QUESTION:
IF A PREACHER WHOS SON COMMITS CONCUBINAGE AND HIS SON CONTINOUSLY COMMITTING IMMORALITY,IS HE ALLOWED TO PREACH OR STAND IN THE PULPIT OR HOLD ANY VITAL POSITION IN THE CHURCH?CAN WE ALLOW THAT PREACHER TO PREACH EVEN HIS SON IS COMMITTING SIN? DOES THE BIBLE ALLOWS A PERSON WHO COMMITS THAT SIN TO PRAY,DELIVER SERMON IN THE CHURCH?
ANSWER:
Answer: The answer to the above question depends on a number of things that the querist did not include in his question. First of all does the individual condone or condemn the actions of his son? Secondly, is the son at home or is he away from home? Thirdly, is this man a recent convert to the faith having raised his family before he became a Christian? My judgment in this situation depends in part on the answers to these three questions. If this man is failing to restrain his son, like Eli in 1 Sam.3:13, then he should not be in the pulpit preaching. If on the other hand he rejects the behavior of his son and condemns his lifestyle and does everything in his power to turn his son from sin, even to the point of disassociating with him, then I question ones right to prevent him from preaching. If he is a recent convert and the man raised his family before he became a Christian, it might be that he could effectively sound a warning to others about the dangers of not being a Christian and the effect it has on ones family. So far as holding a vital position in the church, it seems clear that he could not be an elder because he has children who are guilty of dissipation and insubordination (Titus 1:6 NKJV). Because I don't know all the facts, it is not proper for me to render a judgment either way. These are decisions that call for sound and balanced judgment on the part of the church where this man lives, or the area in which he circulates.