Expert: Cooper P. Abrams III - 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
Hi Renee,
  I am truly sadden to hear of the problems in your church.   Jesus in Matthew 18:15-20 gives us the principles and procedure to deal with problems we have with each other.  The passage actually addresses the problem of someone sinning against or offending his Christian brother.  However, the principle is that if there is a problem or conflict the first action is to go alone and privately to the party who is doing the offending and express your concerns.  In your case it would be the pastor who is not taking any action to help resolve the problem.
   If the offending person takes action then the matter is resolved.  However, if the offending person will not listen or consider the problem, then the offended person goes a second time and this time with one or more brothers (Christians) and seeks again to have the matter addressed.
    If the matter remains unresolved, in that the offending person will not consider or address the problem, then the matter is taken to the church.
    If the offending person ignores or refuses to hear the church then he should be dismissed.    
    You should give the pastor time to work this out and I am sure you are aware that your pastor may become offended.  He is human like us all, so you must be careful, respectful and very tactful in your approach.   You should prayerfully seek the Lord's direction and go in love.  That means go in a spirit of not condemning him but rather seeking his and the church's best interest.(that is what biblical love is) Certainly you would not go demanding he take immediate action. You need to show you care for him and honestly want to help the church.   He may not be aware of the ramifications of the problems, or he may be struggling with addressing the matter himself.   He should be given the benefit of the doubt, until things prove otherwise.  He maybe privately seeking to help those involved and you the church are not aware of it.
Cooper Abrams
http://bible-truth.org
Romans 12:1-2