ethics

Thumbnail image for Ethics: Pastor Called to Church is on Third Marriage

Ethics: Pastor Called to Church is on Third Marriage

What would you do Wednesday! There are differing views within Christianity on marriage, divorce, and re-marriage. Some are black and white on these issues while others take into account when the people involved became Christians. And there are those who question whether divorce and/or re-marriage is ever permissible for pastors. That said, I thought this would be an interesting topic for today’s scenario. The situation takes place in a Baptist church which uses a pastoral search committee. The committee has agreed upon a candidate who has accepted the nomination. The next step is for the congregation to vote to invite …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Pastor Ignores Matthew 18 Over Facebook Offense

Ethics: Pastor Ignores Matthew 18 Over Facebook Offense

What would you do Wednesday! Given the widespread use of social media the following scenario is bound to happen if it hasn’t happened all ready. It’s a normal day on Facebook. Some people are sharing pictures of their kids and their food. Others complain about or praise something going on in their life. And many people share political and religious pictures and postcards – both funny and serious. On your wall, you decide to post something expressing disagreement with a relatively well-known Christian speaker. While you did not necessary disagree doctrinally, the real issue was his crass approach to the …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Traditionalist Baptist Seeks Pastorate of Calvinist Church

Ethics: Traditionalist Baptist Seeks Pastorate of Calvinist Church

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s post is especially for Southern Baptists as we think through how to get along as Calvinists and non-Calvinists working together for the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are some of us who believe Calvinists and non-Calvinists can serve together in a local church under the Baptist Faith & Message 2000. There are others who don’t believe such unity is, or should be, possible. Let’s think about Southern Baptist unity in terms of today’s scenario. You have a pastor friend who affirms the recent Southern Baptist Traditionalist Statement. This statement goes somewhat beyond the current …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Retired Pastor Pushing Advice on New Pastor

Ethics: Retired Pastor Pushing Advice on New Pastor

What would you do Wednesday! Today, dear reader, you get to be the confidant of a pastor. This pastor, who is a close friend, was recently called to a new church. This new church needed a new pastor because the former pastor retired after leading this particular congregation for 20 years. The back story is that your friend was called away from the first church he led where he served for five years. He had not planned on leaving his previous church. However, a well-known pastor who served one church for the last 20 years was about to retire. This …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Child Forced Into Same-Sex Kiss at School

Ethics: Child Forced Into Same-Sex Kiss at School

What would you do Wednesday! This post is inspired by the recent Christian Post article, “Parents Upset After Middle School Girls Forced Into ‘Lesbian Kiss’ at NY School Read.” It’s a regular Friday evening. Nothing out of the ordinary until you sit down at the dinner table and your two kids begin an unbelievable story. Your son and daughter broke down – nervous and ashamed – that they each had to kiss someone of the same-sex in school! Apparently, the middle school they both attend, had all grades, 6th – 8th, go through homosexual sensitivity training. The goal was to …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Former Oneness Pastor Will Not Publicly Confess Trinity!

Ethics: Former Oneness Pastor Will Not Publicly Confess Trinity!

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s scenario involves a former Oneness pastor who is also a comedian. Your church has hired this comedian to come in and do a fundraising show for a mission trip. While you had heard of this comedian, curiosity lead you to do an online search about him. Your search lead you to several Christian apologetic sites which claimed that this comedian denied the Trinity. The evidence seems to clearly show this comedian is a Oneness Pentecostal. His parent church (the one that planted his current church) has clear anti-Trinitarian statements on their website. The current …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Accept the Invitation to Son’s Same-Sex Marriage?

Ethics: Accept the Invitation to Son’s Same-Sex Marriage?

What would you do Wednesday! I don’t know any Christians who have faced today’s scenario of being invited to their gay son’s same-sex wedding. However, I’m sure there will be Christians who have and who will face such a dilemma. So let’s think about it…. You are a Christian who believes that marriage is something only between people of the opposite sex. You raised your three kids with this belief about marriage. This is the position on marriage from both the Bible and from a natural law perspective. Not only have you taught you kids that same-sex marriage is actually …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Christian Rapper Teams Up with Snoop Dogg

Ethics: Christian Rapper Teams Up with Snoop Dogg

What would you do Wednesday! A few Christian hip-hop artists have moved to secular record labels. Some Christian rappers are now performing in the same venue with secular artists. This type of affiliation is seen by some as being missional and/or as breaking the sacred-secular divide. But what happens when your son’s favorite Christian rapper goes on tour with Snoop Dogg and does a couple songs with him? Rapper X, arguably the top Christian rapper at the moment, is your 10 year old son’s favorite artist. Your son owns all four of his albums which listens to daily. Your son …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Complementarian Pastor Invited to Mother’s Pastoral Ordination

Ethics: Complementarian Pastor Invited to Mother’s Pastoral Ordination

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s scenario is difficult. The dilemma puts a Christian pastor in a situation where he must decide in favor of his family or his biblical convictions. Is today’s post based on a true story? That’s for me to know and you to guess. A pastor gets a formal invite from his father in the mail. The invite is for the pastor to bring his family to his mother’s ordination; her pastoral ordination. He closes his eyes and prays for wisdom. Chills sweep across his body. The problem is this pastor is a strong complementarian. He …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Christian Cuts Unbelieving Family Members Out of Life

Ethics: Christian Cuts Unbelieving Family Members Out of Life

What would you do Wednesday! I have no idea how often something similar to today’s scenario happens, but I know it does. While catching up with one of your fellow Christians, you ask about their family.  Your friend says,”Most of them are well, but I’m not sure about my sister since we aren’t talking anymore. She’s pretty much out of my life now.” Pausing, you ask, “What in the world are you talking about?” Your friend explains that for years the relationship with their sister has not been the most fruitful. There has always been some underlying, unidentified tension, but …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Popular Preacher Cancels Podcast Due to Small Audience

Ethics: Popular Preacher Cancels Podcast Due to Small Audience

What would you do Wednesday! The following scenario is based on a true event. The names have been changed to protect the guilty – and the innocent! A friend of yours is the pastor of a church plant. In addition to his pastoral duties he also hosts a podcast a couple times per week. The church faithfully supports and endorses the podcast where your friend addresses theological and cultural issues. Sometimes on the podcast another man from the church will teach the Bible. Other times, another pastor or author will be a guest where they can discuss a current book, …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Finding An Envelope Full of Cash!

Ethics: Finding An Envelope Full of Cash!

