The local church has long been a target for pedaphiles. The failure of leaders to exercise "due diligence" along with their "unprincipled mercy" have allowed children to become easy prey.
However, with increased sexualization of culture and the downward spiral of permissiveness of society, we are seeing rapid increase of predator's and offender's in our midst.
Here is a quote from Christianity Today that powerfully demonstrates the seriousness of the issue confronting us today:
"One of the most vexing problems facing our society, and more particularly the church, is how to deal with sex offenders," said Pat Nolan, vice president of Prison Fellowship. "As one pastor expressed to me, 'Jesus taught us to be forgiving. However, he also has made me shepherd of my flock, and it is my responsibility to protect them from the wolves."
This news article of a sex offender openly videotaping ladies in the church is a simple illustration of Pat Nolan's sobering truth.
[rgh]
A Jackson, Tennessee man has been charged with videotaping under the skirts of 40-50 women and girls at his Lighthouse Pentecostal church. Richard Rushton, the perpetuator, was registered as a sex offender in 2003. He spent nearly six years in a Florida prison for three sexual offenses in 1995 and 1996.
Check out these related topics:
>http://blog.yourchurch.net/2010/04/dealing_with_sex_offenders_who.html
>http://www.christianitytoday.com/yc/churchlawtaxupdate/sexoffenderswhoattend.html
>http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/december/5.16.html
>http://blackchristiannews.com/news/2010/04/sex-offenders-in-the-house-of-god-how-to-deal-with-it.html
>http://www.christianitytoday.com/yc/search/?searchall=&query=sex+offenders&x=13&y=12
>http://blog.christianitytoday.com/women/2010/01/nc_court_upholds_sex_offenders.html
http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=12562577
http://delicious.com/christianheadlines/topheadlines?page=2
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Be Mature In Your Thinking?
Excellent article from The Churck Colson Center For a Christian Worldview. Here are a few excepts.
[rgh]
"....We are mature in our thinking, when every aspect of our thought life is subject to Christ and His Word, focused on the good of others, determined to achieve Kingdom outcomes, and ready to suppress any manifestations of evil, then we will see real progress of Christ’s presence and rule in our lives."
"...now let’s figure out how to make it operative in our own minds.Let me suggest three parallel paths on a road to mature Christian thinking.
>First is the path of spiritual disciplines
>Second, the path of wisdom from others
>Finally, the path of serious Christian conversation
"Becoming mature in our thinking won’t just happen; we’re going to have to work at, and work at it for a lifetime, walking the paths of spiritual discipline, seeking wisdom from others, and conversing with Christian friends, until, increasingly, the mind of Christ in us becomes the mind we actually use."
http://www.colsoncenter.org/the-center/columns/viewpoint/15283-paths-to-mature-thinking?
[rgh]
"....We are mature in our thinking, when every aspect of our thought life is subject to Christ and His Word, focused on the good of others, determined to achieve Kingdom outcomes, and ready to suppress any manifestations of evil, then we will see real progress of Christ’s presence and rule in our lives."
"...now let’s figure out how to make it operative in our own minds.Let me suggest three parallel paths on a road to mature Christian thinking.
>First is the path of spiritual disciplines
>Second, the path of wisdom from others
>Finally, the path of serious Christian conversation
"Becoming mature in our thinking won’t just happen; we’re going to have to work at, and work at it for a lifetime, walking the paths of spiritual discipline, seeking wisdom from others, and conversing with Christian friends, until, increasingly, the mind of Christ in us becomes the mind we actually use."
http://www.colsoncenter.org/the-center/columns/viewpoint/15283-paths-to-mature-thinking?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Is Lust Justification For Divorce?"
Here is a great question that was posed to Probe Ministries. Many of you brothers will remember when a lady at Redeemed Community appealed to this text for grounds to abandon and then divorce her husband. Significant to note is that some minister friends thought we were to hard when we enacted discipline for unbiblical cause.
The answer that Probe gives is the same position we took in the marital conflict and the very reason we took disciplinary action.
[RGH]
Question:
"In Matthew 5:27ff. Jesus says that if a man lusts after a woman he has already committed adultery in his heart. Then, in v. 32 Jesus indicates that sexual immorality is the only justification for divorce. Is, then, lust justification for divorce? If so, what degree of lust is justification for divorce? Or, if it is not Jesus' intention to allow divorce for lust, please substantiate this position." Thanks.
Probe Answer:
"The bottom line answer to your question is no, lust is not grounds for divorce.
If you look at the context of the Lord Jesus' remarks about lust in Matthew 5, what you see is that He is "pulling back the rug," so to speak, on outward sins to expose the underlying problem, which is sin in the heart. Murder doesn't start with murder; it starts with sinful anger in the heart (vv. 21-22)...
