Another prominent pastor has fallen. His sin exposed to all the world to see. Media outlets are having a field day. Other pastors are having a field day. Christians devouring one another on social media is entertainment for the throngs of non-Christians who point to the lack of mercy as even more evidence against the gospel.
It sure is thrilling to deep dive into the seedy details of a person’s life and failings. We are able to say, “Boy, I’m better than that guy.” We look at their theology to see if the errors they have made opened the door to such sin. We celebrate that their brand of Christianity might finally be exposed and our brand of Christianity be lifted up.
The responses to pastors falling make me sad. I am sadder still when I evaluate my own heart and know the ways I have done this too. I am sickened as I think about things I’ve said or thought about others who have fallen.
Yet, it is in these moments that I’m reminded again at the beauty of the structure of Presbyterianism.
Presbyterian pastors are not members of their local church. They are members of a regional body called, “Presbytery.” We are to be active participants in Presbytery in the same way that church members are to be active participants in their local congregations. The reasons are the same, so that the pastors may be known, cared for, and have the opportunity to experience church discipline.
Over the years of being a Presbyterian minister I have witnessed discipline happen more than I would like at Presbytery. It’s never a good thing when we enter into executive session and the guests are excused. It’s uncomfortable and typically heart wrenching. When light shines onto darkness it is initially painful.
What happens next is fantastic. A group of Elders comes around the person for the goal of restoring them. The end of discipline is not to inflict judgment but to bring about restoration.
I love that.
I love that we have a process in place that:
- Recognizes and assumes that pastors are imperfect, sinful, broken people in need of restorative grace.
- Seeks to bring that restoration in the context of community and not through punitive judgement.
I know that other denominations have their ways as well and I am sure they are just as beautiful.
The system of discipline within my tribe makes me hopeful for pastors who have fallen. It makes me hopeful that they will be restored. It makes me hopeful that their families might be saved.
Our system isn’t perfect. There many times that I’m beyond frustrated with our denomination. There are many times when I wonder why I’m connected to it.
However, on days like today, I say, “Presbyterian, Thank God.”
The post Presbyterian, Thank God. appeared first on The Journal by Daniel M. Rose. It was written by Daniel M. Rose.
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