Pastoral background checks

[HumbleMan]

On another forum, there was a thread about a pastoral search committee, and someone mentioned that it was becoming pretty common to do a background and credit history check on prospective pastors.

That just didn't seem to sit right.

Is the problem that we want too high an expectation on a human that was called to be a shephard?

Or that there is a large number of pastors who have no right to be in that position because of personal irresponsibility?

Or is the church becoming too much like the world in wanting their church run like a business?

[RajunCajun86]

Is the problem that we want too high an expectation on a human that was called to be a shephard?no
Or that there is a large number of pastors who have no right to be in that position because of personal irresponsibility?mainly yes
Or is the church becoming too much like the world in wanting their church run like a business?with the finances he should be as responsible as one in a business

[edb19]

On another forum, there was a thread about a pastoral search committee, and someone mentioned that it was becoming pretty common to do a background and credit history check on prospective pastors.

That just didn't seem to sit right.

Is the problem that we want too high an expectation on a human that was called to be a shephard?

Or that there is a large number of pastors who have no right to be in that position because of personal irresponsibility?

Or is the church becoming too much like the world in wanting their church run like a business?

I think that's a pretty darn good idea. I think a lot of pastors aren't qualified to fill a pulpit. Sad, but true. I'm not saying they're commonplace, but extra-marital affairs do take place among the clergy. As far as the credit check goes - my father was a trustee/treasurer at his church for years. He says that embezzlement in churches is very common (he told me a percentage and I don't remember the number, but I do remember being astounded).

edie

[Monica02]

There is nothing wrong with being practical and checking someone out.

[jcright]

On another forum, there was a thread about a pastoral search committee, and someone mentioned that it was becoming pretty common to do a background and credit history check on prospective pastors.

That just didn't seem to sit right.

Is the problem that we want too high an expectation on a human that was called to be a shephard?

Or that there is a large number of pastors who have no right to be in that position because of personal irresponsibility?

Or is the church becoming too much like the world in wanting their church run like a business?

What's wrong with the church running like a business? That's how we maintain order, stay on track, protect ourselves and our values. I think Pastors should be questioning if a church doesn't do some kind check. They might have more work ahead of them than they originally thought!:) If they do mind being checked....then I would think they fall into the category of those who shouldn't be pastor's. I know if I were a pastor that I would want people holding me responsible...and if that means running my credit score, then so be it. After all, if I'm not responsible with my finances or my household, etc., then why should I have the responsibility of running a church?

[JacobHall86]

As someone studying to be a pastor with a shady background I am whole heartedly for background checks. I was arrested when I was 17, it was because of that arrest that I became a Christian. I have chosen to leave it on my record because it is aprt of my testimony. If Christ has truely changed us our past wont bother us.

However certain things need to be checked out. Good stewardship with money is a must.

If someone has a history of incidents iwth children and wants to be a childrens ministry than you have a red flag.

Ministers are called to be above reproach, if we truely are background checks wont be a problem.

[MadFingerPainter]

i'm going to say the second reason most likely. we have pastors that are embezzling from the church offerings baskets...
ones who are more concerned with filling seats than preaching a message with meat.
or you have people like Dennis Raider (aka BTK) who are church deacons. he was a serial killer.
i'd prefer the background check to know that my pastor hadn't beaten, raped, and killed a slew of women before coming to teach me about God and his word.

[Jason19]

I was on a youth pastor search commitee for about six months, its so important to know a person's background when considering something as big as pastorship, especially in the capacity of youth pastor. The thing is though, I noticed people had an idea that the background check was all we needed, really we need a more personal way of finding out things, just cause its on paper doesn't give us a real good idea of why things showed up, like the guy who posted above about being saved because he was arrested.
Background checks are an excellent idea, there is nothing more important then getting a true man of God, full of integrity to lead the people in the body of Christ, however we can't rely on B.G. checks only, its one way of finding info... but only one way!

[JPPT1974]

I think it would be good
As you don't want a molester
To be your pastor
Get what I am saying my friends!

[Soldat_fur_Christ]

Well however what if they lived a horrid life, and murdered people, but then became a true Christian?

Remember Saul...

[AJ]

Personally I don't have a problem with it at all... I believe that it could potentially save the church a lot of problems in the long run.

[Project 86]

Well however what if they lived a horrid life, and murdered people, but then became a true Christian?

