In this article, Kevin Miller describes the “moral-lifestyle policy” for volunteer leaders in the church. The policy began when the youth pastor decided he wanted to know people’s struggles when they signed up to volunteers, instead of being blind-sided later. How did a sin make it on the list? Sins that showed a person was drifting from God or would cause a loss of credibility if exposed made the list. You could say, that would be just about any person right? If we knew all the darkest thoughts in a leaders’ mind, could we still respect them? But, if the sin struggle poses a threat to people under the leadership, then it is clearly not a time to be in a leadership role (i.e. child pornography and working with children’s ministries.) The moral-lifestyle policy opens up venues for discussion, prayer, and pastoral care for issues before a person enters a position of lay leadership.
Do not think this policy is used in a heavy handed manner. Kevin writes, “This is not about legalism but about living a confessional and accountable lifestyle.” The goal is not to condemn people, but to develop care plans for those struggling with sin. The care plans include accountability, counseling, and support. Many have confessed their sins for the first time because of this policy. Many have thanked the church for naming the issues and helping them start a recovery process.
This practical model, difficulties aside, challenges us to open doorways to confession, grace, and accountability for leaders in our churches.
Mine
ReplyDelete