by JOHN MACARTHUR
God does not demand perfection from those who shepherd His flock, but He insists on men who are above reproach.
John MacArthur, Ministry & Leaership
SEXUAL FIDELITY
John MacArthur, Ministry & Leaership
by JOHN MACARTHUR
God does not demand perfection from those who shepherd His flock, but He insists on men who are above reproach.
Christian Grandfather Magazine 
Your “Continue reading …” link needs a fix!
I love John MacArthur, but I must say, I have some doubts about banning someone from ministry, if they have fallen into sin after marriage. Where is the grace in that. Do I think that person, needs accountability and discipline, yes. If you look at all the requirements of eldership, it’s hard to believe, that one could not fall at one point or another. Certainly, as a pastor, we would not want to view these things legalistically. Matthew 18 is always about restoration. How can one lead those to grace, when one does has not been on the receiving end of grace, before or after conversion. It’s the heart that God looks at, not a single act. Are there consequences, yes, but God, did not take David’s leadership away, after murder, and adultery, did he? Would love to hear your comments. My heart is open to your instruction.
I didn’t post this, I just commented on the link not working. Will let Andy respond to your comment when he releases it, as it is his site.
Some very good thoughts. It’s all about the heart, forgivenss and restoration?
My apology for the late response, I thought Andy might respond to your inquiry as it is his post. Without knowing the particulars of the sin after marriage, I would have a tendency to think that each situation could differ. The optimum situation for a Pastor would be that his personal conduct would remain beyond repute obviously, but in reality, such is not always the case. I think if a Pastor committed adultery, then divorced his first wife and got married again to the woman he committed adultery with, that would definitely bring discredit as a witness to Christ and I would think, an end to his ministry as a Pastor. Committing adultery and confessing it, undergoing probation and counselling and staying with his wife, could bring reinstatement, but it would definitely hurt his witness. God did not take David’s leadership away but the consequences were severe with the loss of their child. I’m not God so I can only surmise but I know that sin confessed will be forgiven, if forsaken and I believe that God is always fair. Loss of salvation, not necessarily if the sin is confessed and forsaken, the particulars would matter. Loss of position as Pastor, again it would depend on the particulars but that particular sin for a Pastor has far reaching consequences, that is a reality. Hope this helps with your quirky. Blessings!
Make that “query”!
Thnaks for this Bruce!
Thanks for alerting this to me, Bruce! I check it every morning and some mornings it just doesn’t link properly. You can also find the article at christiangrandfather.org. WP is not alerting me properly to your comments so I apologize for the late delay in response.
There was a follow-up question on that post by another reader that you might want to release and respond to, Andy.