What would you do Wednesday! Pamela North Holloway, a part-time Atlanta airport employee, recently founds an envelope stuffed with $7,000.1 Holloway’s story is the inspiration for today’s scenario. You work part-time, unable to find a full-time job yet. Monthly bills are piling up. Most of them going on two months late. This is the first month that your mortgage may be late. Though money has been tight, it is really only the last few months that have set you back. Unexpected car repairs, a higher than normal gas bill, gasoline prices and the like have been your nemesis. You haven’t …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Fellow Christian Recommends 50 Shades of Grey

Ethics: Fellow Christian Recommends 50 Shades of Grey

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s scenario is between two Christians who are friends and fellow church members. You catch up on each others’ lives during a regular luncheon with a church friend. You try to have lunch a couple times per month for prayer, encouragement, and fellowship. While having a spiritual conversation you ask about their spouse. Since so many marriages have spiritual struggles in this age of busyness and information overload discussions about each others prayer and devotional life within the marriage is always a topic. Today, your friend tells you that their prayer and devotional life is …keep reading »

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Ethics: Adult Toy Seller to Sing at Church Event

Thumbnail image for Ethics: Adult Toy Seller to Sing at Church Event

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s scenario is based on the true story of Kandi Burrus as reported by the Christian Post.1 According to CP, Burrus is a reality TV star, sells adult toys online and recently recorded the gospel song “Stay Prayed Up”. For the past several months your church has been planning a gospel music event. The event is well advertized, open to the public, and church members encouraged to bring friends and family. You have invited friends and family to the event some of whom include your neighbors. The whole night is planned out including coffee with …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Pastor Says Tithe Even If You Can’t Met Monthly Expenses

Ethics: Pastor Says Tithe Even If You Can’t Met Monthly Expenses

What would you do Wednesday! This week’s ethics post is inspired by Dave Miller’s recent post The New Testament Standard of Giving at SBC Voices. A couple from church have been missing for a few Sundays. You wonder where your friends have been so you give them a call one Sunday afternoon. Your friends tell you that they have been struggling financially and have not been able to give 10% of their gross income; their tithe. They have fallen on financial hard times. The economy is down, the husband took a pay cut, the wife was injured in an accident …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Pastoral Candidate Preaches Salvation through the Sinner’s Prayer

Ethics: Pastoral Candidate Preaches Salvation through the Sinner’s Prayer

What would you do Wednesday! The following scenario is based on a true story that was submitted through the contact page. What follows is the blog reader’s main concern in this church’s path to find a new pastor. The following scenario gets to the heart of the concern while not precisely describing every aspect of the situation. A deacon friend comes to you with concerns over the pastoral candidate most of the search committee favors. He is also on the search committee along with two other pastors and three other deacons. The former pastor gave a five month resignation notice …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Guest Preacher Calls Muslims “Towelheads”

Ethics: Guest Preacher Calls Muslims “Towelheads”

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s scenario involves you witnessing to one of your nominal Muslim neighbors. You’ve been witnessing to him for a while. He is nominal in the sense that he doesn’t go to Mosque that much, but he still considers himself a Muslim. He was raised in a Muslim household and is sensitive to issues related to Islam. Well, your church is having a guest preacher. The guest was a former Muslim who converted to Christianity. This seemed like a good opportunity to invite your Muslim friend to church so he could hear the testimony of a …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Pastor Offers Money to Attend His Church

Ethics: Pastor Offers Money to Attend His Church

What would you do Wednesday? Today’s scenario may be the weirdest yet! And it’s based on a true story…or is it? You are at lunch sitting in a local restaurant with a few friends one Sunday after worship service. A pastor of another local church walks by. Though you are both Baptists this pastor is adamantly opposed to your theology which leans more on the side of the Protestant Reformers. Despite disagreements you are always cordial to each other and consider each other brothers in Christ. The pastor does not see you as he walks through the restaurant so you stop …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Pastor Won’t Reveal His Salary

Ethics: Pastor Won’t Reveal His Salary

What would you do Wednesday! Money is a touchy subject for most people; especially, their own money. Even many Christians are adamant that they know exactly where every dime they give to the church is being spent. There are times when churches need to raise additional funds so they have a special plea for members to give. Some members give more, some give the same, and some don’t give at all. Though it might be argued that Christians in general don’t give sacrificially anyway. Today’s scenario is one in which your church needs to raise a bit of extra money …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Parents to Put Child on ADHD Medication

Ethics: Parents to Put Child on ADHD Medication

What would you do Wednesday! Friends and fellow church members are contemplating putting their kid on ADHD medicine. Your pastor is very outspoken against any type of ADHD medication. In fact, the pastor has made it clear that any church member who believes their kids need ADHD medication are simply not doing their jobs as parents. Those parents lack a biblical model of discipline in the home. He has asked that any parent considering such mediation seek biblical counsel by talking to him first. Your friends explain that they decided to have their kid tested by a psychiatrist in stead …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: New Years Eve Party, Alcohol and the Pastor

Ethics: New Years Eve Party, Alcohol and the Pastor

What would you do Wednesday! Christmas has just passed and the new year is almost here. You make plans all week for a New Years Eve fellowship at your home with some friends from church. As you invite friends you make sure they understand that you will have champagne for the happy new year toast. The annual champagne toast is a reminder of the freedom in Christ there is to have a drink of alcohol. It is also a celebration of coming out of the cult of Mormonism where alcohol is forbidden based on Joseph Smith’s ‘Word of Wisdom’. Friends …keep reading »

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Top 10 Ethics Posts for 2012

In July 2010, I started the Wednesday series called “What Would You Do Wednesday!” In those Wednesday posts I try to come up with real life situations faced by Christians in order to help us think through how we might react and apply biblically based ethics. Sometimes the situations are based on actual events as people started contacting me with situations in which they have been involved. Of course, I would never reveal who is submitting these situations. Often those who submit a situation are curiously seeking advice with a wider audience than they might have otherwise. The goal is …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Christmas Tree Vs. Fellowship

Ethics: Christmas Tree Vs. Fellowship

What would you do Wednesday! The following scenario takes place during the first week of December which means Christmas is around the corner. A friend called a wanted to come over to discuss Christmas trees. While reading about Christmas trees online, as a Christian, he became uncomfortable with them. A week later he stops by your house. Since you last talked he has come to the clear conviction that Christmas trees have some sort of pagan origins; therefore Christians should not put them up to celebrate the birth of Jesus. On your living room floor he notices a box packed …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Pastor Threatens to Call Out Facebook Posts from Pulpit

Ethics: Pastor Threatens to Call Out Facebook Posts from Pulpit

What would you do Wednesday! The following situation is based on a true story. Though I don’t always note when an ethics post is based on a true story, but I thought this one a bit odd so I mention it in case anyone wonders if I just made it up. The concern stems from Facebook posts and made its way to the pulpit. Your teenage son is on Facebook. Like all good teenaged Facebook users he updates his wall often. Your son shares his feelings on his wall about various issues in life. If he is struggling, frustrated or …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Sermon Illustration Used as Real Personal Experience