Remember Saul...

Good question.

:scratch:

[JacobHall86]

Well however what if they lived a horrid life, and murdered people, but then became a true Christian?

Remember Saul...

Remember how Paul would bring up his past life alot in order to portray the radical change. If the pastor tries to hide it than it needs to coem out. I never hide my past because it made me who I am. A background check wont automatically disqualify a person from ministry, but someones past will come out sooner or later, its better sooner than later.

[RaginCajun88]

A background check may reveal a past that is not to be desired but that shouldn’t be the factor that decides whether that person is the right person for a ministerial position. God is merciful enough to allow someone to change so we as Christians should be as well.

[GordonSlocum]

When you read the qualifications of a pastor to Timothy and Titus the requirements are rather strict as they should be.

Financial responsibility is a very real issue and high priority. Nothing right and decent should be overlooked when searching for someone to fill that calling.

Gordon

[daveleau]

On another forum, there was a thread about a pastoral search committee, and someone mentioned that it was becoming pretty common to do a background and credit history check on prospective pastors.

That just didn't seem to sit right.

Is the problem that we want too high an expectation on a human that was called to be a shephard?

Or that there is a large number of pastors who have no right to be in that position because of personal irresponsibility?

Or is the church becoming too much like the world in wanting their church run like a business?


Well, first, I'd have to say that there are some bad pastors out there that destroy churches, and it is sad. So, that is likely part of the issue. This is why the Scriptural passages on pastoral leadership are available to us, so we have a measuring stick for pastors. If a pastor is not good with his own finances (a good steward), then it is likely that the man will not be a good steward with the church's finances. The parable of the talents, while not specifically about the issue of finances and instead talks of blessing in ministry, does apply here. If a man mismanages and does not grow the little that he has, will God bless him with more?

Pastors need to fit the below requirements (1 Tim 3:2-7):

must be above reproach
the husband of one wife
self-controlled
sensible
respectable
hospitable
an able teacher,
not addicted to wine
not a bully but gentle
not quarrelsome
not greedy
one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God's church?)
he must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil.
he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil's trap


In a world where pastors are taught in one area and may find an office of a pastorate in a completely different area where the community and church do not know him, this is a way to fit with the requirements of Scripture listed above. I think it is wise for churches to do this, and it is quite apart from trying to be like the world or like a business. It is an attempt to follow what Scripture tells the church the pastor must have.

I hope this helps.

In Him,
Dave

[daveleau]

Well however what if they lived a horrid life, and murdered people, but then became a true Christian?

Remember Saul...

No man is perfect. The key is that a pastor must have shown a regenerative heart to his past indiscretions. I am in seminary now, and know that I have done things wrong in the past that is against some of the guidelines. What would a background check find on me? Well, it would show initial immaturity in aspects of life, and then show a regenerative move toward responsibility, study, and dedication. This is what should be looked for, as no man is perfect. For we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

[Joykins]

We need to ensure that those we entrust with spiritual authority are of good character, and background checks are a legitimate part of this.

[mlqurgw]

While I do agree that a man whom is being considerd as a pastor should be checked out by all honest means, we need to be careful that we don't expect too much from him. What some might think as being financially responsibile may be more than reasonable. We are not all good with money but that doesn't mean we are irresponsible with it. For some of us money is of little concern. What I am saying is that we need to be careful that we don't add our own standards to the already strict ones given in Scripture and that we don't read too much into those given. What is the required credit score for a pastor?

[daveleau]

lol, that's a good point. ...I'm sorry, you need a better credit score before we can employ you. lol At the same time, though, credit reports are valuable tools. If a pastor is hocked to the gills, that could only be known through getting to know him in detail (likely not a possibility in hiring a pastor), or through a credit report. But, churches need to refrain from abuse. My credit score is not great because I pay cash for everything, and I live in base housing. So, I have no debt other than student loans.

[Joykins]

Actually, a credit report is more informative than a credit score. Credit score is a number that says how attractive you are to lenders. But knowing just how much someone owes and has owed on various credit arrangements, as well as whether they are generally *meeting their obligations* can be useful if you're hiring someone to be entrusted with a great deal of money.

[JacobHall86]

Pastors live in a glass house. These things will come out sooner or later. Its better that it comes out sooner to the committee instead of the whole church.

