I think that DA said that the young couple had offered a solution of bringing them to bathe at a facility the church has, during the week, and the pastor said no. I can't think of a justifiable reason for that.
I think that this pastor is very misguided. If his concern really is for visitors, then he definitely should be the one setting the tone, with concern and care for all.
I remember reading that and it just doesnt jell to me. You do not take on an inner city work without expecting inner city people to visit. You can not say you are not welcome when right out side the door is a homeless person sleeping.--He should be pastoring in the suburbs imo.
Perhaps somewhere he lost his vision and became more concerned for the reaction and opinion of others/his peers/ his visitors. More concerned with appearance than the work of God.
__________________
I am going to be better than I am today....(Phil 1:6)
I have been thinking about this and getting myself all upset on behalf of these homeless visitors. . .but I guess it all boils down to the fact that there may be other factors I am not aware of that affected this Pastor's decision. And while I don't agree whatsoever, it's probably best I just pray for this man instead of getting further upset and saying something about him that I shouldn't. Like DA said, he's a good man, just perhaps a bit misguided on this one.
Hopefully everything will work out to the benefit of all involved with little to no hurt feelings, etc.
I think that DA said that the young couple had offered a solution of bringing them to bathe at a facility the church has, during the week, and the pastor said no. I can't think of a justifiable reason for that.
I think that this pastor is very misguided. If his concern really is for visitors, then he definitely should be the one setting the tone, with concern and care for all.
Wonder if he has read, about what Jesus had to say rejection of the poor being rejection of Him.
By refusing them the facility to clean themselves before service, he showed his true heart.
Perhaps the true issue would be whether they could pay enough in tithes to make the trouble worthwhile?
It has come to my attention, that an Apostolic pastor has told a young couple from his congregation that it may be best to stop bringing the band of homeless men they have been taking to church in the last few weeks. His reason is that the visitors may turned off by their odor, and their presence. He, I believe, did suggest finding an alternative time for them.
This young couple, along w/ several others, have been witnessing at the park to this group of men. A handful have been coming and one or two have received Christ ... and the baptism of the Holy Ghost. One especially has shown some fruit and has even "cleaned" himself up.
When the couple asked the pastor if he could allow them to bring this group to the church facilities, next door, during mid-week ... once a week to take a shower .... he denied their request and made the remark that perhaps it was best they did not come to the church altogether because it may offend the visitors.
This, of course, has been disheartening to this young couple. It's my understanding that some of these homeless men are still coming w/o this young couple picking them up to go to church.
It has come to my attention, that an Apostolic pastor has told a young couple from his congregation that it may be best to stop bringing the band of homeless men they have been taking to church in the last few weeks. His reason is that the visitors may turned off by their odor, and their presence. He, I believe, did suggest finding an alternative time for them.
This young couple, along w/ several others, have been witnessing at the park to this group of men. A handful have been coming and one or two have received Christ ... and the baptism of the Holy Ghost. One especially has shown some fruit and has even "cleaned" himself up.
When the couple asked the pastor if he could allow them to bring this group to the church facilities, next door, during mid-week ... once a week to take a shower .... he denied their request and made the remark that perhaps it was best they did not come to the church altogether because it may offend the visitors.
This, of course, has been disheartening to this young couple. It's my understanding that some of these homeless men are still coming w/o this young couple picking them up to go to church.
What say ye????
They ARE the visitors...what other visitors does he have in mind? Encourage them to use the facilities to take a shower. Good grief...if the oder is going to keep other visitors from coming then give them that shower. Buy them soap and deoderant. I'd LOVE to have those kinds of facilities in our church. If they have them use them. Sheeeesh.
It sounds like a great opportunity that is being let go by the Pastor...I'd hate to speculate as to why here and obviously there are some glaring differences between the homeless and the "other" visitors the Pastor might have in mind OTHER than oder.... how sad...maybe they can make the showers coin operated and then the saints can give the bums some spare change for a shower...
BTW anyone remember a message by Bro Stoneking called "Come let us become burdened together"? at www.goodpreaching.com? This pastor should go listen to it
__________________ Let it be understood that Apostolic Friends Forum is an Apostolic Forum.
Apostolic is defined on AFF as:
There is One God. This one God reveals Himself distinctly as Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The Son is God himself in a human form or "God manifested in the flesh" (1Tim 3:16)
Every sinner must repent of their sins.
That Jesus name baptism is the only biblical mode of water baptism.
That the Holy Ghost is for today and is received by faith with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.
The saint will go on to strive to live a holy life, pleasing to God.
I remember reading that and it just doesnt jell to me. You do not take on an inner city work without expecting inner city people to visit. You can not say you are not welcome when right out side the door is a homeless person sleeping.--He should be pastoring in the suburbs imo.
Yeah, it sounds like maybe this pastor is out of his element.
They ARE the visitors...what other visitors does he have in mind? Encourage them to use the facilities to take a shower. Good grief...if the oder is going to keep other visitors from coming then give them that shower. Buy them soap and deoderant. I'd LOVE to have those kinds of facilities in our church. If they have them use them. Sheeeesh.
It sounds like a great opportunity that is being let go by the Pastor...I'd hate to speculate as to why here and obviously there are some glaring differences between the homeless and the "other" visitors the Pastor might have in mind OTHER than oder.... how sad...maybe they can make the showers coin operated and then the saints can give the bums some spare change for a shower...
BTW anyone remember a message by Bro Stoneking called "Come let us become burdened together"? at www.goodpreaching.com? This pastor should go listen to it
Forgive me for saying this and Dee77 is right we need to pray for him, but the issue maybe money. (seeing that the homeless have none the other visitors may have jobs)
If only he would let them bathe and the other folks could supply soap and clothes--I think he would have a win win situation. The homeless would be happy and the folks helping them would feel like they were doing something for the kingdom.
how sure are we about the details here? as stated, I agree with everyone else that the pastor is out of line.... however, I sure would like to be sure of the facts....
pardon the pun but something doesnt smell right with the story!
__________________ If I do something stupid blame the Lortab!
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