Ethics: Sermon Illustration Used as Real Personal Experience

What would you do Wednesday! It’s Sunday morning just before worship service begins. As you talk to some friends, you remember the joke you read on a blog last night about a pastor, a rabbi and a priest fishing together. You begin telling the joke, but the music starts so you have to finish afterward. Worship service begins and a wonderful time of worship feeds your soul. Toward the end of sermon the preacher begins an illustration to help make a particular point. The illustration turns out to be a joke – the same joke you read last night on …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Mormon Neighbor Asks You to Help Feed People on Thanksgiving

Ethics: Mormon Neighbor Asks You to Help Feed People on Thanksgiving

What would you do Wednesday! It is Thanksgiving morning. You stand in the front yard admiring God’s creation thinking about the gospel. There is nothing to be more thankful for – nothing more important – than the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel that saved you and shapes your worldview. It’s going to be a great day! “Good morning,” your neighbor yells from across the yard. After exchanging a few words your neighbor asks if you’d like to come help serve food to people in need for a couple of hours. He explains that his church serves food for Thanksgiving …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Homosexual Couple Comes to Bible Study

Ethics: Homosexual Couple Comes to Bible Study

What would you do Wednesday! It’s Friday evening. You just got home from work, pulled into the driveway, and turned off your car. Running a little late for the dinner date with your spouse, you hurry toward the house so you can turn around and get to the restaurant on time. While heading for the front door your new neighbor, whom you’ve not officially met, says hello. He notices that your are carrying a Bible (it had been left in the car). Being new to the neighborhood, he mentions the Bible and says that he wants to talk to you …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: New Friends Serve Lord’s Supper at Dinner Date

Ethics: New Friends Serve Lord’s Supper at Dinner Date

What would you do Wednesday! A new couple moved into town two months ago and joined your church. In order to get to know you better, they invited you and your spouse over for dinner. Something unusual happened during dinner. All of the food set on the table was covered; presumably to keep it warm. Your new friend, the husband, asked that you all bow your heads to give thanks for the food. He ends his prayer reading about the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:23-29. For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Neighbor Will Not Attend Church Over Racism

Ethics: Neighbor Will Not Attend Church Over Racism

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s situation deals with a white Baptist Christian who invites his unbelieving black neighbor to church. You, a white Christian, have been neighbors with a black unbeliever for the past year when he moved into the neighborhood. The two of you have built a pretty good relationship. You have borrowed tools and other items from each other. You’ve been there for each other during car problems, yard work, house sitting, etc. The level of trust has been established in many everyday areas except spiritual in issues. You have tried to talk with him about Jesus, …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Sponsoring a Female Church Planter

Ethics: Sponsoring a Female Church Planter

What would you do Wednesday! The following situation is based on true events…. Your church recently made contact with a husband and wife missionary team who are back home in the U.S. to raise support. They have been missionaries in a poor country for five years. The couple is known for starting house churches in the poor country though not a lot organizational or procedural details are known. Your church has been promoting a missions theme during the current month. Every Sunday morning missionaries get to share what they are doing on the mission field for a few minutes before …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Paralyzed Christian Wants to Die

Ethics: Paralyzed Christian Wants to Die

What would you do Wednesday! This situation is inspired by the tragic situation of Grace Sung Eun Lee, a 28 year old paralyzed Christian, who is ready to die.1 Her parents believe removing the breathing and feeding tubes would be suicide sending her straight to hell. Today’s situation will be slightly different than Lee’s, very sad, real life situation. Six months ago a 30 year old friend was paralyzed. Your friend has been in the hospital for the last six months and is kept alive by breathing and feeding tubes. You visited your friend frequently for encouragement and prayer. Your friend’s …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Too Fat to Enter the Ministry

Ethics: Too Fat to Enter the Ministry

What would you do Wednesday! A friend is told by his pastor that his weight is keeping the pastor from signing off on his seminary application. A good friend of yours approached his pastor about going to seminary and entering vocational ministry. The pastor knew of his ministry aspirations. They finally met to discuss the pastor’s approval and endorsement on the seminary application. A point in the meeting was reached where they discussed the pastoral qualifications in 1 Timothy 3. Your friend read verses 1-7 out loud. Your friend then asked the pastor if he thought there were any apparent …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Visiting Non-Member Friend Wants to Take Lord’s Supper

Ethics: Visiting Non-Member Friend Wants to Take Lord’s Supper

What would you do Wednesday! LifeWay’s recent survey on the Lord’s Supper practices among Southern Baptists has incited some discussion in Baptist blog world. So today’s situation is in the context of the Lord’s Supper being served in Baptist church that practices closed communion. An old friend is in town staying with you over the weekend. While catching up over dinner Friday night your friend begins a spiritual conversation. He admits something that has been spiritually weighing him down – he had some unresolved anger toward you and decided not to take communion until after this visit where he could …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: a Pastor Secretly Records Conversation with Another Pastor

Ethics: a Pastor Secretly Records Conversation with Another Pastor

What would you do Wednesday! The following scenario is inspired by actual events as told by Peter Lumpkins.1 Please note that inspired by does not mean an exact, actual portrayal of said events. Rather, the scenario is loosely based on the actual event. Okay? OK! Pastor Friend calls you and tells you about an interesting conversation he just had with Pastor Blogger. Pastors Friend and Blogger just happened to be eating lunch in the same restaurant so Friend approached Blogger to challenge him on his approach to blogging. A conversation ensued. Friend tells you that the tone of the conversation …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Beth Moore Unexpectedly Guest Preaches Sunday Morning

Ethics: Beth Moore Unexpectedly Guest Preaches Sunday Morning

What would you do Wednesday! Popular Southern Baptist author Beth Moore recently preached at Passion City Church on Sunday morning. The video of Beth Moore preaching at Passion City Church is still online. In light of her recent sermon – let’s consider how you might react if Beth Moore were to unexpectedly preach at your church on Sunday morning. The scenario. Your church has advertised for the past two months that Beth Moore is visiting soon to lead a Sunday School class. She is visiting to teach, promote a book, answer questions, etc. Several of your friends hear that Moore …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Pastor Uses Company for Sermon Preparation

Ethics: Pastor Uses Company for Sermon Preparation

What would you do Wednesday! Today, I’d like to find out what people think about pastors using sermon preparation companies like Docent Research. Docent will be used for illustrative purposes to show that a sermon preparation service actually exists and to show what they offer. Always curious about what your pastor is reading you browse the books on his desk while waiting to meet him. While shifting one of the books in order to get the title of another book an envelope falls to the floor. “Oops,” you mutter as you bend down to pick it up just as your …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Female Pastors Volunteer at Complementarian Church

