But let me emphasize the public nature of this rebuke. Read that again: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you.” Wow. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others keep yourself pure. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 1 Timothy 5 has one of the boldest statements in the New Testmanet:Ģ0 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. When church leadership protects one of it’s own and covers up unrepentant sin that has harmed others, that’s ungodly and unchristian. Your people need to understand the threat these errors are to God’s glory and the purpose for his people.” (165 broken trust) Unfortunately, emotional abuse hard to see so most people in leadership wouldn’t know that’s what they’re enabling when it happens. The errors that perpetrated the abuse need to be spelled out and fully exposed. Respected teachers from outside of your organization should be brought in to reset the biblical compass. “It’s extremely important that you actively root out the false teaching and behavior used to control people and not merely downplay or ignore it. When we take that cowardly path, we’re not truly loving others, and we’re not loving Jesus. “Love is essential, but loving acts without testifying to biblical truth is the coward’s path to self-righteousness-a sneaky and misguided attempt to seemingly follow Jesus while sidestepping the world’s wrath. However, by intentionally harming others with no remorse, even after being rebuked by several people familiar with his illicit activities, it’s time to prepare him for bringing it before the church.ĭo not be deceived, God is not mocked for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap. While TR Tm’s actions were wrong, had he repented and turned back to God, he could have saved his job. This is a situation in which peace was refused and a relationship was broken with no attempt to repair by the toxic minister. By repentance, I don’t simply mean an apology, but actual change. I’m going to take for granted that Biblical reconciliation has been attempted. (Since this is an ongoing series, to see the books I quote or info on TR Tm, the toxic minister, scroll to the bottom.) Now I’m writing more broadly for what leadership of the church should do and how those who attend the church may respond. I’ve already written on what should happen from the perspective of the offended/abused/victim. When you find yourself in a situation where there is an unrepentant toxic/narcissistic pastor, what should happen? This is a difficult question and while every situation is different, I do think there is some perspective and clear steps that need to take place.
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