parkbench · #6 06-26-2008, 06:31 AM

A requirement for church members such as this would have to be explained repeatedly, handed in written form to newbies, and discussed often. I can't imagine having to hear this for the first time or have to read it in the church rules/guidelines for members.

Maybe the pastor should be prayed up enough to discern which members are sinning online and call them in for questioning. If a pastor needs a hacker or internet security policing to herd his sheep then he might need to take a refresher course in pastoral care.

I've only known two pastors who beat their sheep this hard. Most pastors would never consider such a requirement.

Kings Kid · #7 06-26-2008, 07:11 AM

Too much control. My question is if everyone in the church has to be accountable to someone on there internet use.Who is the pastor accountable to for his use of the internet.