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Do you "vet" someone before letting them represent your church?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by imwildfire, Apr 8, 2015.

  1. imwildfire

    imwildfire New Member

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    I almost NEVER post anything, only lurk, because of the flaming that goes on, but I'd really like to hear your answers to this one and I'll explain why. I'll try to keep it as short as possible.

    Unfortunately, we are landlords. The last tenants said they wanted to buy the house and after a horrible payment history with us, were going to prove they could make payments on time, every time so they would be deemed worthy of a mortgage. We had turned them down, but they begged us to give them a chance and we let them into the house. They declared they are Christians and attend a mega church and that we should come and "hear the music". They enjoy the rock concert before the preacher speaks.

    After 15 months, we caught them sneaking out. To make a long story short, they have trashed the house. Filthy, debris everywhere and damage all over. We quit adding up expenses after we reached $6,000.

    Our pastor and another pastor we know both said, "speak to their pastor". We did. Put the phone on speaker phone so we both were included in the conversation and emailed photos while on the phone because their pastor ask for the pictures. At the same time this happened to us, the tenants showed up in the local paper under the legal notices. Two different loan companies were suing them for breach of contract. We all know what that means.

    None of this phased the pastor. Instead he put them a couple positions of leadership in the church since then. Hmmm. We find this sad.

    Another local Baptist Church now has a known anti-Semite writing their church news. He is actively promoting his beliefs on his face book, so we know he hasn't given up his anti-Semite beliefs.

    Just yesterday, a man we used to go to church with visited with us and told us about a family member that he had prayed for finally started going to church with him, but because someone in leadership in the church was found guilty of a crime which was known and ongoing when he was picked for leadership, has stopped going because he doesn't understand why the church would allow someone like that to be in a position of leadership to being with.

    Who represents your church at the door and in positions of leadership can have a very profound affect on those attending. What a stumbling block.

    Please don't start in with "nobody is perfect". We know that. I've also left out a lot to make this as brief as possible, but the question is still the same. Do you let just anyone who asks serve as representatives or as leaders, or do you do some investigating first?

    I'll crawl back into my cave now.
     
  2. matt wade

    matt wade Well-Known Member

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    Those in leadership positions (and representing the church) should absolutely be vetted. If they are living in open unrepentant sin, or have a past that hasn't been properly dealt with, they should not be allowed into leadership.

    On another note, contacting your previous tenant's pastor was absolutely wrong.
     
  3. Don

    Don Well-Known Member
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    Oh, I don't know that it was wrong. He did say that another pastor or two recommended he do so; and in my personal-be-it-ever-so-humble position, the pastor is the one who should be working with his flock to ensure they're doing the right thing and not casting a bad reputation upon the church through their actions.

    Absolutely agree that they should be vetted for leadership positions.
     
  4. Rolfe

    Rolfe Well-Known Member
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    Those up for leadership positions in the church absolutely should be vetted. I think many of the scandals seen in churches could be avoided.
     
  5. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    Our church just mandated that local, state and federal security checks (to include fingerprinting) will be mandatory for all leadership and anyone working with children ...it's state law.

    An elder will generally contact the pastor of any new visitors that are members of other local congregations who begin to regularly attend our services, to insure that they didn't leave baggage behind that needs attention.

    Rob
     
  6. annsni

    annsni Well-Known Member
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    Even our volunteers are vetted in our church. Everyone working with children has a full background check and anyone else in leadership/employment also gets a full background check. If anything like this were to come up, there would be a definite addressing of the issues with these people. I'm sorry but breaking the law just doesn't go well with church.
     
  7. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    As others have been saying, leaders should be (are Scripturally expected too be) vetted by the church. Members or attenders are not under the same obligations of vetting...though they share the same expectations for life and morality.

    A bit of background on the OP might be helpful too.
     
  8. righteousdude2

    righteousdude2 Well-Known Member
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    Ah, yes! Anyone working with the flock needs to be vetted.
     
  9. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    The sad fact is non-Christians will say they are Christians because lying is ok with them.

    One way those in leadership roles in a local assembly can protect, or at least do due diligence is to have those seeking roles within the church go through your discipleship program. Many times the facade will be revealed in the give and take of presenting their views of doctrine. Listening to their prayers is often also revealing.
     
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