[mlqurgw]

Not to be nitpicky but pastors aren't hired they are called. If you hire a pastor you see him as an employee rather than a shepherd. If you hire him you can just as easily fire him. Pastors are a gift from Christ to His bride and are sent by God to a church. Eph. 4:11 That is why it is extremely important that great care must be taken in seeking a pastor. In all honesty those who send out resumes are looking for a job rather than a fold of sheep to care for. If Christ has a man for a particular churh He will put the two together and make it plain that they are to be together. Hiring a pastor from a resume and background check is a shortcut method of seeking the man God has for you.

[Sweet Pea]

Prolly wouldn't hurt to do member background checks too. :P The church gets flamed, people turned away cause of the hypocrites in the church.

[HumbleMan]

Thanks everyone for the repsonses. Reading them, another question comes to mind:

If we have to resort to background checks, then is the church doing an ineffectual job in recognizing and training Godly men to take a pastoral position? If we have to worry about the wolves so much, why isn't the church in general doing something to preserve the trust that belongs between a shephard and his flock? The church is supposed to be different than the world, but are we so apathetic, or too lazy, to bring it back to where it should be?

OK, so that was three questions. It's Monday morning, and I haven't had my coffee yet.

[RajunCajun86]

is the church doing an ineffectual job in recognizing and training Godly men to take a pastoral position?correct, as a whole
If we have to worry about the wolves so much, why isn't the church in general doing something to preserve the trust that belongs between a shephard and his flock?not sure, most are probably blinded to the matter or not at curch enough to care
The church is supposed to be different than the world, but are we so apathetic, or too lazy, to bring it back to where it should be?all of the above (apathetic and lazy)

[Argent]

Thanks everyone for the repsonses. Reading them, another question comes to mind:

If we have to resort to background checks, then is the church doing an ineffectual job in recognizing and training Godly men to take a pastoral position? If we have to worry about the wolves so much, why isn't the church in general doing something to preserve the trust that belongs between a shephard and his flock? The church is supposed to be different than the world, but are we so apathetic, or too lazy, to bring it back to where it should be?

OK, so that was three questions. It's Monday morning, and I haven't had my coffee yet.

These days a lot of guys have gone into ministry because it's an indoors job with no heavy lifting.

[mont974x4]

Do they want this job for their glory or Gods?

[eldermike]

From a particle and experience perspective:
I have had the experience of heading up a pastoral search committee for a large community church. If God is calling you to pastoral position keep your finances in careful order. All committees will concern themselves with how the body evaluates what they do and the product they produce. If a committee called a man that could not handle money or had creditors calling the church every day they would have failed in thier view of it. Finances will be very carefully checked out.

[holyrokker]

Several years ago, we were part of a church that hired an assistant pastor. At first he was part-time.

He was hired based on the recommendation of our senior pastor's regional "overseer".

After about 18 months, our senior pastor stepped down from ministry to pursue a new career. The new guy took over. (Looking back, I think the new guy had been manipulating the former pastor.)

Well, things quickly became ugly. There were many problems.

When some of us began looking into the man's life, we found out that, though he had graduated from seminary and had been ordained by a reputable denomination, he had since been kicked out of that denomination, and had been fired from a previous church, having his ordination revoked.

This all had happened on the East Coast (We're in Southern California)

After being kicked out of his church on the East Coast, he came out west, and plugged into the church that was pastored by the previously mentioned regional overseer. That pastor never checked out the man's story or background. He simply believed what had been told him.

It was a HUGE mess.

The church eventually fell apart. The "pastor's" wife divorced him, etc.

So - I'm a firm believer in a thorough background check on pastors.

If a man had a rocky past before becoming a Christian, it's no big deal, as long as that part of his life is long gone.

Pastor's should be mature christians anyway, not recent converts (more than just a few years) Personally, I think a man's spiritual life should be well proven before he becomes a pastor.

[mont974x4]

hmm should we stick to the biblical standard and measuring stick looking at the entire character of the man or rely on the means of background checks used by society?

[JacobHall86]

Both.

The Bible gives us guidelines and what to look for, that doesnt mean that it is the only thing. As long as we are checking things on a Biblical level its ok.

[TexasSky]

Just sitting here wondering:

Christ was a Carpentar, but for about 3 years of His ministry we don't see anything about him doing that kind of work, and he hung out with a lot of unsavory characters. I wonder how He would do on that kind of thing.

