For Faith & Family | Cultivate Integrity in Ministry | Comments

Comment 1

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 01:35:24 CST

I must admit I usually have a quiet chuckle to myself whenever I see a high flying Christian trying to use verses of scripture to support ethical and moral principles. The reason for my mirth is that such people generally have no idea how to complete the story. Take Akin’s 5th point for instance…

He uses scripture to tell preachers they should ensure their children are not rebellious but proffers no advice as to what a preacher should do in the case his child suddenly becomes disobedient, rebellious, etc. What does the preacher do? Does he resign from his ministry? Or…

Is he allowed to invoke Deuteronomy 21:18-21, which advises parents to take “a stubborn and rebellious son” before city elders to be stoned to death if he will not change his ways.

Comment 2

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 11:16:00 CST

Per steve’s querie (Post 1),

“He uses scripture to tell preachers they should ensure their children are not rebellious but proffers no advice as to what a preacher should do in the case his child suddenly becomes disobedient, rebellious, etc. What does the preacher do?”

ERLC recommends the following broadcast (free download) and book as a help for Christians (pastors or otherwise) who are seeking to minister to a rebellious kid…

Why Christian Kids Rebel with Dr. Tim Kimmel

And no, it does not recommend ‘stoning.’ :-)

Comment 3

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 12:01:44 CST

To Moderator,

Akin said - Titus 1:6 adds that they must be faithful, “not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.”

So surely once the kid is open to the charge then either the pastor or the kid have to go. It’s a bit late then to download a free broadcast or buy a book.

Remember Akin is the president of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary so you’d think his words would be clear enough not to require them to be second guessed. Sorry kids but a stonin’ we must go.

Comment 4

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:02:08 CST

To Steve:

Thanks for the insights. However, it is actually Akins 4th point which addresses the family integrity issue. Note what he does say, “One’s family life is often an accurate reflection of his spiritual life.” It is often but not ALWAYS the reflection of the pastor. I believe you would agree there are no perfect preachers or children. Therefore, the intent is upon raising God fearing children but it does not ALWAYS happen.

Comment 5

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:34:36 CST

Thanks Terry, not sure how I mixed up the point numbers.

In response to your key point please refer to post 3.

Comment 6

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 07:30:31 CST

Our church is wanting to minister to an apartment complex with over 400 people. We want to conduct a census to see who is unchurched. We want to do this with an invitation also to a cookout we will have in the complex. This will be a free meal to all. We may have a fall festival as well for the children. Would appreciate any information how to do this effectively.
Thank you. Meadow Park Baptist Church

Comment 7

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 09:52:22 CST

Hi Juanita,

The North American Mission Board has a Center for Missional Research that may be helpful to you and your ministry.

Godspeed!