The main point to all of these illustrations in the Sermon on the Mount is that a sinful heart lurks behind every offensive action. By shining the light of His perfection on our dark hearts, the Lord very effectively makes us aware of how short we fall of God's standard of righteousness. That's why we need to receive Christ's righteousness, since we have none of our own.
So the point about lust is made to expose the sinful motives of the heart, showing that even before one actually enters into an adulterous relationship, there's a heart problem that's just as serious in God's eyes as acting on it."
http://www.probe.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=fdKEIMNsEoG&b=4485965&ct=5513351¬oc=1
The answer that Probe gives is the same position we took in the marital conflict and the very reason we took disciplinary action.
[RGH]
Question:
"In Matthew 5:27ff. Jesus says that if a man lusts after a woman he has already committed adultery in his heart. Then, in v. 32 Jesus indicates that sexual immorality is the only justification for divorce. Is, then, lust justification for divorce? If so, what degree of lust is justification for divorce? Or, if it is not Jesus' intention to allow divorce for lust, please substantiate this position." Thanks.
Probe Answer:
"The bottom line answer to your question is no, lust is not grounds for divorce.
If you look at the context of the Lord Jesus' remarks about lust in Matthew 5, what you see is that He is "pulling back the rug," so to speak, on outward sins to expose the underlying problem, which is sin in the heart. Murder doesn't start with murder; it starts with sinful anger in the heart (vv. 21-22)...
The main point to all of these illustrations in the Sermon on the Mount is that a sinful heart lurks behind every offensive action. By shining the light of His perfection on our dark hearts, the Lord very effectively makes us aware of how short we fall of God's standard of righteousness. That's why we need to receive Christ's righteousness, since we have none of our own.
So the point about lust is made to expose the sinful motives of the heart, showing that even before one actually enters into an adulterous relationship, there's a heart problem that's just as serious in God's eyes as acting on it."
http://www.probe.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=fdKEIMNsEoG&b=4485965&ct=5513351¬oc=1
Saturday, May 15, 2010
What Is Christian Counseling?
I have often heard this statement, "They advertise Christian counseling,but it is certainly less than biblical in it's approach."
How can this be? Well,many counselors are professing Christian's while their training and focus is completely void of a biblical worldview.
What then is the difference between a Christan counselor and Biblical counseling? Robert Kellemen,Ph.D, is a Licensed Counselor. In his article,"What Makes Biblical Bounseling Biblical", he demonstrates the contrast. Here is an extract.
[RGH]
"Truly biblical counseling addresses the complexity of life lived in a fallen world. The Bible profoundly describes existence through our creation in God’s image, our fall into sin, and our redemption in Christ. Only when taken together can we understand people, diagnose problems, and prescribe solutions—biblically.
Biblical counseling follows a holistic approach to the nature of human nature. Created in the image of God, we should reflect God in our relational (spiritual, social, and self-aware), rational (images and beliefs), volitional (motivations and actions), emotional (responses and reactions), and physical capacities. Only when united can we help the whole person to become a whole person.
Biblical counseling takes a robust approach to counselor training. It refuses all shortcuts as it recognizes the need for equipping in biblical content, Christlike character, relational competencies, and Christian community. Only when combined can we produce truly effective soul care-givers and spiritual directors."
http://www.rpmministries.org/
How can this be? Well,many counselors are professing Christian's while their training and focus is completely void of a biblical worldview.
What then is the difference between a Christan counselor and Biblical counseling? Robert Kellemen,Ph.D, is a Licensed Counselor. In his article,"What Makes Biblical Bounseling Biblical", he demonstrates the contrast. Here is an extract.
[RGH]
"Truly biblical counseling addresses the complexity of life lived in a fallen world. The Bible profoundly describes existence through our creation in God’s image, our fall into sin, and our redemption in Christ. Only when taken together can we understand people, diagnose problems, and prescribe solutions—biblically.
Biblical counseling follows a holistic approach to the nature of human nature. Created in the image of God, we should reflect God in our relational (spiritual, social, and self-aware), rational (images and beliefs), volitional (motivations and actions), emotional (responses and reactions), and physical capacities. Only when united can we help the whole person to become a whole person.
Biblical counseling takes a robust approach to counselor training. It refuses all shortcuts as it recognizes the need for equipping in biblical content, Christlike character, relational competencies, and Christian community. Only when combined can we produce truly effective soul care-givers and spiritual directors."
http://www.rpmministries.org/
Friday, May 14, 2010
He That Endureth To The End?
Check out this summary of the three main views regarding security and perseverance of the saints posted by Reformation Theology. [rgh]
1. Classic Arminianism• One must persevere in faith to be saved.
• True believers can lose their faith....
• Those dying without faith in Christ are condemned.
“The believer who loses his faith is damned.”
2. Antinomianism• One need not persevere in faith to be saved.
• True believers can lose their faith.