Ethics: Female Pastors Volunteer at Complementarian Church

What would you do Wednesday! Your church financially supports and hosts an after school Bible club. The club is interdenominational, but has doctrinal parameters to which volunteer teachers must agree. One of those doctrines is complementarianism which states that a woman cannot hold the office of pastor. It just so happens that two local female Methodist pastors volunteered to help with the Bible club. The pastor found out about the female pastors and explained to the Bible club director that having female pastors goes against the club’s doctrinal agreement. The pastor further explained that if the church cannot continue supporting …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Your Pastor Asked to Pray at Republican National Convention

Ethics: Your Pastor Asked to Pray at Republican National Convention

What would you do Wednesday! The Republican National Convention (RNC) kicks off this week. It is no secret that Mormon Mitt Romney is the Republican Presidential nominee. As with most national political events prayers will be offered. In fact, the NY Times reports that prayers at this years RNC will be given by a Jewish Rabbi, a Roman Catholic and “a Hispanic evangelical Christian, a Sikh, a Greek Orthodox archbishop and two Mormon leaders.”1 Today, think about how you would react if your Protestant pastor were invited to pray at the 2012 RNC given the above information. Your pastor has …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Your Pastor Takes Away Sunday School Material

Ethics: Your Pastor Takes Away Sunday School Material

What would you do Wednesday! It is no secret that Pastor Ralph Green is dissatisfied with the new LifeWay Sunday School curriculum, The Gospel Project.1 It is also no secret that many disagree with Green’s criticisms. Green’s criticisms have inspired today’s applied ethics post. I’d like to bring a similar situation to your local church. I know that pastors and laity read this blog so there could be some interesting perspectives offered. The situation. New Sunday School classes started three weeks ago. An SS teacher brought in some new curriculum which he told the pastor about. The pastor wanted to …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Church Pressured to Support Burned Down Mosque

Ethics: Church Pressured to Support Burned Down Mosque

A Mosque in Joplin, MO recently burned down possibly due to arson. The St. Louis Post-Dispacth reported that churches in Joplin joined together to support a Mosque that burned down.1 Not only did churches come together to support the burned Mosque, but the article states that they will participate in an Islamic spiritual practice – iftar. They’ll be taking part in an “iftar,” which is a meal to break a fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.  What if a Mosque burned down in your town and your church was pressured to help? Several churches in your town, civic …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: A Pastor’s Disobedient Children

Ethics: A Pastor’s Disobedient Children

What would you do Wednesday! Unfortunately, the following situation is based on actual events. Your wife and kids got to spend the day with your pastor’s wife and kids. Although four kids, ages 9 to 12, can be a handful, your wife came home surprisingly frustrated. Your wife explains that the pastor’s children were very rude and disrespectful to her outside their mother’s presence and even to their mother directly. The children were even disrespectful to their father, your pastor. Your children confirm your wife’s frustrations. After asking your children if they had fun with Jack and Diane, your pastor’s …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Excommunicated During Sunday Morning Worship?

Ethics: Excommunicated During Sunday Morning Worship?

What would you do Wednesday! Unfortunately, today’s scenario is inspired by true events. Consider the situation below. Explain why the pastor(s) should or should not carry out excommunication during the Sunday morning worship service on a church member who is under church discipline. Background Three months ago, a husband’s illicit affair was uncovered. The man admitted to a five year affair. He has been married for 15 years and has two kids. He has been in counseling with his pastors. Despite the counsel for the man to repent and reconcile with his wife, he has decided to leave his wife for …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Church Member Tries to Get Rid of Calvinist Pastor

Ethics: Church Member Tries to Get Rid of Calvinist Pastor

What would you do Wednesday! Inside a Southern Baptist Church the following is taking place at a congregational meeting. (Not Southern Baptist? Play along anyway!) The time has come for church members to speak about any praises or concerns on their hearts. One member says that he has a concern and moves to the microphone. Member: I have a concern about our pastor! He has been our pastor for three years and within the last year he started preaching out of the ESV Bible. In the last eight weeks alone he has quoted John Piper, RC Sproul and Augustine. My concern …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Pastor Leaves for a More Prominent Church

Ethics: Pastor Leaves for a More Prominent Church

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s scenario is set in a congregational meeting. Regular church business took place including announcements, comments on church life, etc. The pastor has said he has a special announcement to make, but first the deacon chairman had a few words to share with the pastor. The deacon begins, “Pastor, it has been a good eight years since you came to shepherd us. Last night, the deacon body and several other leaders in the church got together to pray over today’s meeting. We prayed for you and your family and discussed how thankful we are for …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Anti-Calvinism Resolution at the Southern Baptist Convention

Ethics: Anti-Calvinism Resolution at the Southern Baptist Convention

What would you do Wednesday! The annual Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) meeting is two months away1 so a situation that could take place during this meeting may provide an interesting discussion. In order to help those who are not Southern Baptists better participate in this topic, a few citations expressing Southern Baptist positions are provided below. Southern Baptists have prepared a statement of generally held convictions called The Baptist Faith and Message. It serves as a guide to understanding who they are.2 There is nothing in the Baptist Faith and Message that excludes Calvinists nor is the aim to do …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Leaking Confidential Meeting Details

Ethics: Leaking Confidential Meeting Details

What would you do Wednesday! The characters: You are one of twenty board members of a local Christian school. You have a friend who writes an online column for a local newspaper. The situation: Your friend has recently written critically in his online column about some of the recent decisions of the Christian school. You have mostly agreed with your friend about his concerns and have worked within your capacity as a board member to correct these recent decisions. A recent board meeting discussed some of the details about one of the school’s recent decisions. You shared those confidential details …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: George Zimmerman Secretly Visits Your Church

Ethics: George Zimmerman Secretly Visits Your Church

What would you do Wednesday! The tragic shooting death of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman that happened in Sanford, FL has taken over the internet recently.1 Passionate replies have been poured out from both Martin and Zimmerman supporters. Many in the court of public opinion have already tried Zimmerman and found him guilty of murder. Others believe that Martin may have brought the confrontation and shooting upon himself by causing Zimmerman to act in self-defense. Yet, what seems to be a minority of responders have decided to wait until all of the evidence is presented before a judge and jury …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Pastoral Search Committee Asks for Online Passwords

Ethics: Pastoral Search Committee Asks for Online Passwords

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s topic comes at the suggestion of  a Georgia pastor friend. He tweeted an article to me titled Want a Job? Fork Over Your Facebook Password, Employer Says.1 The suggestion was to substitute ‘search committee’ for ‘employer’. Great idea! Sitting before a pastoral search committee during what will most likely be the final interview the committee members believe they have a bit more due diligence to conduct. On behalf of the whole committee, one member inquires. Mr. Potential Pastor, you have told us that you have both a Facebook and a twitter account. In this …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Betting On NCAA March Madness Brackets