We know that Paul would show up as "murderer".

Moses was another killer, and given he ran away from the palace and left all his worldly good behind, he probably had a bad credit history.

Joseph was a slave that spent time in prison for rape. (He was innocent, but the background check wouldn't show that.)

God can use anyone.

[JacobHall86]

Noone is saying God cant use people with Pasts. We are simply saying a Background Check and Credit Checks are good things for people who live in a glass house.

As the only person on here who is going into the Ministry with a criminal record I am for background checks.

[holyrokker]

Just sitting here wondering:



We know that Paul would show up as "murderer".

Moses was another killer, and given he ran away from the palace and left all his worldly good behind, he probably had a bad credit history.



God can use anyone.

Paul went to the desert for 14 years before he began ministry, Moses for 40 years.

Even banks don't care what you did 14 and 40 years ago. When you apply for a loan, the bank is interested in the past few years of your life. What is your current trend?

The bank is nly interested in protecting their financial investments. The church is responsible for something much more valuable - people.

[mlqurgw]

One thing that people should keep in mind is that the only superman that ever lived died on a cross 2000 years ago and now sits on the throne of Heaven. Pastors are no different than any other sheep. They all have their own struggles with sin and are men who sometimes fail and fall. No one can live up to the standards set by folks who seek a perfect man for their pastor. Do we really want someone better than ourselves or someone who knows and understands our needs bcause he has them too?

[Erinwilcox]

One thing that people should keep in mind is that the only superman that ever lived died on a cross 2000 years ago and now sits on the throne of Heaven. Pastors are no different than any other sheep. They all have their own struggles with sin and are men who sometimes fail and fall. No one can live up to the standards set by folks who seek a perfect man for their pastor. Do we really want someone better than ourselves or someone who knows and understands our needs bcause he has them too?

Seeking a perfect pastor is, I agree, unreasonable since we are all sinful beings. However, I do not think that a backround check is so super unreasonable--what if a man has a history of adultery in the churches that he's pastored (we heard here in B/A not long ago of a pastor who committed adultery in the church), what if he's an embezzeller (there was a pastor that I've heard who, a few years ago, embezzelled funds from the church), etc.? Even if you still decided to have him as a pastor, wouldn't you rather know of the issues beforehand so that you can keep an eye out, rather than find out too late that something has happened?

[CooL_Genesis]

Whatever happened to FAITH? What about the times BEFORE background or credit checks? My granddad preached for years and was very good at it without having to go through all of the red tape to get there. He didn't even go through a "seminary". He was called by the Lord and he preached... it was beautiful and I considered him a very godly man. Sadly, he passed away several years ago but what a difference THAT kind of man would make in today's churches.

:)

-Genesis

[JacobHall86]

As the only person on here who is going into the Ministry with a criminal record I am for background checks.

Just incase someone missed it.

[edb19]

Just incase someone missed it.

I didn't miss it, but I did wonder - are you sure;)? You never know - we're a pretty eclectic bunch.

[JacobHall86]

I didn't miss it, but I did wonder - are you sure;)? You never know - we're a pretty eclectic bunch.

Im the only one open about it, atleast so far.

After Stories I hear man, Im glad they do background checks. Heres one that a professer at school told.

He knew a guy in seminary who was somewaht off. While they were in seminary the guy (we will call him John) visited a prostitute. While in Seminary.

After they graduated John put my professer down as a reference. Believing in Grace and that people can change my Prof gave him a good refernce. Bad Idea.

The man had several affairs with women in the church, the last with a girl who was mentally handicapped and payed her to have an abortion. He was fired. If the next church doesnt check out his abckground and do a little snooping that is something that could be overlooked or even swept under the rug.

Do Background Checks. They can save your church.

[edb19]

Im the only one open about it, atleast so far.

Praise God for His mercy and grace in your life - He is truly sovereign in all things and has a perfect purpose and plan.

I agree with the background checks BTW - at my father's church the past 2 pastors have both had affairs with church members. The most recent pastor (now retired - all this came to light after his retirement) is now divorced and planning on marrying the woman he has been involved with. Both episodes have been pretty devastating for the church - they've lost a number of members over it. It's very sad.

[JacobHall86]

It breaks my heart to hear ithat. And it angers me at the same time.