• Those who lose their faith are saved, since they once believed.
“The believer who loses his faith is saved.”
3. Classic Calvinism• One must persevere in faith to be saved.
• True believers cannot lose their faith, since it’s God’s gift.
• Those dying without faith in Christ are condemned.
• Those who “lose” their faith never had it to begin with.
• God will preserve true believers and they will be saved.
http://www.reformationtheology.com/
1. Classic Arminianism• One must persevere in faith to be saved.
• True believers can lose their faith....
• Those dying without faith in Christ are condemned.
“The believer who loses his faith is damned.”
2. Antinomianism• One need not persevere in faith to be saved.
• True believers can lose their faith.
• Those who lose their faith are saved, since they once believed.
“The believer who loses his faith is saved.”
3. Classic Calvinism• One must persevere in faith to be saved.
• True believers cannot lose their faith, since it’s God’s gift.
• Those dying without faith in Christ are condemned.
• Those who “lose” their faith never had it to begin with.
• God will preserve true believers and they will be saved.
http://www.reformationtheology.com/
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Guarding Against Embezzlement
Financial checks and balances are essential in todays culture. However, this article reveals ministries must now go further.This is worth posting for Redeemed Ministerium and for all of the represented ministries. Check out these extracts from Leadership.Net.
[rgh]
"Embezzlement is on the rise in churches of all sizes. One major church insurer logged 32 embezzlement-related claims in 2009, up 12.5 percent from its recent annual averages. "Regrettably, financial misconduct tends to be more predominant in economic down times," says David Middlebrook, a Texas-based attorney specializing in church law.
Fraud experts often refer to a three-legged stool for embezzlement risk: opportunity, need, and organizational ethos.
>Opportunity often is born out of non-existent or poorly managed financial controls.
>In terms of need, church leaders must pay attention to hardships in the lives of their employees. The most common scenario for church fraud involves longtime employees who face an unexpected financial stress—a job loss for a spouse or an extended illness with hefty medical bills for a family member.
Some studies suggest the average tenure of a church employee who commits fraud is seven years. "These employees don't start off thinking they're going to steal," says Frank Sommerville, another Texas attorney. "They think they're going to borrow from you and pay you back when things improve."
>An ethos that encourages transparency and requires high standards helps prevent financial misconduct. Sommerville advises, "It really is helpful if churches create this above-reproach, ethical standard, something they continually talk about and include in their code of ethics—'We're going to operate above reproach in every area of ministry from the senior pastor and board on down.'"—from Your Church magazine (Jan/Feb 2010)
What to Watch For:
Workers with stressful financial situations
Infrequent audits from outside CPAs
Little oversight of collections
Too few people count the offerings
No rotation among finance team members
http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/thepastor/administration/guardagainst.html
[rgh]
"Embezzlement is on the rise in churches of all sizes. One major church insurer logged 32 embezzlement-related claims in 2009, up 12.5 percent from its recent annual averages. "Regrettably, financial misconduct tends to be more predominant in economic down times," says David Middlebrook, a Texas-based attorney specializing in church law.
Fraud experts often refer to a three-legged stool for embezzlement risk: opportunity, need, and organizational ethos.
>Opportunity often is born out of non-existent or poorly managed financial controls.
>In terms of need, church leaders must pay attention to hardships in the lives of their employees. The most common scenario for church fraud involves longtime employees who face an unexpected financial stress—a job loss for a spouse or an extended illness with hefty medical bills for a family member.
Some studies suggest the average tenure of a church employee who commits fraud is seven years. "These employees don't start off thinking they're going to steal," says Frank Sommerville, another Texas attorney. "They think they're going to borrow from you and pay you back when things improve."
>An ethos that encourages transparency and requires high standards helps prevent financial misconduct. Sommerville advises, "It really is helpful if churches create this above-reproach, ethical standard, something they continually talk about and include in their code of ethics—'We're going to operate above reproach in every area of ministry from the senior pastor and board on down.'"—from Your Church magazine (Jan/Feb 2010)
What to Watch For:
Workers with stressful financial situations
Infrequent audits from outside CPAs
Little oversight of collections
Too few people count the offerings
No rotation among finance team members
http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/thepastor/administration/guardagainst.html
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Top Ten Mistakes Preachers Make
Much thanks to Erik Kowalker for posting these. He does a great service to the church and I recommend you brothers frequent his site.
