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June 6, 2011
Pornography and Small-Group Leaders
When does exposure to pornography disqualify a person from leadership?
The video below is an interesting discussion between Mark Driscoll and James MacDonald on the question, "When does viewing porn disqualify someone for ministry?" The speakers in the video are pastors, and they are focusing primarily on leadership requirements for fellow pastors.
But the discussion can easily be extended to lay ministers, including small-group leaders. And I certainly think that is a conversation we need to have.
So, at what point does exposure to pornography disqualify a person (man or woman) from leading a small group?
Pornography and Ministry from Harvest Bible Chapel on Vimeo.
posted by Sam O'Neal on June 6, 2011 9:59 AM
Comments
Well, interestingly enough, today's post on the devotional blog I write is titled "Is Pornography Adultery?" I guess it's the topic of the day: http://galatians419.blogspot.com
Posted By: Allen White | June 6, 2011 1:06 PM
The first time I saw this, I was kind of annoyed that he never really answered the question. But it's an important question. Is there an answer?
Posted By: Matt Stephens | June 8, 2011 2:27 PM
I agree, we need to figure this out. Maybe churches need to take a proactive strategy by implementing such things as the moral lifestyle policy (described in "No More Don't Ask, Don't Tell" by Kevin Miller) combined with a separate nitty-gritty teaching on pornography that all men and women considering leadership must go through. This would define an occasional lapse in judgment (once a year?), from recreational use (once a month?), or addiction (weekly? daily?). In my view NO USE of pornography is acceptable but if someone has a lapse in judgment they should be allowed to confess and be restored without removal from leadership. Ongoing accountability should be in place for all leaders that covers sin in general. Porn isn't the only problem.
Posted By: Renee | June 23, 2011 12:50 PM