Expert: Rev. Robert Woods - 5/20/2009

Question
I am writing for assistance with correcting wrongs in a small Baptist church in NY.  There are many unethical and unsavory things happening there.  These include teens having had sex in the sanctuary and most recently, a brother and sister who are adult ministers initiated a physical altercation with a 14 year old who disrespected them.  Although this adolescent is often out of line, I think their behavior is reprehensible.  Our pastor has not done anything to rectify this latest incident and now the family of this child has stopped coming to church.

Our church does not a board of trustees or any of governing body.  Is there any other recourse for us besides our pastor, as it seems he holds all the cards. Maybe a licensing or oversight committee for pastors.  

Answer
Blessings and thank you for your question.

Let me try and answer this on a couple of levels.

1.  Governing:  First check and see if your church has a constitution or by-laws.  Unless your church was established a long time ago, you must have one in order to be a "non-profit" organization.  If so, then you must follow what it says to do or what steps to follow if you have a concern.  If not, does your church belong to a denomination?  If so, then I would contact them and ask for the minister who helps your church.  Who was your pastor licensed under or ordained under?  You could contact them if your pastor has had a continuing relationship with them.  If neither apply, then it sounds like you have a "pastor/priest" led church.  In that case, you really have no recourse other than trying to get him to establish a leadership or governing board to work with him in making decisions.

2.  First Steps:  The first step you should take is to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!!!!!  Then sit down with the Pastor and discuss your concerns.  I know that every day, I deal with issues, people and problems that the church never hears about.  Your Pastor may already be taking steps to rectify the problems.  Also, you need to make sure you have the WHOLE story.  Often there are many more pieces of a problem that we didn't see.

If you need more help, then just ask.  Blessings