[rgh]
10. Imitating others
9. Overuse of illustrations
8. Unwarranted spiritualising of the text
7. Lack of preparation
6. Lack of application
5. Decontextualisation (interpreting a text out of its biblical context)
4. Prayerlessness
3. Preaching to others without first preaching to yourself
2. Being boring
1. Not preaching Christ
http://kowalker.com/2010/05/08/top-ten-mistakes-preachers-make/
[rgh]
10. Imitating others
9. Overuse of illustrations
8. Unwarranted spiritualising of the text
7. Lack of preparation
6. Lack of application
5. Decontextualisation (interpreting a text out of its biblical context)
4. Prayerlessness
3. Preaching to others without first preaching to yourself
2. Being boring
1. Not preaching Christ
http://kowalker.com/2010/05/08/top-ten-mistakes-preachers-make/
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Fours Signs You Know You Are Working With A Leader
#1 – They come to you with problems…AND the solutions as to how to solve them. Any fool can see a problem…but it takes a leader to examine WHY the problem is there and then WHAT to do about it. One of the greatest things about the team of people I serve with is most of the time when someone presents a problem they already know how to solve it. (AND…when they do not then they admit it instead of trying to fake their way through it!)
I’ve said this on this site before…but one of the best questions a leader can ask to the people he serves with when presented a problem is, “what do you think should be done about it?”
#2 – They are more upset about a mess up than you are.
When someone on staff here at NewSpring Church drops the ball I rarely have to get upset because they OWN what they do…and so they are as bothered about the mess up than I am on most cases.
Passion for what a person does is essential if they are going to be an excellent leader. AND…you can’t PAY someone to be passionate…either they are or they’re not!
#3 – Being around them actually fires you up.
People are contagious…attitudes and all.
One of the things I love about the team I serve with is that being around them and discussing church, ministry and life in general STIRS my passion for what I do.
People WILL contribute to the fire inside of you…they either throw water or gasoline on it…and one of the most common traits about leaders is that they are always throwing gas on other people’s fire.
I know some people think they always need to be “the devil’s advocate” in a meeting…which basically presents two problems…
First…the devil doesn’t need a freakin’ advocate…he’s doing pretty well all by himself.
And second…we aren’t exactly supposed to be working for him!
Now…the truth SHOULD be told when a bad idea is brought up…which leads to the next one…
#4 – They don’t retreat inside their shell when conflict arises but rather embrace the tension in the room and will speak the truth in love until a resolution is reached.
One of the BIGGEST problems in church would today is UNRESOLVED CONFLICT among staff! A disagreement will take place…and because a person would rather just “make nice” rather than work towards a solution they will lie and say that things are fine and agree to an idea or philosophy that they do not completely buy into.
But…a leader will speak their minds…even if they know it is not going to be popular…and even if they know that in the end they will probably lose the argument…they would MUCH rather than have a clear conscience than be a coward.
When conflict arises in a room then I believe a GREAT solution is right around the corner. All people need to do is realize they are on the same team, working for the same goals and be willing to speak truthfully in respectful ways so that the best idea can be presented and be adopted.
http://www.perrynoble.com/2010/05/04/four-signs-you-know-your-working-with-a-leader-part-one/
I’ve said this on this site before…but one of the best questions a leader can ask to the people he serves with when presented a problem is, “what do you think should be done about it?”
#2 – They are more upset about a mess up than you are.
When someone on staff here at NewSpring Church drops the ball I rarely have to get upset because they OWN what they do…and so they are as bothered about the mess up than I am on most cases.
Passion for what a person does is essential if they are going to be an excellent leader. AND…you can’t PAY someone to be passionate…either they are or they’re not!
#3 – Being around them actually fires you up.
People are contagious…attitudes and all.
One of the things I love about the team I serve with is that being around them and discussing church, ministry and life in general STIRS my passion for what I do.
People WILL contribute to the fire inside of you…they either throw water or gasoline on it…and one of the most common traits about leaders is that they are always throwing gas on other people’s fire.
I know some people think they always need to be “the devil’s advocate” in a meeting…which basically presents two problems…
First…the devil doesn’t need a freakin’ advocate…he’s doing pretty well all by himself.
And second…we aren’t exactly supposed to be working for him!
Now…the truth SHOULD be told when a bad idea is brought up…which leads to the next one…
#4 – They don’t retreat inside their shell when conflict arises but rather embrace the tension in the room and will speak the truth in love until a resolution is reached.
One of the BIGGEST problems in church would today is UNRESOLVED CONFLICT among staff! A disagreement will take place…and because a person would rather just “make nice” rather than work towards a solution they will lie and say that things are fine and agree to an idea or philosophy that they do not completely buy into.
But…a leader will speak their minds…even if they know it is not going to be popular…and even if they know that in the end they will probably lose the argument…they would MUCH rather than have a clear conscience than be a coward.
When conflict arises in a room then I believe a GREAT solution is right around the corner. All people need to do is realize they are on the same team, working for the same goals and be willing to speak truthfully in respectful ways so that the best idea can be presented and be adopted.
http://www.perrynoble.com/2010/05/04/four-signs-you-know-your-working-with-a-leader-part-one/
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