Ethics: Betting On NCAA March Madness Brackets

What would you do Wednesday! It’s March and NCAA March Madness is here! March Madness inspired me to a little blog madness for today’s ethical scenario. Of course, we all know that Christians should not only not play the NCAA brackets, but we should especially not play those brackets with money… …or should we? March Madness inspires a little office madness as the bracket sheets circulate just begging for everyone in the office to join in the fun. Bracket Bob, the person organizing the bracket sheets, asks you to participate. You really enjoy March Madness and following your own brackets …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Baptist Professor Drinking Beer in Public

Ethics: Baptist Professor Drinking Beer in Public

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s scenario involves a Southern Baptist seminary professor who is seen by a student drinking beer at a local restaurant. As always, anyone is free to comment. You, dear reader, are a seminary student out to dinner with some friends who are visiting for the weekend. While being seated at the restaurant you notice one of your professors. You also notice what looks to be a glass of beer in front of the professor. However, you remember the ethical conduct statement you signed as a student which is similar to the statement signed by seminary …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Pastor Introduces ‘Kings Way’ to Reach Muslims

Ethics: Pastor Introduces ‘Kings Way’ to Reach Muslims

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s situation is inspired by the recent Christian-Muslim relationship controversy surrounding Rick Warren. Warren has attempted to set the record straight concerning the recent reporting of his position on Christian-Muslim interaction.1 This post is not about Rick Warren although the information used below is from sources affiliated with the Christian-Muslim relationships in which Saddleback Church is involved. So we begin… During the Sunday morning announcements your pastors presents a plan to get the congregation to reach and work with their Muslim neighbors. He explains that he is inspired by what Saddleback Church is doing in …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Leaving a Gospel Tract for a Tip

Ethics: Leaving a Gospel Tract for a Tip

What would you do Wednesday! I’m sure many Christians have handed out gospel tracts. There are a variety of tracts and some are even made to look like money. There is a million dollar bill tract which, of course, does not look real, but there are a few in lower denominations such at $10 and $20 bills that look like real money at first glance. Usually, these $10 and $20 gospel tracts look like a bill folded in half with a gospel message on the inside. Today’s scenario will involve a $10 gospel tract being left at a restaurant as …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Seminary Student Preaches Someone Else’s Sermons

Ethics: Seminary Student Preaches Someone Else’s Sermons

What would you do Wednesday! Today I’m going to pick-on set the situation within the realm of Southern Baptists since I are one. It is also more culturally acceptable to use your own as an example, right? (Don’t worry, non-Southern Baptists may also comment.) The created situation involves a seminary student who preaches someone else’s sermons. The question will be two-fold by considering the person as a student and then as a pastor. Your pastor. For this scenario, the seminary student (SS) will be using, let’s see, sermons by – eeny, meeny, miny, moe, choose a preacher and let’s go …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: the Deacons are Freemasons!

Ethics: the Deacons are Freemasons!

What would you do Wednesday! Freemasonry is not as active as it was in the past. It was already on the decline when I left the lodge 13 years ago. Although I imagine the Shriners, of whom all are Masons, are still pretty active. Freemasonry was once a concern in Southern Baptist life. In fact, the North American Mission Board’s apologetics website has a few resources on Freemasonry under “New Religions and Cults.”1 A 1993 Southern Baptist study on Freemasonry concluded with a list of items showing where Freemasonry and Christianity were not compatible. However, the report also acknowledged: That …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Church Discipline Contract Issued

Ethics: Church Discipline Contract Issued

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s situation deals with the uncomfortable issue of church discipline. To make the situation more uncomfortable a church discipline contract will also be involved. The scenario is inspired by real circumstances surrounding a former Mars Hill Church member named Andrew who was issued a church discipline contract to sign.1 Imagine that you (or a friend if you wish) has just confessed and repented of being sexually involved with a fellow church member who happens to be the child of one of the church elders. The confession took place in the covenant group that you are …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Prominent Pastor Plagiarizes?

Ethics: Prominent Pastor Plagiarizes?

What would you do Wednesday! The question of plagiarized sermons comes up every now and then. Whether or not one should preach someone else’s sermons has been debated in the blogosphere, too. Selling sermons must not be too bad of a business considering the eight sites listed on Sermon Source that continue to sell sermons. There are probably more than just these eight sites selling sermons. Of course, buying someone else’s sermons does not mean that they will be delivered as original work from the pulpit. However, this does happen to the extent that one pastor recently stepped down over sermon …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Church to Lose Funding Over Homosexual Adoption

Ethics: Church to Lose Funding Over Homosexual Adoption

What would you do Wednesday! The New York Times reported that Roman Catholic charities in Illinois must comply with a new requirement to “consider same-sex couples as potential foster-care and adoptive parents if they want to receive state money.”1 Catholic bishops claim that these requirements infringe on freedom of religion. Catholic charities in other cities have closed their adoption services rather than comply with the new requirements. The article also states that five Catholic Charities in Illinois get 60 – 92% of their revenue from the state. For today’s scenario, let’s move the above situation to your local church. Your …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Renting to a Homosexual Couple

Ethics: Renting to a Homosexual Couple

What would you do Wednesday! The Michael Medved Show recently covered the topic of the discrimination lawsuit filed against Aloha Bed & Breakfast by a lesbian couple. The B&B owner, Phyllis Young, allegedly denied the couple a room due to her Christian views on homosexuality. The lesbian couple is suing claiming a violation of Hawaiian law by discrimination based on sexual orientation. Young is being legally represented by the Alliance Defense Fund, an organization which defends religious freedom. This should be an interesting lawsuit to follow. As a Christian, would you do the same as Young? As I understand it, Young actually lives …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Don’t Quote Me, Bro!

Ethics: Don’t Quote Me, Bro!

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s scenario is an interesting one involving blogging, although it could be applied to any online writing. The online exchange of words and ideas is amazingly fast. If a blogger has any kind of audience and he posts something that challenges that audience there is probably going to be a response. The large technology and political blogs certainly get responses, but a blog need have a huge following to get feedback. Even in the small world of Christian blogging one can get into some pretty heated discussion. So what if one Christian blogger asks another …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Pastor Opposes Tim Tebow Preaching

Ethics: Pastor Opposes Tim Tebow Preaching

What would you do Wednesday! NFL quarterback Tim Tebow gets a lot of news coverage because of the way he and the Broncos are winning football games and, more specifically, for his outspoken faith in Jesus Christ. It could be argued that his Christianity has become more of a story than the last minute wins. Today’s hypothetical scenario might bring Tim Tebow to your church. In an upcoming Sunday, your church is holding a youth outreach event that will be held after the morning service. The church youth have been encouraged to invite friends and neighbors.The whole church was asked …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: High School Football Practice Changed for Ramadan

