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Sender's name: C. Foster

How long do you keep praying for your pastor to be delivered, who keeps falling into to sin with the women in his congregation.  I am struggling to leave the church.  He has a powerful ministry and truly knows the Word of God but is not living it. 

This is not hear say nor gossip.  I know because I am a family member.

Prayfully concerned.

Please give me scripture on this matter.

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The word, "Pastor" is an English translation of the Greek word for "shepherd." Pastor originally meant shepherd, but in American English does not have that connotation any longer. The Bible uses "pastor, elder, overseer/bishop" interchangeably. For more on this, I would suggest looking at the study outlines concerning eldership in the church on this web site.

With that being said, it is instructive to look at instructions concerning overseers/bishops in Timothy and Titus. The instructions concerning these church leaders in 1 Timothy three and Titus 1 show that they are to be honorable men. One who continually falls into sin would not be an honorable man. In fact, we have this instruction:

"The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages." Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning (1 Tim 5:17-20)."

The man who does well is worthy of his wages. But if he continues in sin, he is to be rebuked in the presence of everyone. It is important for this man to be a man of integrity who carries the qualities or qualifications that 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 have. If he refuses help and does not make any progress, it is probably time for him to resign. But that is a decision that takes prayer, wisdom, and discernment.

John Telgren

P.O. Box 452

Leavenworth, KS 66048

Web: epreacher.org/ask

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