Expert: Phillip Senn - 12/14/2011

Question
Few of us "Born Again" Christians in the local church are reluctant to accept Communion from the Chief Deacon who often serves it. The reason being he is a different man from inside who believes in idol worshiping,Does not abide by the word in day to day living, who is unable to control his wife & family, cannot be trusted, Does not have sense of Love etc. etc. knowing the sinful nature we don't have the mindset to do so. Many believers are aware of this but the majority of so called Christians appoints him regularly. The Pastor also aware of this but helpless since the Baptist constitution provides for congregational preference. please advice how to overcome this situation.

Answer
Nihal,

This is such a difficult question, but I appreciate the opportunity to seek to offer a suggestion

In the USA, if that happened, I would suggest that you seek another church where the Scriptures are followed in seeking God's will in selecting leadership and daily living practices. Since I have no real knowledge of how things operate in Sri Lanka, or the availability of other churches in your area, it is difficult to provide a good guideline on what to follow. Receiving "communion" is to be done in "in remembrance" of our Lord Jesus. If it is being offered in a church where the Lord is not being remembered by the congregation in other matters, I would wonder if they are remembering Him in communion.

If the Pastor is aware of this situation, and even though "the Baptist constitution provides for congregational preference", I would suggest the following.

1. Read Matthew 18:15-17

2. Pray for God to reveal all known things that could hinder following this scripture, such as laws, etc.

3. Talk with the Pastor first and let him know of your concerns.

4. Pray for reconciliation, as that is God's ideal in this situation.

5. Go, in a "one on one" meeting to share your heart with this "Chief Deacon". It may be that no one has ever confronted him about his sin. The Lord may use that to touch his heart about it, and bring about a repentant heart, which is the ideal situation, and you will have gained a brother.

6. If that brings no reconciliation, take two brethren with you. This is not to apply pressure to the Chief Deacon, but to have someone there to record what was said between the two of you, and to make recommendations of reconciliation. I would recommend that they not be in leadership positions, but because they are spirit filled, would be listening to the Lord in this matter.

7. In the event that there is no peace in the situation, Then it would be time to bring the matter to the whole congregation, for their decision. Remember that these have already elected this person to serve, even though many know of the situation already. This may cause a bias on their part, and you still may not get the desired results. Again, in this whole process, the desire should not be to "get rid of the unruly one", but to reconcile the "Chief Deacon" with the Lord, and the church, and reconcile the church to the Lord as well. The final step, should the congregation operate along with Scripture, if the "Chief Deacon fails to reconcile". is to expel that person from the church.

In the event that none of this can be accomplished, because of church laws or government regulations, I would suggest having home Bible studies. Perhaps the Lord may direct you to be a leader in starting a new congregation of believers. I do not know if Sri Lanka laws permit home group studies, or if the churches are under strict control by the government.

I hope this answer has been helpful to you. Above all, allow the Lord to filter what I have shared with you, and give you ONLY that which He would speak to your heart to be received. That is my prayer... that He would be the one who gives you His advice and words of comfort.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn