SDA pastor showcased as porn addict

[abelisle]

From what my pastor has told me, the GNYC has a myriad of problems in this area.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/25...kusaolp00000003

[LifeHiscost]

From what my pastor has told me, the GNYC has a myriad of problems in this area.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/25...kusaolp00000003

One never solves their problem by turning to any other than the Christ. We can struggle for control, but final solutions come from strength obtained from the Lifegiver.

“I am the vine,.... without Me you can do nothing.John 15:5 NKJV

God blesses!

[olger]

Good article. It is time that we address this problem in the church and help people find freedom in the moral area.

I am working with a pastor currently. God is in the business of changing lives. There is hope!

[Igakusei]

I know a youth pastor who shared his porn struggle with a co-worker, who proceeded to out him to the entire congregation. He was ostracized from the entire community and had to move to another state.

[Dr. Shane]

Certainly we need to create an environment where a person feels safe reaching out for help. That is one of the reason so many 12-Step groups are anonymous organizations.

Quote:

I know a youth pastor who shared his porn struggle with a co-worker, who proceeded to out him to the entire congregation.

If the congregation was spiritually healthy, the co-worker in this story would be subject to scorn and discipline while the youth pastor would be encouraged to find help for his addiction.

[fccool]

It's nothing to do with "spiritual health", but basic human decency IMO. There are plenty of Christians who are both great Christians and human beings. There are people who are not Christians, but decent human beings. And, of course, there are those who are great Christians, and not doing so well when it comes to basic human decency.

Many times though, I think it's stems from over-exaggerating a problem to the point that the problem embodies human being. Everything that that particular human being is becomes forgotten, and he is remembered for that one particular thing. Be it alcoholism, pornography, crime of the past, his belief, or other like problems.

Ironically, this is done with groups of people too One's bad experience with a group can overshadow everything that that group is and stands for, be it Muslims, Christians, or Atheists.

[Igakusei]

Certainly we need to create an environment where a person feels safe reaching out for help. That is one of the reason so many 12-Step groups are anonymous organizations.

Quote:

I know a youth pastor who shared his porn struggle with a co-worker, who proceeded to out him to the entire congregation.

If the congregation was spiritually healthy, the co-worker in this story would be subject to scorn and discipline while the youth pastor would be encouraged to find help for his addiction.

What actually happened was that, in concern over his position of influence over the young people of the church, he was removed from all positions of influence and relegated to the position of "the guy we all whisper about and cast side-long glances at while feeling sorry for." He moved his family to another town, but the story followed him and he got kicked out of his job at that church, too. I figure it's only a matter of time until his new congregation figures it out and it happens again.

[phkrause]

What actually happened was that, in concern over his position of influence over the young people of the church, he was removed from all positions of influence and relegated to the position of "the guy we all whisper about and cast side-long glances at while feeling sorry for." He moved his family to another town, but the story followed him and he got kicked out of his job at that church, too. I figure it's only a matter of time until his new congregation figures it out and it happens again.

Wow that's sad that the person he told in privicy would do that to him. And than the church people who should have come together to help, didn't. And as you say its probably going to happen at each church. And if not, he probably wont confide in anyone. Hopefully he seeks help as Shane mentioned, in a 12 step program.

[Igakusei]

Why would he need help? It's been years since this happened, and he and his wife have come together and long since dealt with the problem. But when it comes to exposing their kids to him, people just won't forgive him.

[phkrause]

Why would he need help? It's been years since this happened, and he and his wife have come together and long since dealt with the problem. But when it comes to exposing their kids to him, people just won't forgive him.

So than why did he find the need to tell someone??? You made it sound as if he told someone so that he could get help! Next maybe explain a little more so we have the whole story. Obviously if his wife knew than maybe it wasn't as bad of a problem for him. But still needs to dealt with if he starts advocating to others that its OK to view porn.

[Gibs]

Satan always goes to the leadership of a church or denomination, he don't mess around with those who have little or no influence.

He knows every mans weakness and just how to bring him down and the clergy are badly bitten and the leaders at the top and all may as well know it.

Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Woody]

Dwight Nelson addressed this issue on the Hope Channel today from Andrews. He strongly encouraged those with issues like this to attend a 12 step group.

What we fail to realize are that these are good leaders who have this problem. For sure we don't want to lose their positive influence just to get another leader with worse sins. For sure we will not find leaders who are without sin. IF that is what we are looking for - we will be in big trouble.

[Overaged]

Dwight Nelson addressed this issue on the Hope Channel today from Andrews. He strongly encouraged those with issues like this to attend a 12 step group.

What we fail to realize are that these are good leaders who have this problem. For sure we don't want to lose their positive influence just to get another leader with worse sins. For sure we will not find leaders who are without sin. IF that is what we are looking for - we will be in big trouble.

[olger]

It's nothing to do with "spiritual health", but basic human decency IMO. There are plenty of Christians who are both great Christians and human beings. There are people who are not Christians, but decent human beings. And, of course, there are those who are great Christians, and not doing so well when it comes to basic human decency.

Many times though, I think it's stems from over-exaggerating a problem to the point that the problem embodies human being. Everything that that particular human being is becomes forgotten, and he is remembered for that one particular thing. Be it alcoholism, pornography, crime of the past, his belief, or other like problems.

Ironically, this is done with groups of people too One's bad experience with a group can overshadow everything that that group is and stands for, be it Muslims, Christians, or Atheists.

Cool, ol buddy. The Bible itself states that immorality will cause lasting reproach. When I mention the names Swaggert and Baker - what do you think of immediately?? Or Clinton and Lewinsky?

