As you well know, in the wake of the sexual abuse policy adopted by the Southern Baptists, pastors and
staff of churches that have been credibly accused of sexual abuse are disqualified from holding those
offices in Southern Baptist churches. Furthermore, any church that calls or employs such ministers will
be dis-fellowshipped from the Southern Baptist Convention. There is no criteria for rehabilitation or re-
instating these ministers. When it’s done…it’s done.
The purpose behind the harsh decision is worthy, to be sure. We want to protect anyone from being in
a situation where they could possibly be sexually abused by someone in a position of authority in the
church. What a terrible thing to trust your pastor or minister only to be taken advantage of and
abused. It should never happen. But, unfortunately, it does…so drastic measures are called for.
Now, a situation has arisen where a well-known preacher, teacher, administrator, and author who was
credibly accused of sexual abuse and, as a result, resigned all of his ministries…as expected and
warranted. However, he has met with four respected pastors over a period of time and they have
pronounced him restored and ready to return to ministry. This was done without the knowledge or
blessing of anyone in a place of responsibility in the Southern Baptist Convention leadership. As you can
imagine, some folks are rather upset with that situation.
Jesus is in the “forgiving” business. He is all about repentance and forgiveness. When He forgives a sin
it is as though it never happened. We, as Christians and disciples of Christ, should forgive the same way.
But we are talking about, not only our relationship with God, but our relationship with people as well. If
the delegates from churches of the Southern Baptist Convention decided that, in order to help people
feel safe and protected and to increase confidence in Christian leadership, such a penalty is necessary,
then so be it.
Personally, I think there should be a way for a Christian leader to be restored. And if a congregation
chooses to call that person to lead them…let them. But there is no such way in the present and it may
be a very long time if such a way is put in motion…if ever. Until that time, this pastor, preacher,
denominational stalwart, and conference leader should be treated as any other in the SBC. It’s the only
way for our Southern Baptist Convention to retain the respect they are due.
Say good things about your Savior and about His church here in Bluff Park.
Bro. Tony
staff of churches that have been credibly accused of sexual abuse are disqualified from holding those
offices in Southern Baptist churches. Furthermore, any church that calls or employs such ministers will
be dis-fellowshipped from the Southern Baptist Convention. There is no criteria for rehabilitation or re-
instating these ministers. When it’s done…it’s done.
The purpose behind the harsh decision is worthy, to be sure. We want to protect anyone from being in
a situation where they could possibly be sexually abused by someone in a position of authority in the
church. What a terrible thing to trust your pastor or minister only to be taken advantage of and
abused. It should never happen. But, unfortunately, it does…so drastic measures are called for.
Now, a situation has arisen where a well-known preacher, teacher, administrator, and author who was
credibly accused of sexual abuse and, as a result, resigned all of his ministries…as expected and
warranted. However, he has met with four respected pastors over a period of time and they have
pronounced him restored and ready to return to ministry. This was done without the knowledge or
blessing of anyone in a place of responsibility in the Southern Baptist Convention leadership. As you can
imagine, some folks are rather upset with that situation.
Jesus is in the “forgiving” business. He is all about repentance and forgiveness. When He forgives a sin
it is as though it never happened. We, as Christians and disciples of Christ, should forgive the same way.
But we are talking about, not only our relationship with God, but our relationship with people as well. If
the delegates from churches of the Southern Baptist Convention decided that, in order to help people
feel safe and protected and to increase confidence in Christian leadership, such a penalty is necessary,
then so be it.
Personally, I think there should be a way for a Christian leader to be restored. And if a congregation
chooses to call that person to lead them…let them. But there is no such way in the present and it may
be a very long time if such a way is put in motion…if ever. Until that time, this pastor, preacher,
denominational stalwart, and conference leader should be treated as any other in the SBC. It’s the only
way for our Southern Baptist Convention to retain the respect they are due.
Say good things about your Savior and about His church here in Bluff Park.
Bro. Tony