Q. I had to remove a worship band member for moral failure, but I have been accused of being judgmental. Some are saying, “We all sin and fall short of the glory of God.” What should I do?
A. It is true that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. It is also true that we must be careful to guard well our integrity and reputation as we represent Christ and our church.
There are two biblical reasons to remove someone from ministry due to moral failure: (1) the loss of the right to lead due to the failure, and (2) the need to regroup and put a life back together again. Individuals in this situation need time to reflect and rebuild their lives.
Some examples of moral failure include gossip, pride, inappropriate emotional relationships, dishonesty, malicious dissention or stirring up trouble, adultery, and major family issues that need to be addressed. There are other reasons to sideline someone from ministry that have nothing to do with moral failure. For example, a need resulting from the season of life they are in, or when life gets out of balance, or because of physical or emotional health. Sometimes people just need a break to realize the privilege of serving in ministry.
When we remove someone from a ministry team, it must be done lovingly, carefully, and prayerfully. Church discipline should always be done for the benefit of the one being disciplined.
You can always expect criticism. Many people will have opinions and interpretations of the situation. However, they don’t have the responsibility to God and the church that we have as the leaders.
It’s not just about the individual. We also need to take care of our team, because the team belongs to God. Some leaders make decisions based on politics, but I’ve made it a practice not to make decisions based on peer pressure, politics, or personal conflict with any individual. I hold myself accountable to God; I’m a shepherd caring for this part of God’s flock.
Encourage and be encouraged
The Holy Spirit is able to do the needed healing work in even the hardest heart, if given time, and if the person has even a little faith in God. My role is to love and encourage the individual and to leave the results to God. The Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and the goal is always redemption, reconciliation, and character building, resulting in hope.
For some leaders, myself included, dealing with the judgment of others is an issue. But God’s Word is full of encouragement for leaders like us. Passages such as 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 are helpful when I face disapproval for making unpopular but necessary decisions: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Remember that there are benefits for being judged. “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Rom. 5:2-5).
Rick Muchow is worship pastor of Saddleback Community Church in Lake Forest, California.
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