Fit For Ministry

It seems a debate has been raging online concerning a certain Bible Study and Prophecy teacher’s fitness for the ministry. This summer, I have been so busy with all the details of a kitchen remodel that I barely had a minute to breathe let alone catch the latest Christian cat fight. 

Two years ago, I moved into the house of my dreams, all except for the kitchen that is. It had old, outdated appliances and wallpaper. There was a countertop broken in several places and there was some questionable flooring under a 1980’s style carpet. Even with all those problems, the day that I first viewed the house I saw a kitchen bathed in light from three different directions and one hundred year old wood begging to be restored. 

The day my appliances were delivered signaled the end of my month long remodel project and was also the day the scandal broke. It was that day that I noticed Pastor H***** H***** placed an article on his website to defend himself against accusations made of drinking, womanizing and tax evasion. I knew something had been brewing for a while, but the guy is so gosh, darn entertaining. This man’s ministry has been growing by leaps and bounds and while he appears to be doing good works, sometimes he seemed to lack some good old-fashioned Christian maturity. You know that thing that you need in order to be FIT FOR MINISTRY.

It appears that a few young Christian men called out a certain older Christian man on allegations that he had hooked up with various married and single women over the years and may have been a serial womanizer. He may have even been kicked out of a few churches for this behavior. Perhaps, a ministry partnership was quietly severed over inappropriate conduct and the police even investigated the Pastor for recording a woman in a compromising position without her consent.  If that is possibly true, this man is not FIT FOR MINISTRY.

Christians can get very emotional when a beloved ministry head is accused of wrong-doing. Sometimes, there is even a knee-jerk reaction to defend him rather than to begin by reflecting on what the word of God, the Bible has to say about these things. That is the case in this instant where Pastor H’s legions of fans are coming to his defense but, in the process of doing that, their own spiritual journey is being compromised. There are checks and balances written in the Bible which are there to protect the integrity of the church. 

It is easier than ever to start a ministry on YouTube or on a website and escape the close scutiny that being in a church building and meeting face to face might entail. Therefore, more than ever we must use some biblical knowledge and spiritual discernment before we go down that road. The Holy Spirit “will guide you into all truth”-John 16:13 

With the advent of quick money collecting sites such as “Go Fund Me” and even the Christian alternative  “Way Giver,” a person or ministry can quickly accrue huge amounts of money often based on very questionable criteria. A friend of a friend on facebook says donate. Often a very emotional appeal will get even strangers to donate.

It looks like Pastor H has appealed to his radio audience on multiple occasions. He once asked for personal financial aid with very nebulous reasons to explain why he needed the money. How could a Pastor ask for help with a personal problem without telling his listeners what the money is for? Also, he asked people to help a woman and her children with costs associated with relocation and now that woman is his wife. This woman and children lived as his friend, according to him, in his apartment for a year before that marriage. Many things here appear to give the impression or possibility of sin. The Bible tells us to be careful not to leave that impression. 

People are trusting of a Pastor but, the Bible doesn’t teach us to be fools about it. Jesus warned, “See to it that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name”- Luke 21:8 The  Bible tells us many appear innocent but, are not. The Bible can not help us if we don’t listen to its’ advice.

Other times Pastor H is asking for money to give bibles to people in prison. Who wouldn't want to give to such a cause? That is, if it is all going to that cause or at least an appropriate amount. There is nothing wrong with earning money and a congregation is charged with supporting its’ ministers fairly. However, since we are talking millions of dollars, shouldn’t there be plenty of accountability to answer any financial questions? It is easy today to hire a Christian firm which can certify that the ministry is meeting the financial Christian mark. After knowing the facts, there is then a clear choice if you or I wish to contribute. 

The Bible is pretty clear that the standard for leadership is high. “Not many should teach” for example, which Pastor H does do. The Bible cautions those called to ministry not to take it lightly. It also says that one in ministry should be blameless. It doesn't say sinless because as the Bible explains none but Jesus were sinless. It says blameless. 

Another thing that is hinted at in the allegations against H**** H***** is a pattern of behavior. The Bible talks about the continuation of sin as a red flag. “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.”-1 John 3:6. So, all in all, I think it is incumbent upon each of us to hold the leaders in our Christian Community to the biblical standards as the Lord has asked us to. I believe that not doing this will take away the anointing that God has placed upon a group that we are involved with. 

Below are some scriptures that I am pondering and praying over as I contemplate this situation. 

1 Timothy 3:1-7: Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now, the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

1 Corinthians10:19: Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 

Mark 9:35 and he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “if anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

Matthew 7:15-20: Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

1 Timothy 5:19: Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.

Matthew 18:15-17: If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But, if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

James 3:1: Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

****  The name is changed. I wondered if I should identify this Pastor by name. However, the overriding principle of holding all Christian leaders accountable is the real issue.