For the rest of my life people will second guess me because of other Pastors actions.

[Erinwilcox]

It breaks my heart to hear ithat. And it angers me at the same time.

For the rest of my life people will second guess me because of other Pastors actions.


Ecc 7:1 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Ecc/Ecc007.html#1) A good name [is] better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

Just remember that you and you alone are responsible for your own character and reputation. You can either make it or break it. As long as you are keeping your own conscience clean and are striving after holiness and sanctification, do not worry about the actions of others. God will look after His own.

[Daisysqueaks]

i'm going to say the second reason most likely. we have pastors that are embezzling from the church offerings baskets...
ones who are more concerned with filling seats than preaching a message with meat.
or you have people like Dennis Raider (aka BTK) who are church deacons. he was a serial killer.
i'd prefer the background check to know that my pastor hadn't beaten, raped, and killed a slew of women before coming to teach me about God and his word.
The problem with people like Dennis Rader though is many go 'undected' for years unfortunately.
But I believe background checks go a great deal to preventing unqualified pastors and church leaders from coming to power.
1 John 4

Testing the Spirits

1(A (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204:1;&version=49;#cen-NASB-30605A))Beloved, do not believe every (B (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204:1;&version=49;#cen-NASB-30605B))spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because (C (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204:1;&version=49;#cen-NASB-30605C))many false prophets have gone out into the world.

1 Timothy 3:10 (New International Version)

10They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

[RED that's ME]

This should be a reminder that we totally need to constantly pray for our pastors. If Satan can take a pastor down, he does much more harm than taking a church member down. It doesn't just effect the pastor and his family but a whole congregation, community and the cause of Christ.
Many pastors/evangelist constantly has to look for ways to protect themselves against anything happening with other people trying to take them them or cast down on their behavior.
I know we've talked about Billy Graham in a thread here and one thing I read that he would never ride in a car/travel alone with other female co-worker who wasn't his wife/daughter to protect his reputation.
My pastor doesn't touch the offering but we have a counting team for accountibility. My church also does audits a couple of times a year. My church pastor staff makes sure they have a 2nd person with them when they visit someone. My pastor also has a large glass window in his office that his secretary can see him at all times when he is counseling especially females. He also tells them that his secretary can see any/all things happening in his office, for his protection. His secretary is an older Godly lady. My pastor tries to be an open book in his life.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c63/ThenThereWasRED/Mod%20stuff/CCF%20Smilies/17_1_10.gif If you haven't prayed for your pastor/pastor staff lately stop right now and do it. :)

[edb19]

This should be a reminder that we totally need to constantly pray for our pastors. . . . .

One of our church members preaches about once every 6-8 weeks to give our pastors a break. He opens every sermon with the admonishment to pray for our pastors. We always kind of chuckle because he's trying to find different ways to word the instruction - but it remains the same. We need to do this - you're right, Satan wants the pastors to fail - he attacks them first.

edie

[RajunCajun86]

Satan wants the pastors to fail - he attacks them first.
and his family too...take my word for it

[edb19]

and his family too...take my word for it

Absolutely - that's why PK's have the reputation they do.

edie

[RajunCajun86]

Absolutely - that's why PK's have the reputation they do.
tell me about it

[RED that's ME]

Absolutely - that's why PK's have the reputation they do.

edie
Sadly when it comes to PKs and MKs people forget that they are just like everyone else who are born sinners and have the choice to accept/reject God. They put them on pedastals behind clear glass under a BIG microscope expecting them to be a christian & live a certain way just cause they live in a pastors/missionary home. That has caused more PKs/Mks to rebel. PKs needs to be prayed for and allowed to make mistakes without extra judgement.

[RajunCajun86]

Sadly when it comes to PKs and MKs people forget that they are just like everyone else
well not exactly...we are better;)
That has caused more PKs/Mks to rebel.the number i alone know of is staggering
PKs needs to be prayed for and allowed to make mistakes without extra judgement.:thumbsup:

[edb19]

Sadly when it comes to PKs and MKs people forget that they are just like everyone else who are born sinners and have the choice to accept/reject God. They put them on pedastals behind clear glass under a BIG microscope expecting them to be a christian & live a certain way just cause they live in a pastors/missionary home. That has caused more PKs/Mks to rebel. PKs needs to be prayed for and allowed to make mistakes without extra judgement.

