Ever Prayed Anyone Out of Your Church?

Rico · #1 06-10-2008, 01:28 AM

Have any of you ever encountered someone in your church you could see was a danger to the assembly and felt compelled to pray that God would move them out of your church? Would God even listen to that kind of prayer? Do we have Bible to justify these sorts of prayers? If you've ever done this, feel free to share your story. Please, no names, dates, or that sort of thing.

I'd like to hear how y'all feel about this.

I knew a fella once who was publicly told to leave by the pastor. He had done several things, including preaching at a church after the pastor had sat him down, to earn a very bad reputation. When the order came down for him to hit the road I can't say that I was disappointed. I know that, in my heart, I wanted him to change his ways or I wanted God to get him out from our midst. Everyone comes into the church with issues, but this guy repeatedly took advantage of the church members, and used his status as a member of the church to get jobs (he was in construction), only to rip people off by charging exorbitant prices for his services. He also cheated people that worked for him out of wages he owed to them. He was also an outspoken racist who felt no need to repent for thinking every white man should own at least one black person. Last I heard he did contact the pastor to repent for the things he had done, but it was literally years after he had been shown the door.

I don't want any of you to think I started this thread to find out whatever secrets you know about shenanigans going on at your church. I would simply like to know if you think it's proper and acceptable for us to pray for God to move someone out of the assembly if they've demonstrated they are a wolf in sheep's clothing.

#2 06-10-2008, 01:37 AM

Bro,

I always pray for Gods Will in any situation dealing with church folks. I have had issues with every church since I moved to Louisiana back in 1999. I always compare every church to the one that I use to go to in Delaware.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rico

Have any of you ever encountered someone in your church you could see was a danger to the assembly and felt compelled to pray that God would move them out of your church? Would God even listen to that kind of prayer? Do we have Bible to justify these sorts of prayers? If you've ever done this, feel free to share your story. Please, no names, dates, or that sort of thing.

I'd like to hear how y'all feel about this.

I knew a fella once who was publicly told to leave by the pastor. He had done several things, including preaching at a church after the pastor had sat him down, to earn a very bad reputation. When the order came down for him to hit the road I can't say that I was disappointed. I know that, in my heart, I wanted him to change his ways or I wanted God to get him out from our midst. Everyone comes into the church with issues, but this guy repeatedly took advantage of the church members, and used his status as a member of the church to get jobs (he was in construction), only to rip people off by charging exorbitant prices for his services. He also cheated people that worked for him out of wages he owed to them. He was also an outspoken racist who felt no need to repent for thinking every white man should own at least one black person. Last I heard he did contact the pastor to repent for the things he had done, but it was literally years after he had been shown the door.

I don't want any of you to think I started this thread to find out whatever secrets you know about shenanigans going on at your church. I would simply like to know if you think it's proper and acceptable for us to pray for God to move someone out of the assembly if they've demonstrated they are a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Esther · #3 06-10-2008, 04:26 PM

Yes, three times.

But I do NOT take this lightly. In fact, I only prayed that when I saw they were hurting the body. BUT I also prayed first Lord change them, change me or move them. He chose to move them.

Two of them were in leadership positions and caused a lot of trama when one of them left with part of the flock.

Elizabeth · #4 06-10-2008, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esther

Yes, three times.

But I do NOT take this lightly. In fact, I only prayed that when I saw they were hurting the body. BUT I also prayed first Lord change them, change me or move them. He chose to move them.

Two of them were in leadership positions and caused a lot of trama when one of them left with part of the flock.

Did they leave?

AbundantGrace · #5 06-10-2008, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rico

Have any of you ever encountered someone in your church you could see was a danger to the assembly and felt compelled to pray that God would move them out of your church? Would God even listen to that kind of prayer? Do we have Bible to justify these sorts of prayers? If you've ever done this, feel free to share your story. Please, no names, dates, or that sort of thing.

I'd like to hear how y'all feel about this.

I knew a fella once who was publicly told to leave by the pastor. He had done several things, including preaching at a church after the pastor had sat him down, to earn a very bad reputation. When the order came down for him to hit the road I can't say that I was disappointed. I know that, in my heart, I wanted him to change his ways or I wanted God to get him out from our midst. Everyone comes into the church with issues, but this guy repeatedly took advantage of the church members, and used his status as a member of the church to get jobs (he was in construction), only to rip people off by charging exorbitant prices for his services. He also cheated people that worked for him out of wages he owed to them. He was also an outspoken racist who felt no need to repent for thinking every white man should own at least one black person. Last I heard he did contact the pastor to repent for the things he had done, but it was literally years after he had been shown the door.

I don't want any of you to think I started this thread to find out whatever secrets you know about shenanigans going on at your church. I would simply like to know if you think it's proper and acceptable for us to pray for God to move someone out of the assembly if they've demonstrated they are a wolf in sheep's clothing.

I'm actually praying now about a particular family. I too, take this very seriously. However, when I see an individual who feels that the church is theirs and all about them and they have a selfish agenda, which is in direct opposition to leadership and they try to sow strife and discord among the brethren, in an effort to push their desires through... I pray that God gives me wisdom in dealing with it and that He'll either change them or move them. When someone becomes a detriment to the body, something must be done. I will not hesitate to pray and fast and at times, personally talk with someone about the situation and the need for change. I will not passively sit by and allow the flock to be wounded and scattered because a wolf in sheep's clothing has infiltrated.

Rico · #6 06-10-2008, 05:26 PM

So far I have enjoyed the responses. It seems, from what I have gathered, that those of us who have prayed those kinds of prayers have done so out of a concern for the spiritual welfare of the congregation, more than out of personal dislike.

AbundantGrace · #7 06-10-2008, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rico

So far I have enjoyed the responses. It seems, from what I have gathered, that those of us who have prayed those kinds of prayers have done so out of a concern for the spiritual welfare of the congregation, more than out of personal dislike.

Oh, most definitely. At least on my part. There will always be personality conflicts and differences of opinions and the sort. That's just going to be a part of it, so long as people are dealing with people. But when it comes to the welfare of the congregation as a whole, then somethings got to give!

Rico · #8 06-10-2008, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbundantGrace

Oh, most definitely. At least on my part. There will always be personality conflicts and differences of opinions and the sort. That's just going to be a part of it, so long as people are dealing with people. But when it comes to the welfare of the congregation as a whole, then somethings got to give!

I like the avatar! Where did you find it?

LaGirl · #9 06-10-2008, 06:16 PM

yep....now i pray they do not come back.

ChTatum · #10 06-10-2008, 09:56 PM

Yes.
He was sowing discord, and after teaching on unity 3 times (over a few months) and then approaching him personally, I prayed that if he was not going to change it would be better for the local assembly if he were not there.

He left, and continued to sew discord with portions of his family that were still there. Eventually, they left too.