“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: Theology of divorce
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”
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”
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”
Mark Driscoll, Matt Chandler, and The Village Church Scandal
Today, I am making connections on influence and pastoral teaching. I am hoping to expose how a domineering and controlling pastoral teaching on divorce can infect a whole network of churches if not checked. I am going to talk about how a teaching by ex-Pastor Mark Driscoll appears suspiciously alive and active in The Village … Continue reading “Mark Driscoll, Matt Chandler, and The Village Church Scandal”
Does God Hate Divorce More Than Adultery?
Does God hate divorce more than God hates adultery? This is a critical question to answer. This is not simply an exercise in abstract theology. The answer has real life implications. It is especially critical for those individuals who have found themselves staring down at the pieces of their own broken hearts after discovering adultery … Continue reading “Does God Hate Divorce More Than Adultery?”
Pastors, It is NOT Your Decision To Make!
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. -I John … Continue reading “Pastors, It is NOT Your Decision To Make!”