No argument from me - I hope I didn't make it sound like I have greater expectations of them than I have of anyone else. I recognize that by regardless of their parents they are born unregenerate just like the rest of us.

[RajunCajun86]

they are born unregenerate just like the rest of us.
:eek: no way!!!

[;) ]

[Erinwilcox]

I recognize that by regardless of their parents they are born unregenerate just like the rest of us.

Guess you haven't heard about the Presbies. . .;) :P ^_^


( I know that isn't quite what they believe, but I couldn't resist!:D )

[edb19]

Guess you haven't heard about the Presbies. . .;) :P ^_^


( I know that isn't quite what they believe, but I couldn't resist!:D )

I grew up Presbyterian - I always heard that my first pastor's youngest daughter was pretty wild. Of course, we were PCUSA, so . . . . ;)

edie

[JPPT1974]

I grew up Presbyterian - I always heard that my first pastor's youngest daughter was pretty wild. Of course, we were PCUSA, so . . . . ;)

edie


Sorry don't mean to laugh at all
But that is so funny to me!
That is an understatement!

[JacobHall86]

Absolutely - that's why PK's have the reputation they do.

edie


No Kidding, my best friend is a PK, you wouldnt believe some of the stuff... JK Rajun.

[Dmckay]

On another forum, there was a thread about a pastoral search committee, and someone mentioned that it was becoming pretty common to do a background and credit history check on prospective pastors.

That just didn't seem to sit right.

Is the problem that we want too high an expectation on a human that was called to be a shephard?

Or that there is a large number of pastors who have no right to be in that position because of personal irresponsibility?

Or is the church becoming too much like the world in wanting their church run like a business?

At one time, I felt just like you do. A man of G-d should be above reproach. Unfortunately, too many have seen the ministry as an easy way to make money and have control of peoples lives. I think that before someone is called as a Pastor they need to be thoroughly looked into. You'll note, that in the early church the pastors came from within the body of the local church. Unfortunately, today, most Pastors aren't doing the job that they should do preparing the members of the local church for the work of the ministry. Elders and Pastors should be selected from those in the body whose lives have shown that they know and live for Christ. Since most churches aren't following the Biblical example we are left with Pastoral searches, and those searches better be sure of the man that they are calling to be their Spiritual leader.

I personally know of a Pastor who was forced to leave his pastorate between the morning and Sunday evening services. After the morning service, the Pastor and the deacons were confronted by a mother whose daughter had been sexually assaulted by the pastor while he was driving her home from a church camp. The deacons decided to keep the reason for the Pastor's departure secret from the rest of the congregation. Several months later they received a letter stating that their former pastor was applying for a position as the youth pastor of their church and they wanted them to provide a letter of recommendation of the pastor's gifts and experience. I never did hear how they answered that letter.

[mlqurgw]

At one time, I felt just like you do. A man of G-d should be above reproach. Unfortunately, too many have seen the ministry as an easy way to make money and have control of peoples lives. I think that before someone is called as a Pastor they need to be thoroughly looked into. You'll note, that in the early church the pastors came from within the body of the local church. Unfortunately, today, most Pastors aren't doing the job that they should do preparing the members of the local church for the work of the ministry. Elders and Pastors should be selected from those in the body whose lives have shown that they know and live for Christ. Since most churches aren't following the Biblical example we are left with Pastoral searches, and those searches better be sure of the man that they are calling to be their Spiritual leader.

I personally know of a Pastor who was forced to leave his pastorate between the morning and Sunday evening services. After the morning service, the Pastor and the deacons were confronted by a mother whose daughter had been sexually assaulted by the pastor while he was driving her home from a church camp. The deacons decided to keep the reason for the Pastor's departure secret from the rest of the congregation. Several months later they received a letter stating that their former pastor was applying for a position as the youth pastor of their church and they wanted them to provide a letter of recommendation of the pastor's gifts and experience. I never did hear how they answered that letter.I definately agree with you on this. I had stated before that I believe a man should be checked out as thouroughly as is honestly possible in an earlier post. I hope no one got the idea I was against checking up on him from what I have said in later posts.

Your story caused me to have a question. How were they able to so quickly confirm that he was guilty? The child may have been mad at him for something and accused him because of it. Did he admit to it? Pastors have been falsely accused many times.

