What do you do when the preacher is in sin and the leadership supports him?
Question:
Thanks for your website, it really helps me exercise my critical thinking skills with the Scriptures.
One question about withdrawal. What do you do when the offending party is the minister of the congregation? When there are only he and the deacons, and they automatically side with him on everything? The church meeting is not something that is taught in most congregations, probably intentionally in some cases. A person who has the courage to confront the so-called "spiritual leader," who is not leading spiritually, is likely in for quite a battle. The congregation will likely suffer casualties in this situation.
Answer:
From the organization, I assume you are attending a Baptist congregation. In a church that follows the New Testament pattern, a congregation would have elders overseeing the spiritual condition of the church, deacons taking care of the day-to-day activities, preachers dealing with the teaching of the gospel. A preacher doesn't run a congregation.
If the preacher's sin is of a personal nature, then you are to follow Jesus' instructions, "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector" (Matthew 18:15-17).
If the sin is of a public nature, then bring it before the leaders of the congregation. If they won't stand for the truth, then it is long past time for you to find a congregation that values the truth.
There are always two options: either the sinner is cast out or you withdraw from those supporting sin.
