We all know they are out there. All of us have at least one that comes to mind almost immediately. Some of us can think of several right off the top of our heads. It's the "celebrity" ministers that just go to far in order to be heard. Most of the criticism is justified. There are those guys out there who cause us to shake our heads and wince because we all know at the end of the day it will have a major impact on Christianity as a whole. They go way to far in their antics and justify it as "spreading the word."
I'm not talking about leaders that have differing doctrinal beliefs. I think God can sort all that out when we get to heaven. Neither am I talking about pastors who are innovative and creative in the way they bring the message to non-believers. I think there is value in new methods of evangelism. I am referring specifically to people like Michael Guglielmucci.
A FORMER Adelaide pastor who inspired hundreds of thousands of young Christians with his terminal cancer "battle" has been exposed as a fraud.
Read the full article here.
I know this isn't Tuesday and maybe I should have saved this for next week but I have a question:
How do we as a church respond to people like this?
Thursday, August 21, 2008
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6 comments:
What a bummer, Tim. We've been singing that song at my church for the past few months and they even showed the You Tube video in church two weeks ago to illustrate how and why the song was written. That's very, very sad. All I can say is that we serve a forgiving God who will no doubt forgive this man and welcome him back if he is repentant, just like he does anyone else. And I know God is big enough to use things like this for his glory...even if it doesn't seem like any good could come from it!
Ok, I'm still thinking about this as I clean...does the fact that he wrote this disingenuously make the words of the song any less true? Does it mean it shouldn't be sung?
I'd definitely say no to the first...the words are Biblical and certainly true, but I don't know about the second.
Your questions are exactly what I have been struggling with. For the most part we are thinking the same. Here is what Carlos Whitaker (one of my favorite worship leaders) is saying about it.
http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/?p=5728
I think he is right on but I still struggle with it in my mind. I had big plans to use this song at our church as I felt it was very powerful in its message. Now I'm conflicted...
I was unaware of this situation, yet, rarely do I shy away from offering my opinion since I have so many of them. From a practical perspective, we can, and should pray for this man (Gal. 6:1). Also, for his family.
Jesus X was quite stern towards the Pharisees, but He seemed to have compassion for those who, from time to time, took 2 steps forward and 1 step back (Mat. 16:17-19, 23).
Concerning the image of the Church - universally speaking - in the eyes of the world, there should be no concern with the this becoming a blemish. Certainly the lying of Abraham, the murderous deceipt of King David, the crusades, the inquisition, the betrayal of X, the selling of indulgences, the PTL scandal, and other "misdeeds" , ad infinitum, could not, can not, and will not overcome the perfect plan and workings of God. Rest in X alone.
The answer is - forgive and love the man, but never use the song ... as long as it will remind people of him and distract them from worshipping.
WOW! I'm not sure how to respond to that one. This dude lied for TWO YEARS? You'd think at some point he would have had SOME bit of remorse/repentance...
If he's truly repentant, and there is fruit of that repentance, I'd say you gotta give the guy a shot. I'm not sure you could let him back in the pulpit though.
It's no wonder the world looks at the church sometimes and shakes its head.
Showing my age here, but you/we had a similar problem with Amy Grant and Sandi Patti several years ago. Sing their songs or not? Tough question.
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