[Dmckay]

I definately agree with you on this. I had stated before that I believe a man should be checked out as thouroughly as is honestly possible in an earlier post. I hope no one got the idea I was against checking up on him from what I have said in later posts.

Your story caused me to have a question. How were they able to so quickly confirm that he was guilty? The child may have been mad at him for something and accused him because of it. Did he admit to it? Pastors have been falsely accused many times.

When confronted by the mother and the girl in front of the deacons he admitted what he did. I forgot to mention they were returning in a van with several of the other kids from the youth group whom he had though were sleeping and wouldn't see what happened. But they did, and they talked about it, so it became a matter of discussion among the unchurched in the neighborhood before he was confronted.

[RED that's ME]

I've heard of Baptist pastors who has sexually abused members. Focus on the Family had an article on pastors who had a problem with online porn and the stats were high. :sigh:
Like I posted earlier, if satan can take a pastor down, he usually is taking down his family, church & community usually too.

Did you pray for your pastor today?

[RajunCajun86]

Did you pray for your pastor today?
yep;)

[Dmckay]

Did you pray for your pastor today?

And also for every Pastor and their families that I know.

[TexasSky]

Seeking a perfect pastor is, I agree, unreasonable since we are all sinful beings. However, I do not think that a backround check is so super unreasonable--what if a man has a history of adultery in the churches that he's pastored (we heard here in B/A not long ago of a pastor who committed adultery in the church), what if he's an embezzeller (there was a pastor that I've heard who, a few years ago, embezzelled funds from the church), etc.? Even if you still decided to have him as a pastor, wouldn't you rather know of the issues beforehand so that you can keep an eye out, rather than find out too late that something has happened?
Unless you are going to work for a high-security agency like the FBI, a background check won't show half of the things you folks are asking about.

Most background checks are done via a quick computer search of public records. If you've filed bankruptcy, gotten a divorce, had five marriages, or gone to jail - - you'll show up in the records.

You could be fired 95 times, and it wouldn't show up.
If you stole things, and were not convicted, it wouldn't show up.
If you had a harem, but never married them, it wouldn't show up.

On the flip side, GOOD men of God can end up in bankruptcy because a church that called them failed to tithe and meet THEIR financial responsibilities toward the ministerial staff.

[JPPT1974]

And also for every Pastor and their families that I know.

We all need to pray not just for
The pastors but for the families
Good point my friend!

[edb19]

Focus on the Family had an article on pastors who had a problem with online porn and the stats were high. . . . . Did you pray for your pastor today?

My pastor must have read the same article - or one comparable. I remember him telling me several years ago something similar about on-line porn. I love the internet but it has allowed people to bring things into their home that they never would have gone to a store, purchased and brought home.

David has a great deterant for Christians who are addicted to internet porn. He did this for an aquaintance of his. David created a password that the user needed to enter every time he logged on to the internet. The password 3 simple words - "I hate Jesus." David related that his friend was outraged, essentially "that's terrible, I can't say that!" But as David pointed out - wasn't the person saying that very thing everytime he entered his porn sites.

And yes - I prayed for my pastor today (but thanks for the reminder).

[RED that's ME]

My pastor must have read the same article - or one comparable. I remember him telling me several years ago something similar about on-line porn. I love the internet but it has allowed people to bring things into their home that they never would have gone to a store, purchased and brought home.

David has a great deterant for Christians who are addicted to internet porn. He did this for an aquaintance of his. David created a password that the user needed to enter every time he logged on to the internet. The password 3 simple words - "I hate Jesus." David related that his friend was outraged, essentially "that's terrible, I can't say that!" But as David pointed out - wasn't the person saying that very thing everytime he entered his porn sites.

And yes - I prayed for my pastor today (but thanks for the reminder).

One of the passwords my mom had put on the computer to type in was..I love Jesus.
A good reminder every time to think before you do anything you would regret. :)

[Dmckay]

One of the passwords my mom had put on the computer to type in was..I love Jesus.
A good reminder every time to think before you do anything you would regret. :)

I think that this is an excellent idea. I wish you had posted it at a time when my children were still living at home. fortunately, I didn't have to worry about them misusing their computers or the Internet, one is in Law Enforcement specializing in computer crime, and another is working to become a medical missionary.

However, we all need to be reminded continually who we represent to everyone that we encounter and who view our lives. It helps to have accountability to others to keep us from straying.