Ethics: High School Football Practice Changed for Ramadan

What would you do Wednesday! In one of the episodes of TLC’s new TV show All-American Muslim a local high school football team changed their practice time for the observance of Ramadan.1 Ramadan is a month of Islamic fasting where “Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during daylight hours.”2 Today’s scenario is based on the above true story. Your son’s high school football coach sends notice home with each player that practice is changing for the month of Ramadan. The notice is sent a month before Ramadan begins. Instead of practicing at the usually time immediately after school …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Pastor Admits to Homosexual Orientation

Ethics: Pastor Admits to Homosexual Orientation

What would you do Wednesday! Thanks to my friend Rhology for this week’s topic. Your main preaching pastor is about to offer a Sunday morning pastoral prayer. Before praying one of your associate pastors steps up to the pulpit to make an important announcement and asks everyone for prayers on the issue. He begins. As you all know I’ve served as a pastor here for several years. You also know that I have remained single the whole time. What I am about to tell you is not easy to openly admit. The fact is that my sexual orientation…is…homosexual. But please …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Christian Converts to Islam to Marry Muslim

Ethics: Christian Converts to Islam to Marry Muslim

What would you do Wednesday! TLC’s new TV show All-American Muslim recently had an episode where a Roman Catholic converted to Islam so he could marry a Muslim woman.1 My wife and I had some interesting discussions about this situation. The Roman Catholic mother and father did not seem to be bothered as much as I suspect most people would be over their son’s conversion to Islam. Today’s scenario is along the same lines as the above situation. A married couple who is a long time member of your church comes to you with a dilemma. Their child who has …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Whether or Not To Leave a Church Over the Pastor’s Sermons

Ethics: Whether or Not To Leave a Church Over the Pastor’s Sermons

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s scenario is based on a real life dilemma from a reader who is struggling with how he or she should remedy their situation. I will give the gist of the situation, but the reader who sent the inquiry will remain anonymous. Let’s see what advice you would give your friends. A married couple who are personal friends have been attending and serving their local church in as many ways as they can. They have been involved in this church since moving to the area a year ago. They love the church and love serving …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Pastoral Candidate Answers Questions on the Trinity

Ethics: Pastoral Candidate Answers Questions on the Trinity

What would you do Wednesday! For years T.D. Jakes has been unclear when challenged to give his position on the Trinity. His most recent answers to questions on the Trinity are from a radio appearance in 2010 which I’ve transcribed.1 Even though he mentions that he believes that God exists in “three Persons,” he offered an unexplained qualification by stating that he believes this in a “way that Persons is a limited word for the Godhead.” I would like to bring Jakes’ answers on the Trinity to your church by way of a pastoral candidate. During a pastoral search, your …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Deacons Call for Pastor to Resign

Ethics: Deacons Call for Pastor to Resign

What would you do Wednesday! Joe McKeever has a sad post about a real life situation with a great outcome over at SBC Today.1 McKeever describes a call he got from a pastor who was informed by his deacon board that they voted he should resign. Not only should the pastor leave, but he should do so silently without informing anyone of the role the deacons played in his resignation. Imagine this happened to your pastor, but he did not resign. Instead, he brought the issue to the congregation. During a congregational meeting your pastor explains what happened. The deacons …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Baptism by Pouring-Joining a Baptist Church

Ethics: Baptism by Pouring-Joining a Baptist Church

What would you do Wednesday! The following scenario takes place in a Baptist church. However, non-Baptists may give share their perspective too. The situation has to do with new members being brought before a local Baptist congregation for membership affirmation. The congregation is gathered and five new members and one family are being affirmed. The first two have all ready been introduced, gave their testimonies and were accepted into membership. The to be affirmed is a family of three. They are introduced and stand up to give a brief testimony. They moved from a town an hour away where they …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: New Church and a Pastor’s Affair

Ethics: New Church and a Pastor’s Affair

What would you do Wednesday! The scenario for this dilemma takes place with the reader just moving to a new town and visiting a new church. The situation involving the church and its pastor is, sadly, based on a true story. Upon taking a recent promotion your company moves you to a part of the country that you’ve never even driven through. Not only have you never visited this new town, but no one you know is familiar with it either. Your biggest concern is finding a new church home. An internet search for a church prior to moving turns …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: A Death and the Age of Accountability

Ethics: A Death and the Age of Accountability

What would you do Wednesday! Dr. Lemke recently wrote about the age of accountability.1 In the comment of that post Lemke mentioned that the Presbyterian position which denies the age of accountability has “always been a bit embarrassing pastorally — or as the saying goes, it won’t sell in Peoria.” This post will use age of accountability in a pastoral situation involving a father and the death of his son. (Note: Anyone may share their thoughts whether from a pastoral perspective or that of a friend, etc.) The situation is that  a man has just lost his almost 13 year …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Church Leader Publicly Drinks Alcohol

Ethics: Church Leader Publicly Drinks Alcohol

What would you do Wednesday! There has been a lot of blogging about Christians and alcohol lately. Today’s scenario will follow suit and deals with seeing a church leader drinking alcohol in public. It’s Friday evening and you’re out to dinner with a few friends from church. Dinner is in an open area where several restaurants have outside eating areas that allow the patrons to see one another. The area was set-up to encourage community interaction where many people and families walk around and socialize both before and after dinner. While getting ready to eat laughter coming from a table …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Female Pastor Presented to Preach Sunday Morning

Ethics: Female Pastor Presented to Preach Sunday Morning

What would you do Wednesday! The inspiration for this week’s post comes from a real issue that happened in a local Southern Baptist association. Surry Baptist Association in North Carolina disfellowshipped Rocks Baptist Church for calling Bailey Edwards Nelson, a female, a their pastor. Then, Dave at SBCVoices asked – Are Churches with Female Pastors Southern Baptist? (I’ve even offered my own take on the issue.) In light of Dave’s post a similar scenario will be presented. The scenario takes place in a conservative Southern Baptist church. The church uses the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 as its official statement …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Adding Alcohol Abstinence to the Church Covenant

Ethics: Adding Alcohol Abstinence to the Church Covenant

What would you do Wednesday! Your pastor recently read John Piper’s article Alcohol and Church Membership that explains why Piper pushed to have the phrase on abstaining from the use of beverage alcohol removed from his church covenant. Upon further consideration your pastor decided to do the opposite of what Piper did. He proposed to add a phrase to the church covenant calling for all members to abstain from all beverage alcohol. The abstention from alcohol would extend to all church staff, members, and those seeking membership. At the congregational meeting your pastor presents the following phrase to be voted on …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Southern Baptist Pastor Becomes a Calvinist

Ethics: Southern Baptist Pastor Becomes a Calvinist

What would you do Wednesday! All week anticipation of this Sunday’s sermon has been high since the planned topic is election. One of your fellow church members has recently embraced Calvinism so you’re hoping the pastor gives some good biblical arguments to discuss with him. Last year in a sermon your pastor made it clear that he was not a Calvinist though he was not hostile to them. He just disagreed with Calvinism though has no problem calling them brothers in Christ and working together with them in ministry. Recently, you’ve read two posts by a non-Calvinist SBC pastor -What I …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Church Organizes To Ban Mosque

Ethics: Church Organizes To Ban Mosque

What would you do Wednesday! Local Muslims have found a building in the neighborhood that they’d like to turn into a Mosque. The zoning notice is up and a city hall meeting will be taking place very soon. There has been talk around town both for and against. Some very vocal citizens are absolutely against adding a Mosque to the town and plan on trying to convince the local government to not let it be built. Another group who are just as vocal are not promoting the building of the Mosque, but recognize the Muslims’ freedom to build and will fight …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: If Your Pastor Says You Suck?

