Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 10/14/2007

Question
I am a addict clean 2yrs.also I am a felon.Not a good track record,but I went down the wrong path for a reason.I have been a member at a small Baptist church for 2 yrs as well.I have been open about my past to everyone.Why must I be punished for my past?I love kid,teens. anyone I can help save.Isthat what our Father want? Thanks JoAnne

Answer
Hi JoAnne

THank you for this great question.  I am not sure what you mean by you being punished for your past.  If you mean that because of your record, you cannot work with the youth group, I think that I can help you understand their thinking.  There are many churches who have been destroyed because a youth worker has done something inappropriate with the children.  Many church insurance groups will not insure churches who do not do background checks on their youth workers and who do not have a policy against having a convicted felon working directly with children.  

WIth that in mind, I am sure that there are areas that you can serve.  Remember, while God forgives our sins, the scars of our sins remain.  THere are consequences for our past actions that will not be erased this side of heaven.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don