The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 70-15, titled "Bible Questions and Answers."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.

Question

This is going to be a hypothetical question. Let’s say you had church A, church B, and church C. And let’s say you’re church C. And, let’s say that the pastor of church A falls, because he no longer fits the elder qualifications-let’s say it’s immorality. And, let’s say that pastor goes over to church B and they take him in and put him in a position of leadership, a shepherd. And, let’s say that you’ve previously had a working relationship with church B. That is to say, you’ve engaged in mutual ministry. Could you, church C, still maintain the same level of a working relationship with church B?

Answer

No. No. If I follow you, what you’re saying is church B has a man who committed immorality in church A. Could we maintain the same relationship? No. Because it would be our conviction that he shouldn’t be in the ministry. And, while we might love the people and want to be a help and encouragement on a personal level, to be identified in any supportive role with that ministry would be contrary to what we believe and what we believe the Word of God teaches.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
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Email: tony@biblebb.com
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