Ethics: If Your Pastor Says You Suck?

What would you do Wednesday! As you roll out of bed Sunday morning to get ready for church the memory of an uncomfortable conversation with the pastor earlier in the week takes over your thoughts. “I never complain. Maybe I shouldn’t have complained about the music,” you think, “but our recent worship songs have been more like ‘God is my girlfriend‘ songs than they are Christ-centered. Maybe I was a jerk. Overly critical. I tried to offer biblical reasoning in my critique. I love my church and my brothers and sisters in Christ which is why I’d prefer more God-centered …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Which Pastor, Anger or Homosexuality?

Ethics: Which Pastor, Anger or Homosexuality?

What would you do Wednesday! The following scenario was built upon an actual question that was asked to a group of Christian men about which pastor they would choose in a given situation. Read on. I also believe that a measure of homophobia has existed in many Southern Baptists. My evidence? I asked a group of professing Christian men in my town this question several years ago: Suppose your church has been searching for a pastor. After months of meetings and interviews the final two candidates have been selected. At this point in the pastoral search process it is time …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Army Chaplain Preaches for Memorial Day

Ethics: Army Chaplain Preaches for Memorial Day

What would you do Wednesday! It is the Sunday before Memorial Day. It has been a weekend full of Military appreciation. Television stations have run specials with great reminders of the sacrifices of the many men and women who have served and are serving in America’s Armed Forces. The gratefulness of living in such a free country warms the heart. And the thankfulness for those who have sacrificed for such freedoms makes this upcoming holiday all the more endearing. You wake up wondering what the message will be in worship service this morning. There is a guest preacher, but no …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Name the Racist Church?

Ethics: Name the Racist Church?

What would you do Wednesday? Tony Morgan recently wrote a post entitled This White Church Doesn’t Want Black Members. His post is the account of a true story of the racism exactly as the title suggests. It is from this sad story that I offer this weeks ethics question. The scenario is that you have a good friend in town who was the pastor at a local church. While you don’t attend his church you are familiar with it and know a couple of their members. Your friend has been the senior pastor of this church for the last six …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Should Pastors Accept Gifts from Members?

Ethics: Should Pastors Accept Gifts from Members?

What would you do Wednesday! This weeks question deals with the subject of pastors accepting gifts from church members. Depending on the gift, some may see accepting certain gifts as inappropriate. For example, in 2009, a story broke where there were allegations of inappropriate monetary gifts to a pastor. Tom Rich started a blog over concerns that his now former pastor was taking inappropriate gifts and misusing the church’s money. One online ministry offers a Pastors’ Code of Ethics which states in part that pastors:

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Your Pastor Reveals He is Gay

Ethics: Your Pastor Reveals He is Gay

What would you do Wednesday! It was a normal Sunday morning worship service. Everything was moving along as usual until the pastor began his sermon. He stood up and began what seemed like a sermon introduction. Instead of preaching he began explaining that he needed to come out or confess something to the congregation. His confession is much like that of Jim Swilley in the video below. His confession? He is gay. Although he and his wife divorced several months ago, he plans to remain a celibate. He also plans to stay as the pastor of the church. What would …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Church Member Invites You To R-Rated Movie Night

Ethics: Church Member Invites You To R-Rated Movie Night

What would you do Wednesday! It’s Friday night and your husband has already left for a deacon retreat for the weekend. He’ll be home Saturday night so you’ve got Friday night and Saturday free. You will miss him, but know that you will only be apart for one day and it will allow you to spend some time with friends. One of the other deacon’s wives calls. She asks if you want to come over and have a movie night. She tells you that the movies are a surprise and you will have to come over to see what they …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: The Abandoned Husband

Ethics: The Abandoned Husband

What would you do Wednesday! Bob married Martha eight years ago, and they quickly had three children.  After six especially tumultuous months, Bob came home from work one day and found a note taped to the refrigerator: “Dear Bob, I can’t keep giving anymore.  I need some time for myself.  Good-bye for now.”  The financial stress on Bob has been great since his factory wages only partly meet the needs of the family.  Bob has lost his home, and the children have moved in with his parents.  Two years have gone by and after repeated attempts to find her, Bob …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: A Church Member Wins the Lottery

Ethics: A Church Member Wins the Lottery

What would you do Wednesday! While away visiting relatives in another state one of your friends from church bought a $1 lottery ticket at the influence of his cousin. He never plays the lottery and hasn’t thought much about it. He figured that it was only $1 so what could it hurt? It turns out that your friend ended up winning $5 million! He comes to you for advice on what to do. He’s not sure how the folks at your church may react. He’s not sure if he should tell anyone or not. One of the first things he …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: A Yoga Class Starting at Church

Ethics: A Yoga Class Starting at Church

What would you do Wednesday! Sitting down in the pew on Sunday morning you open the bulletin that you just grabbed on the way in. You look through for anything new going on in your church. One new byline reads: New Outreach Opportunity: New Yoga classes starting, twice a week. Sign up at the church office. Invite your friends!

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Terminal Care for an Elderly Cancer Patient?

Ethics: Terminal Care for an Elderly Cancer Patient?

