News-Record.com

the guy has hardly spent a day in prison yet, it may be just a little premature to be talking about a return to the pulpit !
but imo the ctux of the problem lies in this statement: "It's always devastating when there is a breach of trust, and some will have trouble trusting again," Mr. Feille said. "In the Agape case, it's more difficult because [the church is] built around Hornbuckle. They have focused so much of their dreams and hopes on one person."
anytime a ministry is built around an individual (other than God)then eventually it is destined for failure. while i respect and love my pastor, i am cognizant that he is only flesh as i am and that he is subject to any and all sins of the flesh that any other man is. my final spiritual guide is the Holy Spirit not my pastor.unless this man truly repents, imo God would not call him back to ministry....now whether others accept him back is another story !
i can't believe i got to post before eric (lol).

ctux = crux

"anytime a ministry is built around an individual (other than God)then eventually it is destined for failure."

You'd think... Then again, there's the odd story of Jimmy Swaggart.

But in general, I rather agree with you. Which makes me wonder about the current day phenomenon of mega-churches. Seems that every one I've heard of are made possible by the leadership of a hugely charismatic pastor. I wonder what America's countryside will look like 50 years from now, after all of these "powerful men of God" have died off or retired? How many of these churches will be taken over by lesser preachers, followed by a slow, steady decline in attendance and eventual default on mortgages?

Makes one wonder...

eric,
i can't say that i haven't thought the same things.i am involved in a start up church (less than one yr.old) and already we've seen upward to 200 attend on sunday.we've already put in place the plan and date to do two services to accomdate the overflow. but we also have a plan to NOT become a mega church, while still being able to accomodate as many as come. like i've said i really love my pastor but he really is not a charismatic guy, but he does love serving God and equipping those who come to also become servants to God and our communities. my personal desire is to NOT belong to a mega church but i hope i am in tune enough to follow Gods leading where ever He directs me .

Actually, building a church aroiund one man is the only way a church can be truly Christian. That man is Jesus Christ, God-man in hypostatic union. He alone is to be worshipped and glorified. St. Paul and other saints throughout history took great pains to deflect adulation and praise from themselves to the Triune God.

Too much power and focus on one dynamic and charismatic man, not only may violate the preeminence of Jesus Chirst, but would place anyone under considerable duress and temptation. Add TV to the mix and we know what can happen.

This is why I have gravitated to litrugical churches where the liturgy helps immensely to keep the minister in his proper place in the worship experience, by guarding the prayers, requiring Scripture reading and focusing on the sacraments. (This is just my choice: others see things differently.) It is by no means foolproof, but it helps.

Big man churches ususally have a stage type arrangement where things seem to become much too performance oriented. But nothing this side of heaven is perfect and many large contemporary churches are doing many good things for the Lord.

Our fallen brother needs mcuh counsel and love for his own personal restoration - NOT to the pulpit, but to a holy walk. He should not be abused and humliated, but should be barred by his church authorities from the ordained ministry. It does absolutely contrary to I Tim. 3.7 which says, "Moreover, he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."

Wisdom bars Hornbuckle's return to the pulpit, as it should regarding Jimmy Swaggart as well. It's would probably be OK if he were asked to speak under the right circumstances, but the ordained preisthood/ministry is not the place for those who have so greivously trangressed God's Law and disgraced His Name to a watching world.

We all sin and must seek God's grace for resoration. But even Moses was barred from entering the Promised Land because of one sinful act of disobedience There must be room for forgiveneess and restoration, but some things bar people from certain minstries; but not from fellowship.

nikos,
i am in complete agreement with this: "Our fallen brother needs mcuh counsel and love for his own personal restoration - NOT to the pulpit, but to a holy walk. He should not be abused and humliated, but should be barred by his church authorities from the ordained ministry. It does absolutely contrary to I Tim. 3.7 which says, "Moreover, he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."......
i believe restoring a fallen (repentant) brother/sister to fellowship is scriptural and necessary. the weekend is upon us and i wish you well and Godspeed ..........