Question: I belong to a church where the slogan is, “Open Hearts–Open Minds–Open Doors.” I do not have a problem accepting people with alternate lifestyles into the church, and I don’t have a problem worshiping with someone who is, in my opinion, living in a way that goes against Scripture. But I do not believe someone who openly sins should be a leader in the church. What is your view on this, especially when it comes to those who openly practice homosexuality? Should they be allowed to serve in leadership positions, especially when they just seem to overlook this part of the Bible? I really believe that religion can get in the way when we focus on issues, but is there a point where we need to draw the line?
Answer: We think you are right on the money on two counts. First, “religion” can get in the way of our relationship with God. The greatest opposition Jesus faced was from the religious establishment, because he threatened their systems, which were rooted in legalism (that is, working your way to heaven).
Churches today have made certain issues a litmus test for a right relationship with God–whether they are moral, spiritual or social–and that isn’t right. The only basis for our being made right before God is faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
However, on the other side of the coin is the kind of unbiblical “tolerance” you are referring to. This is the second count where we would agree with you. As you indicated, certain churches tolerate behavior that is clearly going against Scripture. That is certainly not a “disqualifier” for someone who does not aspire to leadership. As you said, no one should be excluded from worshiping God, who is the only one who knows the heart.
But when someone is openly going against the Word of God as far as his or her behavior is concerned, then that person should be disqualified from leadership in the church. On the issue of homosexuality, there are those in the church who would argue that it is not prohibited by the Bible, but you really have to stretch the passages where it is specifically mentioned as a sin (such as Romans 1:26-32).
Notice that the passage in Romans is not just about homosexuality. There are many other “shameful desires” that are listed, and presumably, any one of these would disqualify someone from serving as a leader in the church.
Again, our morality and behavior are not the basis for our eternal standing before God, but our they are indicators of our heart and whether or not the Holy Spirit is in control of our lives, and this affects our everyday standing before God. Galatians 5:16-26 is a great passage in this regard, especially verses 24-25:
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to the cross and crucified them there. If we are living by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
A sin is a sin and we are all sinners. Thanks to God for his son. Their is something to be learned from everyone. Try focusing on all on the other “non-sinful” qualities of your church leaders and try to learn something. Remember-God loves them as much as he loves you.
as far as am concern we all have one weaknesses or the other that we contend with bcos nobody is perfect in this area well i do not agree too with someone who openly sin to a leader in the church bcos church is part of a place where we encourage each other to live a rightouess life and leading especially in church as a leader you have to set examples for people to follow but as far as am concern we need to pray for our leaders in church (some leaders may not know that they are openly sinning )despite how established and sound in faith that peter was he had his shortcomings also david,samuel with his sons by failing to correct them on how to behave when it comes to serving God.
A sin is a sin and we are all sinners, yes this is true. When I think of a “shameful desire”, I think of the story of the rich man that asked Jesus what he had to do to have eternal life in Matthew 19:16-22. He had kept all the commandments, but he couldn’t bear to part with his riches. As we all know NONE of us are perfect(Romans 3:23). I don’t think that was the point Jesus was trying to make. He was asking this man to give up the things he loved the most. In the rich man’s case…..it was his money…..to someone else it could be those “shameful desires”. We as Christians are called to forsake all and follow Jesus. Being one that has such shameful desires, I speak for myself. Count the cost… What will it cost me to be a follower of Christ? Maybe money, Maybe fame, Maybe…..love. The bible clearly speaks against such things……2 Tim 3:2-8 / Romans 1:26-32.
Since I believe my Bible to be accurate and True, I cannot disreguard the scripture. In my own personal study and devotion, I have found that I am called to give up everything I want…..and search for what God wants from me.
Though I cannot prentend these “feelings” aren’t there, I know for some reason, I have been placed here, For a purpose God is revealing daily. I think that homosexuality is a growing “trend”. It seems more and more young people are begining to identify themselves this way. I definetly don’t have all the answers but I do know that one thing is true….Everything happens for a reason….and when the time is right, God will use me for HIS glory as long as I seek His will.