by doug-s » Mon Jan 15, 2007 8:22 am
I have read a few posts here over an extended period of time, but now I have a question that I would like some input on.
I am not a member of any particular denomination, except for a loyal follower of Jesus Christ. I do attend a denominational church of a different flavor, but I think that is because that is where God has instructed me to be right now.
For the past 5 years I have been in essence the leader of the "contemporary" worship service at this church. A position I admit I was very reluctant to accept. Over time though it became very important in the life of myself and my family, as well revitalized a church very much in need. I know this was not of my own accord, but through what God chose me to do.
Recently though I was "told" that if I wanted to continue in the capacity that I was serving I would have to submit to a background check. I fully understand the reasoning, which is to protect the children. While I agree we should take every step we can to protect children, I think the theology behind this action is taking a huge step away from sound christian principles. I have researched this "denominations" official position on this very extensively. In plain black and white they are taking the position of catagorizing sin and taking the position that they now have the authority to decide which sins are serious enough to disqualify a person from service in this denomination.
The following is taken directly from their website: I have edited out the denominations name.
[i]Results of screens shall be kept confidential. The determination of whether a particular crime is serious enough to result in the "said denomination" giving a negative recommendation shall be made by the "said denomination" in its sole discretion. Without in any way limiting those crimes which the "said denomination" may determine to be serious,
examples include:
Persons having a criminal history of any of the following types of offenses shall not be allowed to serve in any ministry with children and youth:
Child abuse, whether physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful
Violent offenses, including murder, rape, assault, domestic violence, etc
Persons having a Criminal History of DUI or DWI conviction within the five (5) years immediately prior to application shall not be allowed to act as a driver.
Persons having a Criminal History of a drug related conviction within the five (5) years immediately prior to application shall not be allowed to participate in the event.
While I fully realize some of these things are common sense, they also border strongly in my opinion of saying that because you have a checkered past you are going to be limited to sitting in the pews.
I just can't wrap my mind around this line of thinking. I was in fact told point blank that this was my only option, and that this is just the world we live in.
I have prayed and prayed about this issue, and I just keep coming back to this point. We are throwing out sprititual discernment, and believing God for the man, and are now going to operate under the auspices of fear. A very disheartening decision.