Bible Question (short): Should a member rebuke an elder? |
Question (full): Greetings My Brothers and Sisters, Some of you are familiar with my "thoughts and feelings" about the Church where I assemble(d). I wrote a letter some time ago to the "pastor" and the elders to let them know that my study of the Bible showed that our Church's government-orthodoxy- orthopraxy didn't seem to line up with the early Church that Paul and the disciples set up, Acts 20:28, 1Pet 5:1-4. I also questioned why 60 percent of the paid staff was the pastor's biological family or in-laws. I questioned the fact that the pastor says we are family and should take ownership...but will not allow members to see any financial records. We are a multicultural congregation...the pastor is white...there are no paid minorities on staff. One member of the pastor's family is (was) gay...he had an affair with a well known male musician. This was known throughout the congregation. The gay relative moved away. He is now back leading the choir. There are many other things that I questioned. Just to give you an update...I was pulled out of a prayer meeting by an associate pastor (a relative of the pastor) and an elder. They told me that if I felt like that, I should leave. They even said I should not attend the prayer meetings. I asked for a meeting with the pastor; I have two witnesses; he has not responded in over a month. I have been a faithful member there for 14 years...worked in almost every department. I asked the pastor and the elders in my letter to prayerfully investigate the matter and let me know if my views are skewed and slanted. Every point I made was documented with scripture. My question for you...is it wrong to confront elders, who are the overseers, and the pastor? Should a pastor's response to me be silence (I heard he told the elders not to speak to me)? Of course, I am currently looking for a place to gather with other Believers. Pray for me. Bereaniam |