Disobedient Church Members Go Before Panel/Board - Page 2

ReformedDave · #11 07-05-2007, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warrior

i think the very same discipline could happen with the pastor and not five people. Food for thought: None of us are perfect, but we are pressing toward the mark. You don't know what people's situations are, and why they do the things they do. It is not everyone's business to state what could be happening to one individual instead of a board of five people.

Sorry, but I feel this is a control mechanism and potential for a very nasty situation.

There is much less room for dictatorship with the Biblical institution of elders. Many churches that have just one 'head guy' have much more of a problem with this. In scripture there is always a plurality of elders.

warrior · #12 07-05-2007, 12:10 PM

I think that depends on the position they place their pastor in. If they are in a place where they are not little puppies walking behind the big dog then that may be a different story.

ReformedDave · #13 07-05-2007, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warrior

I think that depends on the position they place their pastor in. If they are in a place where they are not little puppies walking behind the big dog then that may be a different story.

Exactly. We have an eldership that takes an active part, where the pastor is an elder, and there HAS to be a consensus. Not just a bunch of 'yes men'.

OP_Carl · #14 07-05-2007, 12:17 PM

I guess this particular practice of the early church fits into the category of 'fairy tales' in our times.

While not saying I'm all for it, where can I find it, I've got to have it please oh please, I would be interested in understanding what scriptural basis there is to discourage this practice.

I, for one, would rather be corrected by a duly elected board of trusted elders than a single person. More people = greater likelihood that somebody has considered your perspective of the issue, had personal experience with it, etc.

ReformedDave · #15 07-05-2007, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OP_Carl

I guess this particular practice of the early church fits into the category of 'fairy tales' in our times.

While not saying I'm all for it, where can I find it, I've got to have it please oh please, I would be interested in understanding what scriptural basis there is to discourage this practice.

I, for one, would rather be corrected by a duly elected board of trusted elders than a single person. More people = greater likelihood that somebody has considered your perspective of the issue, had personal experience with it, etc.

Agreed!

warrior · #16 07-05-2007, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

Exactly. We have an eldership that takes an active part, where the pastor is an elder, and there HAS to be a consensus. Not just a bunch of 'yes men'.

The Bible says if you have an issue with you brother, 1. go to him 2. bring a witness, 3, take him before the church 4. if he doesn't want to get it right then he has to leave. Now why would bringing someone before a board be the first and only step to take, if this applies to the situation that we are discussing?

ReformedDave · #17 07-05-2007, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warrior

The Bible says if you have an issue with you brother, 1. go to him 2. bring a witness, 3, take him before the church 4. if he doesn't want to get it right then he has to leave. Now why would bringing someone before a board be the first and only step to take, if this applies to the situation that we are discussing?

You state correctly. You don't start with the eldership. We must try and resolve our issues first.

Pragmatist · #18 07-05-2007, 12:43 PM

It would be one thing if someone is engaging in known sin for it to be addressed. It is entirely different if it is "Where were you?" if you miss a service or church function.

The attitude behind it would be important also. Are they attempting restoration or control? Sounds like control to me.

ReformedDave · #19 07-05-2007, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pragmatist

It would be one thing if someone is engaging in known sin for it to be addressed. It is entirely different if it is "Where were you?" if you miss a service or church function.

The attitude behind it would be important also. Are they attempting restoration or control? Sounds like control to me.

Discipline should always be with the aim to restore.

Malvaro · #20 07-05-2007, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

I wouldn't even have ONE bout with type of dictatorship. All I would have to do is hear about it, and I'd be gone. This kind of behavior is all about ONE thing and ONE thing only....CONTROL!!! (and it's not the Holy Spirit's control either)

MOW has nailed it....

I am willingly accountable to my pastor if inquires of me (as apart of the leadership team), but this thread was summed up correctly.... this is a clear example of an excessive, and unwarranted, attempt to gain control over the week-to-week decisions of a person and/or family.... without knowing more details, I almost get the feeling the church is attempting to rule through fear and intimidation, if the "church rules" aren't followed....

a person has to have a personal desire to obey whats in the scriptures, and if they don't have that desire.... you or anyone else for that matter certainly isn't going to change their mind.... especially if they are being badgered about it.... jmho....