As stated in the Title, PLEASE don't derail this thread or joke about the subject, OK? PLEASE?
So, a Church calls a new Pastor (hereinafter referred to as "Pastor") and shortly after he arrives (within 3 months) one of the active members (hereinafter referred to as "Member") stops attending. Some of the members notice this, and encourage Pastor to make contact with him, and try to get him back.
Pastor, however, is reluctant, because, unrelated to his position as Pastor, he has learned that Member is a registered sex offender. Further, Pastor discovers that Member, who has been bringing a Senior Adult Woman with him to Church, is a suspect in some "irregularities" having to do with her debit card and bank account. Pastor does not KNOW that Member has done anything untoward regarding the Senior Adult Woman, but something just doesn't "feel right". It is POSSIBLE, however, that Pastor is just suspicious because of the sex offender status. (In Texas, as is probably true in most states, sex offender status is public information, and easily discoverable on the internet.)
Meanwhile, members are curious as to why Pastor doesn't contact Member, and encourage him to come back. One of the older wiser deacons stops by Pastor's office one day, and very politely but seriously wants to know what's going on -- and Pastor decides to seek his counsel. Deacon listens, and understands Pastor's reluctance, but isn't sure what to do. It is agree they will both pray about it, and get back together later.
Time passes, and the issue dies down, but eventually, the Senior Adult Woman misses Church, and Deacon volunteers to bring her to Church. She express her concern that Member feels abandoned, that nobody is contacting him, or cares about him. She even asks Pastor to contact Member, and Pastor, maybe not thinking quickly enough, agrees.
Deacon happened to be standing right there, and realizes the predicament Pastor is in, but says nothing. Later that week, however, Deacon stops by Pastor's office and advises Pastor that new legislation in Texas allows for more details to be posted online concerning sex offenders. Deacon reveals that the updated info on the sex offender website lists multiple occurrences of child pornography, and one indecency with a child on Member's record.
Pastor feels obligated to protect his flock, but ALSO knows that Member may be wanting to get straightened out.
As yet, Pastor has not contacted Member, but has already stated he would.
Comments?
So, a Church calls a new Pastor (hereinafter referred to as "Pastor") and shortly after he arrives (within 3 months) one of the active members (hereinafter referred to as "Member") stops attending. Some of the members notice this, and encourage Pastor to make contact with him, and try to get him back.
Pastor, however, is reluctant, because, unrelated to his position as Pastor, he has learned that Member is a registered sex offender. Further, Pastor discovers that Member, who has been bringing a Senior Adult Woman with him to Church, is a suspect in some "irregularities" having to do with her debit card and bank account. Pastor does not KNOW that Member has done anything untoward regarding the Senior Adult Woman, but something just doesn't "feel right". It is POSSIBLE, however, that Pastor is just suspicious because of the sex offender status. (In Texas, as is probably true in most states, sex offender status is public information, and easily discoverable on the internet.)
Meanwhile, members are curious as to why Pastor doesn't contact Member, and encourage him to come back. One of the older wiser deacons stops by Pastor's office one day, and very politely but seriously wants to know what's going on -- and Pastor decides to seek his counsel. Deacon listens, and understands Pastor's reluctance, but isn't sure what to do. It is agree they will both pray about it, and get back together later.
Time passes, and the issue dies down, but eventually, the Senior Adult Woman misses Church, and Deacon volunteers to bring her to Church. She express her concern that Member feels abandoned, that nobody is contacting him, or cares about him. She even asks Pastor to contact Member, and Pastor, maybe not thinking quickly enough, agrees.
Deacon happened to be standing right there, and realizes the predicament Pastor is in, but says nothing. Later that week, however, Deacon stops by Pastor's office and advises Pastor that new legislation in Texas allows for more details to be posted online concerning sex offenders. Deacon reveals that the updated info on the sex offender website lists multiple occurrences of child pornography, and one indecency with a child on Member's record.
Pastor feels obligated to protect his flock, but ALSO knows that Member may be wanting to get straightened out.
As yet, Pastor has not contacted Member, but has already stated he would.
Comments?
Comment