What would you do Wednesday! Eighteen months ago, a seventy-one-year-old Christian woman developed cancer in a kidney.  Physicians removed the kidney.  Now, however, the cancer has spread to other parts of her body, including her brain, so she has become permanently unconscious.  Her second kidney is now failing, and she needs dialysis.  Dialysis might keep her alive for six to nine months.  Without dialysis, she would probably survive a couple of weeks before drifting off into a relatively painless death caused by the buildup of toxins in her body.  An experimental drug that

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: A Homosexual Asks About Christianity

Ethics: A Homosexual Asks About Christianity

What would you do Wednesday! You have the opportunity to minister to a friend who is a practicing homosexual.You’ve had some passing conversations with him about Christianity. He’s never wanted to engage too much and believes he knows where you stand. He thought it might hurt your friendship if you talked too deeply about Christianity and homosexuality. However, the recent allegations against Eddie Long have made him curious. He is also reminded of

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Aborting Your Anencephalic Baby

Ethics: Aborting Your Anencephalic Baby

What would you do Wednesday! You and your spouse have found out in the last few weeks that the child with whom you are pregnant has been diagnosed with anencephaly, a fatal genetics disorder in which the cerebral cortex of the brain does not develop at all. The skull is somewhat flat and quite deformed looking. Only the brain stem, which controls all the nonvoluntary actions of the body, such as heartbeat, respiration, and digestion develops. The child will be born in a permanent vegetative state and is not likely to live longer than a few months, though some have …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Potential Deacon Struggling with Pornography

Ethics: Potential Deacon Struggling with Pornography

What would you do Wednesday! This week’s scenario involves a deacon candidate. One of your friends tells you he has been called to be a deacon. Soon he is going to meet with your pastor(s) and a few of the deacons who will talk to and evaluate his qualifications to be a deacon. The problem is that he has been struggling with pornography for the past three months. And you know this! You’ve been there to help him through this sin. You’ve prayed with him, called him to account and now you’ve explained that he must confess this sin to …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Burn A Koran Day In Your Community

Ethics: Burn A Koran Day In Your Community

What would you do Wednesday! There has been a lot of discussion about Islam lately. As Sept. 11 approaches I can only imagine how talk of Islam will draw many emotional responses. We’ve talked a bit about the Ground Zero Mosque.  Understandably, it continues to be an issue. An issue on which Christians disagree. Today’s scenario is in the context the current issue of Koran burning. Many people have stood up for the legal right

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Excluding A Single Parent from Church Membership

Ethics: Excluding A Single Parent from Church Membership

What would you do Wednesday! The scenario is that a single mother is a member of your local church. For several years she seemed to be living faithfully for Christ. She was present on Sunday morning and often during other church events. It was difficult for her at times and the church even helped her financially and with food when she needed help. Then, to your surprise she

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Business Bribes

Ethics: Business Bribes

What would you do Wednesday! The scenario is that you work for an international company that works, directly and indirectly, on projects with governments in the Middle East. You the leader on a team for a project that is about to begin. The contract is with a local Middle East government in which several officials are involved. The contract is huge with revenues projected to be millions of dollars. And you are excited since the bidding, negotiations, contract, etc. are complete. Or so you thought.

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Church Staff An Illegal Immigrant

Ethics: Church Staff An Illegal Immigrant

What would you do Wednesday! The scenario involves a lady employed full-time by your local church. She came recommended by another local pastor and has been employed for six months. You hear a rumor from a friend that she is in the USA illegally. You rebuke your friend for the rumor. You then take the gossiper to go talk to the lady and apologize. The lady accepts the apology and doesn’t offer any reason about why such a rumor might have started. Just then your pastor walks in

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Immodest Dress In Church

Ethics: Immodest Dress In Church

What would you do Wednesday! The scenario is that you are friends with a couple at church who are always in Sunday School (or whatever you might call it). Spring comes and you notice that this couple has stopped coming to Sunday School. Although they do attend corporate worship as usual. You go to your friends explaining that you’ve noticed they haven’t been in Sunday School. Out of concern you ask if everything is okay. They explain that since spring had come a certain individual in class has been dressing in clothes they consider to be immodest. The explain that …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Resign Church Membership To Avoid Discipline

Ethics: Resign Church Membership To Avoid Discipline

What would you do Wednesday! The scenario is that a fellow church member whom you are fairly close to is under church discipline. There will be two issues to decide on. Your friend is a single lady. It was discovered that she is having an inappropriate relationship with her boyfriend who attends another church. The congregation voted to

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Cohabitation In the Church

Ethics: Cohabitation In the Church

What would you do Wednesday! You are friends with two church members who are dating each other. They officially joined your congregation 12 months ago. They faithfully attend corporate church functions and have been singing in the choir for the last six months. Upon having dinner at his place (you thought) it looks as though both of them live in this home. You inquire and are told that they moved in together 11 month ago, just one month after joining the church. They further admit that their living arrangements

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Unwanted Pregnancy

Ethics: Unwanted Pregnancy

What would you do Wednesday! A fifteen year old girl was invited by your daughter to a youth outreach event at your church. Her boyfriend had just broken up with her. She was really upset and needed to get away and thought a church event would be something nice to go to. The gospel was shared with here and she came to faith in Christ during this event. This young Christian has been

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: To Pray In Jesus Name Or Not?

Ethics: To Pray In Jesus Name Or Not?

What would you do Wednesday! Consider being in a situation similar to that of Pastor Baity when he was recently fired for praying in Jesus name. Baity got to say one prayer before the N.C. House, but then he was not invited back. He is protesting his firing and the N.C. House prayer guidelines are being looked into. The situation to consider:

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Thumbnail image for Ethics: Church Staff And Internet Pornography

Ethics: Church Staff And Internet Pornography

What would you do Wednesday! Upon borrowing a church staff member’s computer to use the internet a shameful discovery is made.  The URL address bar auto-populated with a pornographic website. While nervously trying to close the website an open folder is clicked on and maximized only to find a handful of pornographic pictures. Upon calming down for a moment the web browser’s history reveals a few more of these sites. What do you do? Understanding the Matthew 18

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Thumbnail image for Adrian Rogers on integrity

Adrian Rogers on integrity

Ephesians 6:14a Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth (NKJV) The Girdle Of Truth – The Believer’s Integrity A soldier in Paul’s day had a leather girdle that he tightened about his waist to protect his loins and carry his weapons of warfare, such as a dagger or sword. The belt also held his tunic together so it wouldn’t be snagged. In Christian armor, it is integrity that holds everything else together. If you do not have integrity in the big and small things of your life, you are going to lose the battle. Without truth everything falls apart. …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics question: Capital Punishment Vote

Ethics question: Capital Punishment Vote

The death penalty has been in the news recently. A tough subject to be sure. Consider the three recent news stories below and then the ethical question on the issue. High Court refuses to hear appeal of woman on death row – Linda Carty was convicted of the 2001 murder of Joana Rodriguez in Texas. She is waiting on an execution date. Texas: Death Penalty to Be Sought in Fort Hood Case – The death penalty will sought for Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan who is charged with killing 13 people. Unabomber brother making anti-death penalty push in N.C. – David …keep reading »

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Thumbnail image for Ethics question: Kill or be killed?

Ethics question: Kill or be killed?

Last night in ethics class we were proposed a scenario that I’m going to propose here. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Ready? Here goes! You and your group are visiting a country that is in the middle of a civil war. All of you are then captured by one of the militias. In order to be set free you must prove that you are not on the opposing side. This militia has also captured an innocent person who is their prisoner.   You are given two options: Kill the innocent prisoner to prove your on their side which will set …keep reading »

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