“Just let her know you are there waiting. Hold the space for the marriage.” – Pastor God did not wait forever for Israel. We see that in Jeremiah 3:8. God accepted Israel’s decisions to choose against the covenant by pursuing adulterous relationships. This is part of the reason I find the advice above unhelpful. It … Continue reading “More Bad Advice”
Category: Sin
Necessary But NOT Sufficient
The pastoral impulse to “save” marriages is strong. It is flattering and exhilirating to be a part of a resurrection story where a marriage comes back from its adulterous death. I get it. Who really wants to be the divorce attorney’s pastoral equivalent encouraging only marriage funerals? I don’t. I love miracle stories and would love to be … Continue reading “Necessary But NOT Sufficient”
Two Pastors “Talk” About DM’s Postings on TVC Scandal
Bruce wrote in response to a post (click here), David, I have read most, if not all, of your articles regarding the Village Church situation, browsed many of the links you shared, including the gut-wrenching one in this article of other similar stories. I also listened to Pastor Matt’s sermon on May 31 as I … Continue reading “Two Pastors “Talk” About DM’s Postings on TVC Scandal”
Sometimes You Have To Choose
Pastors, Someday You Will Have To Choose In Your Counsel Between Enabling Adultery or Encouraging Divorce. Is Your Theology Ready For That? I write this as I reflect upon the trainwreck that is The Village Church pastoral care. Here’s a post to some rather hair-raising stories of spiritual abuse (click here). My hope is that … Continue reading “Sometimes You Have To Choose”
The “Victim” Word Phobia
Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. -Isaiah 1:17, NLT Is it just to treat victims the same way as you treat perpetrators of sins against them? God calls those in power–like pastors and church leaders–to seek justice as seen in this … Continue reading “The “Victim” Word Phobia”
Why I Care About TVC’s and Matt Chandler’s Unclear Apology
Why A Clear TVC Apology Matters To DM A version of this post appeared on MPT’s blog as a followup comment (click here) I do not claim to be able to judge the sincerity of Matt Chandler and TVC leadership as I cannot see into the hearts of these men. Only God knows the true … Continue reading “Why I Care About TVC’s and Matt Chandler’s Unclear Apology”
Update Re: Matt Chandler’s Sermon and TVC Apology
***UPDATE ON THE VILLAGE CHURCH & KAREN SITUATION*** Matt Chandler gave a sermon addressing general church discipline matters and asked for forgiveness regarding anonymous situations at The Village Church (video of sermon here). It comes across as a sincere apology. I appreciate Chandler acknowledging counsel turned to control at times and naming that as leadership … Continue reading “Update Re: Matt Chandler’s Sermon and TVC Apology”
Annulment of a Marriage And the Bible
So Pharaoh summoned Abram. “What have you done to me?” he said. “Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!” – Genesis 12:18-19, NIV Until The Village … Continue reading “Annulment of a Marriage And the Bible”
When Dealing With Adultery, You Are Dealing With Evil.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. – I Corinthians 13:11, KJV It is past time the pastors and church leaders wake up and grow up. We live in a world … Continue reading “When Dealing With Adultery, You Are Dealing With Evil.”
“Just Want To Talk” Trojan Horse
“He wouldn’t talk to me about the real issues.” “We just wanted to talk with her.” This was a favorite Trojan Horse of my now ex-wife. It was employed with “Christian” counselors, “friends,” and family as our marriage headed to its ultimate demise. I thought about it as The Village Church debacle hit the fan … Continue reading ““Just Want To Talk” Trojan Horse”