~ A place to find answers to gnawing spiritual questions ~
Question: If a person belongs to a Christian Church and that person has been singing at most services, in other words sings not only in our church but in churches throughout our area, and has been doing this for several years was caught one Sunday morning drunk, and has been lying about this problem to his wife and church, should that person be aloud back in the pulpit two weeks after being caught in his sin? Now after being caught he did go to his pastor and confess his sin, said he was a drunk, and that he had lied. Should he be allowed in the pulpit so soon after being caught in a lie and drinking, or should there be some time out ?Answer:
Obviously this is a very serious situation.
Frankly, I am always in doubt about a person's sincerity in repenting when they repent only after they are caught. But that is my human nature. King David repented in a true fashion after the prophet confronted him.
I have much more confidence when a person asks for help, prayer and deliverance before their sin is revealed.
Do I feel this person should be kept from the platform and pulpit longer than two weeks? YES!
However, I am not the pastor. Each local pastor is responsible for discipline in his pastorate. Also, it seems the Bible is very silent concerning length of discipline, etc.
I urge you to pray for the offending brother, and to make sure you keep your own heart free from scornfulness and bitterness.
Read Hebrews 12:12-15
"Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled" (Hebrews 12:12-15).
