Serious Question

[ManOfWord]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Would you continue to use someone who had admitted a problem with this, or would you sit them down for a while?

I rarely "sit people down." If they have a problem, I want to help them. I don't want to call attention to the fact that they have a struggle. I will work with them. If they don't want help or don't work with me.....they won't be "set down" they will be removed. Actually, I try to work with them so that they will remove themselves because it is the right thing to do instead of me "firing" them.

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Would you continue to use someone who had admitted a problem with this, or would you sit them down for a while?

It would be handled on a case by case basis. I don't believe there is a blanket answer. Certainly repeat offenses would warrant more thought about a time of specific consecration of their mind unto God and God's pleasure as opposed to his own.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by philjones

It would be handled on a case by case basis. I don't believe there is a blanket answer. Certainly repeat offenses would warrant more thought about a time of specific consecration of their mind unto God and God's pleasure as opposed to his own.

But how is this any different from someone smoking? Wouldn't most leaders be considered unusable if they smoked even one cigarette while holding a UPC license?

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

I rarely "sit people down." If they have a problem, I want to help them. I don't want to call attention to the fact that they have a struggle. I will work with them. If they don't want help or don't work with me.....they won't be "set down" they will be removed. Actually, I try to work with them so that they will remove themselves because it is the right thing to do instead of me "firing" them.

I admire the consistency.

[tv1a]

That's a tough one. If you're not the pastor, pray about it. If you are, deal with it.

[ManOfWord]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

I admire the consistency.

I really do try to help people retain their dignity in every situation. It just may allow me to help them in the future. That doesn't mean that I will excuse sin in any way because I don't. My goal is restoration not embarassment.

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

But how is this any different from someone smoking? Wouldn't most leaders be considered unusable if they smoked even one cigarette while holding a UPC license?

There is definitely a problem with ANY addiction and that problem must be dealt with in mercy and compassion to the saving of the soul of the addicted. There is no difference in a cigarette and a porn site. They should both be treated as what they are, sin. If the sin is repented of... really repented of... then you accept that God has, as promised, forgiven them. If they continue in the sin then it should be dealt with according to scripture. The porn or the cigarette are merely symptoms of a greater soul sickness.

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

I really do try to help people retain their dignity in every situation. It just may allow me to help them in the future. That doesn't mean that I will excuse sin in any way because I don't. My goal is restoration not embarassment.

Amen! Well said!

[tv1a]

I don't mean to stir a hornets nest, but does the rules change for child abusers?

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

I really do try to help people retain their dignity in every situation. It just may allow me to help them in the future. That doesn't mean that I will excuse sin in any way because I don't. My goal is restoration not embarassment.

[Nahum]

Please everyone, stick to the issue. Personal references will derail this thread faster than a greased hood on a snowy hill.