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NASB | 1 Timothy 2:15 But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 2015 |
1 Timothy 2:15 But women will be preserved (saved) through [the pain and dangers of] the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and holiness with self-control and discretion. |
Bible Question:
How is it possible to tell if a baptist pastor is being a dictator for his own gain instead of following the will of the Lord? If he is deliberately running members off that go against what he wants isn't that a dictator? If he doesn't go and visit or call and try to bring the sheep back into the fold, isn't that against the teachings of God? If he wants to control all the churches money, to the point of running off the church treasurer of the past 20 plus years isn't that a sign of a dictator? Our church is the 3rd church that this pastor has been over. He had to be physically removed from his last church by a county deputy sheriff. He was voted out, but refused to leave the building. I haven't talked to anyone from that church, but now some are starting to wonder if he isn't doing here what he might have started in the other church. I believe the pulpit committee didnt research enough before presenting him to the church. It was stated that he wanted 3 things before he would entertain the idea of coming to our church. 1-A mailbox be installed at the church and all church mail come directly to him. 2-He wanted all church money to be under one account at the bank.(no seperate accounts for ladies, mens or youth groups) 3-He stated that he did not want any (secret meetings) I'm feeling the request about the money and the secret meetings should have thrown up a red flag. I would think that he must have done something at the other church to warrant a (secret meeting) I want to know the truth, I'm concerned about the church splitting. If he is following the will of the Lord, then I must be in the wrong here. I really need to understand this so I can do the right thing for the Lord. On the other hand, if he isn't the pastor he should be, how can I be really sure?? |
Bible Answer: Dear worriedlamb, I don't know if your pastor is a dictator or not. However, the qualifications for a pastor (Bishop) are laid out clearly in 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1:5-9. Here are some questions to ask: 1. Why did your pulpit committee hire him? 2. Who are the leaders in your church? 3. How many others in your church hold the same view? 4. What are the steps for removal of a pastor according to your church's constitution? Beyond that, your question really appears to be outside of the scope of this Forum. While I'm not doubting you, You've only presented one side of the issue. In my humble opinion, since none of us here are directly involved in or familiar with the details, it would be speculation and unwise to offer counsel. Commit this matter to serious prayer- if you haven't already. Also, if things are that out of hand, it might be a good time to seek fellowship elsewhere. Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |