Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 7/23/2006

Question
My husband and I are active in our Church, we have been a for a few years.  This year we are taking on bigger positions with our youth, this will require a background check.
Over 12 years ago my husband recieved a felony, it was non violent, it was a stupid thing.
My question is, if this situation was in your Church how would you handle it?
I am terrified the Church preaches forgiveness but will have a problem with this.
I know our Church is not yours, but I guess I am just looking for what Churches usually do.
Thanks for your time.

P.S. This is the only felony he has, he is a good guy, that lives a good Christian life.  

Answer
Hi,

Thanks for this heartfelt and personal question.  Churches today have been the target of lawsuits by money hungry lawyers and godless pagans who seek to discredit the cause of Christ.  Sadly, there are many pedophiles who seek the cover of a church ministry to get to little children.  Many churches and denominations require background checks to keep children safe, and protect the reputation of the ministry.

If your husband was not involved in a violent or sexual crime, chances are that this will not be a problem.  Even if he was, and he would not be allowed to work with children, that does not mean that he is unforgiven...it means that God has another area of service for him.  Do not worry about this.... God has this under control.  Just be honest and open, you have nothing to be ashamed of, it is all covered by the Blood.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11
9  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I hope that this helps.  If you get a chance, write me at ebc@cleaninter.net and let me know how it all works out.  I am praying for you both.

In Christ
Pastor Don
http://ebc.cleaninter.net