1) Proverbs 6:33

2) II Samuel 13:12-13

Now, moral sin can be cleaned up Biblically, and should be. But the consequences linger long.

rejoice always,

G

[ClubV12]

Igakusei says,

"I know a youth pastor....."

"And than the church people who should have come together to help, didn't. And as you say its probably going to happen at each church."

Well,,, thats one side of the story, I won't draw any conclusions about anybody because we don't have enough inside knowledge to do so. Interesting story, take it for what it's worth.

Please don't take it personal, I'm just pointing out the facts in relation to the story. The LAST time I did that all kinds of people went nuts because I "refused" to believe it and was in effect "calling someone a liar". Oh where was the love and can't we all get along and I'm SO mean, and yada yada yada. Whew, just the facts folks, just the facts before we circle the wagons or assemble the mob for a hangin'. :)

[M. T. Cross]

Originally Posted By: fccool

It's nothing to do with "spiritual health", but basic human decency IMO. There are plenty of Christians who are both great Christians and human beings. There are people who are not Christians, but decent human beings. And, of course, there are those who are great Christians, and not doing so well when it comes to basic human decency.

Many times though, I think it's stems from over-exaggerating a problem to the point that the problem embodies human being. Everything that that particular human being is becomes forgotten, and he is remembered for that one particular thing. Be it alcoholism, pornography, crime of the past, his belief, or other like problems.

Ironically, this is done with groups of people too One's bad experience with a group can overshadow everything that that group is and stands for, be it Muslims, Christians, or Atheists.

Cool, ol buddy. The Bible itself states that immorality will cause lasting reproach. When I mention the names Swaggert and Baker - what do you think of immediately?? Or Clinton and Lewinsky?

1) Proverbs 6:33

2) II Samuel 13:12-13

Now, moral sin can be cleaned up Biblically, and should be. But the consequences linger long.

rejoice always,

G

Swaggert and Baker - I think of just all round corrupt guys. Guys who offered to buy people way into heaven and guys that took advantage of easily targetable women

Clinton - I think of a brilliant politition that sadly took a lot of flack for getting caught doing what I would bet almost every other president has done.

[olger]

1) Proverbs 6:33

g

[phkrause]

Swaggert and Baker - I think of just all round corrupt guys. Guys who offered to buy people way into heaven and guys that took advantage of easily targetable women

Clinton - I think of a brilliant politition that sadly took a lot of flack for getting caught doing what I would bet almost every other president has done.

I agree, not 100%, but I do agree. Personally Clinton doesn't even come close to S & B, and I wouldn't really say they are corrupt, they just have a problem that only God can help. Also as has been mention by Shane and Woody, they need to get into a 12 step program.

[M. T. Cross]

If they indeed have an addiction they should get in some kind of program. I think its important to remember that while the 12 step program model is a great thing, it does not work for all and there are other treatment options.

Personally I don't think Swaggert or Baker have an addiction to anything but money and power. They remind me of WWE wrestlers - create a story with drama, confess their sins and draw in even more people. I think its all a big scam. I could be wrong though.

[phkrause]

If they indeed have an addiction they should get in some kind of program. I think its important to remember that while the 12 step program model is a great thing, it does not work for all and there are other treatment options.

Personally I don't think Swaggert or Baker have an addiction to anything but money and power. They remind me of WWE wrestlers - create a story with drama, confess their sins and draw in even more people. I think its all a big scam. I could be wrong though.

LOL WWE wrestlers, I like that thought. I guess I have to agree they could very well be addicted to money and power, that wouldn't supprise me in the least bit.

[Guest foxhuyi]

Americans are so direct to tell that phonomenons out..

In fact ,most people are tempted by this issue..

When I am surfing online,it's easy to be tempted,cuz your body will say no to your marol...

Cuz it's very hard for a christian to avoid this porn influence..

The best way to avoid from this is to get out of your computers and Tv.

Except this, I cannot find any other ways to avoid porn influence to me.......

[ClubV12]

It's a reasonable point you make foxhuyi. Some folks will have to leave the internet totally alone for a period of time. That could be months or even years. The thing is, some folks need to get very serious about this problem, it could literally take years just to get a handle on it and a lifetime to stay clean. Kind of like a "recovering alcoholic" syndrome.

This reminds me of the discussion we had some time ago about dress standards in the church, school, etc. I was left with the impression that SOME ladies thought it was a guy problem and they would just have to deal with it. Ladies who believe that, are you reading this thread? Wake up and smell the Pero, if your a stumbling block to someone because you think it's "their" problem, duly noted here on earth. And you can bet it's duly noted in heaven as well, and in no way will the guilty be cleared.

There is enough bare skin out there in every form of media you can think of. Do you really need to bring it into the church as well???? Cover up, please.

[Bravus]

Trouble is, this discussion always ends up unbalanced in one direction or the other - claiming it's *all* guys fault or *all* girls' fault. I'm afraid even if all the girls at church wore burkhas, the guys are going to see scantily clad girls on billboards on the way to church. Short of changing the whole society, there's no cure without guys taking responsibility for their own reactions to what they see, and what they do next.

[Overaged]

Trouble is, this discussion always ends up unbalanced in one direction or the other - claiming it's *all* guys fault or *all* girls' fault. I'm afraid even if all the girls at church wore burkhas, the guys are going to see scantily clad girls on billboards on the way to church. Short of changing the whole society, there's no cure without guys taking responsibility for their own reactions to what they see, and what they do next.

and that only takes a second or two to do that.

[Gerr]

Ah, if all the women would just wear a burqa, I'd be a saint by now! :)