Pastoral background checks

[HumbleMan]

On another forum, there was a thread about a pastoral search committee, and someone mentioned that it was becoming pretty common to do a background and credit history check on prospective pastors.

That just didn't seem to sit right.

Is the problem that we want too high an expectation on a human that was called to be a shephard?

Or that there is a large number of pastors who have no right to be in that position because of personal irresponsibility?

Or is the church becoming too much like the world in wanting their church run like a business?

 

[RajunCajun86]

Is the problem that we want too high an expectation on a human that was called to be a shephard?

no

Or that there is a large number of pastors who have no right to be in that position because of personal irresponsibility?

mainly yes

Or is the church becoming too much like the world in wanting their church run like a business?

with the finances he should be as responsible as one in a business

 

[edie19]

On another forum, there was a thread about a pastoral search committee, and someone mentioned that it was becoming pretty common to do a background and credit history check on prospective pastors.

That just didn't seem to sit right.

Is the problem that we want too high an expectation on a human that was called to be a shephard?

Or that there is a large number of pastors who have no right to be in that position because of personal irresponsibility?

Or is the church becoming too much like the world in wanting their church run like a business?

I think that's a pretty darn good idea. I think a lot of pastors aren't qualified to fill a pulpit. Sad, but true. I'm not saying they're commonplace, but extra-marital affairs do take place among the clergy. As far as the credit check goes - my father was a trustee/treasurer at his church for years. He says that embezzlement in churches is very common (he told me a percentage and I don't remember the number, but I do remember being astounded).

edie

 

[Monica02]

There is nothing wrong with being practical and checking someone out.

 

[jcright]

On another forum, there was a thread about a pastoral search committee, and someone mentioned that it was becoming pretty common to do a background and credit history check on prospective pastors.

That just didn't seem to sit right.

Is the problem that we want too high an expectation on a human that was called to be a shephard?

Or that there is a large number of pastors who have no right to be in that position because of personal irresponsibility?

Or is the church becoming too much like the world in wanting their church run like a business?

What's wrong with the church running like a business? That's how we maintain order, stay on track, protect ourselves and our values. I think Pastors should be questioning if a church doesn't do some kind check. They might have more work ahead of them than they originally thought! If they do mind being checked....then I would think they fall into the category of those who shouldn't be pastor's. I know if I were a pastor that I would want people holding me responsible...and if that means running my credit score, then so be it. After all, if I'm not responsible with my finances or my household, etc., then why should I have the responsibility of running a church?

 

[JacobHall86]

As someone studying to be a pastor with a shady background I am whole heartedly for background checks. I was arrested when I was 17, it was because of that arrest that I became a Christian. I have chosen to leave it on my record because it is aprt of my testimony. If Christ has truely changed us our past wont bother us.

However certain things need to be checked out. Good stewardship with money is a must.

If someone has a history of incidents iwth children and wants to be a childrens ministry than you have a red flag.

Ministers are called to be above reproach, if we truely are background checks wont be a problem.

 

[MadFingerPainter]

i'm going to say the second reason most likely. we have pastors that are embezzling from the church offerings baskets...
ones who are more concerned with filling seats than preaching a message with meat.
or you have people like Dennis Raider (aka BTK) who are church deacons. he was a serial killer.
i'd prefer the background check to know that my pastor hadn't beaten, raped, and killed a slew of women before coming to teach me about God and his word.

 

[Jason19]

I was on a youth pastor search commitee for about six months, its so important to know a person's background when considering something as big as pastorship, especially in the capacity of youth pastor. The thing is though, I noticed people had an idea that the background check was all we needed, really we need a more personal way of finding out things, just cause its on paper doesn't give us a real good idea of why things showed up, like the guy who posted above about being saved because he was arrested.
Background checks are an excellent idea, there is nothing more important then getting a true man of God, full of integrity to lead the people in the body of Christ, however we can't rely on B.G. checks only, its one way of finding info... but only one way!

 

[JPPT1974]

I think it would be good
As you don't want a molester
To be your pastor
Get what I am saying my friends!

 

[Soldat_fur_Christ]

Well however what if they lived a horrid life, and murdered people, but then became a true Christian?

Remember Saul...

 

[AJ]

Personally I don't have a problem with it at all... I believe that it could potentially save the church a lot of problems in the long run.

 

[MatthewDiscipleofGod]

Well however what if they lived a horrid life, and murdered people, but then became a true Christian?

Remember Saul...

Good question.

 

[JacobHall86]

Well however what if they lived a horrid life, and murdered people, but then became a true Christian?

Remember Saul...

Remember how Paul would bring up his past life alot in order to portray the radical change. If the pastor tries to hide it than it needs to coem out. I never hide my past because it made me who I am. A background check wont automatically disqualify a person from ministry, but someones past will come out sooner or later, its better sooner than later.

 

[RaginCajun88]

A background check may reveal a past that is not to be desired but that shouldn’t be the factor that decides whether that person is the right person for a ministerial position. God is merciful enough to allow someone to change so we as Christians should be as well.

 

[Easystreet]

When you read the qualifications of a pastor to Timothy and Titus the requirements are rather strict as they should be.

Financial responsibility is a very real issue and high priority. Nothing right and decent should be overlooked when searching for someone to fill that calling.

Gordon

 

[daveleau]

On another forum, there was a thread about a pastoral search committee, and someone mentioned that it was becoming pretty common to do a background and credit history check on prospective pastors.

That just didn't seem to sit right.

Is the problem that we want too high an expectation on a human that was called to be a shephard?

Or that there is a large number of pastors who have no right to be in that position because of personal irresponsibility?

Or is the church becoming too much like the world in wanting their church run like a business?

Well, first, I'd have to say that there are some bad pastors out there that destroy churches, and it is sad. So, that is likely part of the issue. This is why the Scriptural passages on pastoral leadership are available to us, so we have a measuring stick for pastors. If a pastor is not good with his own finances (a good steward), then it is likely that the man will not be a good steward with the church's finances. The parable of the talents, while not specifically about the issue of finances and instead talks of blessing in ministry, does apply here. If a man mismanages and does not grow the little that he has, will God bless him with more?

Pastors need to fit the below requirements (1 Tim 3:2-7):

• must be above reproach
• the husband of one wife
• self-controlled
• sensible
• respectable
• hospitable
• an able teacher,
• not addicted to wine
• not a bully but gentle
• not quarrelsome
• not greedy
• one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God's church?)
• he must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil.
• he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil's trap

In a world where pastors are taught in one area and may find an office of a pastorate in a completely different area where the community and church do not know him, this is a way to fit with the requirements of Scripture listed above. I think it is wise for churches to do this, and it is quite apart from trying to be like the world or like a business. It is an attempt to follow what Scripture tells the church the pastor must have.

I hope this helps.

In Him,
Dave

 

[daveleau]

Well however what if they lived a horrid life, and murdered people, but then became a true Christian?

Remember Saul...

No man is perfect. The key is that a pastor must have shown a regenerative heart to his past indiscretions. I am in seminary now, and know that I have done things wrong in the past that is against some of the guidelines. What would a background check find on me? Well, it would show initial immaturity in aspects of life, and then show a regenerative move toward responsibility, study, and dedication. This is what should be looked for, as no man is perfect. For we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

 

[Joykins]

We need to ensure that those we entrust with spiritual authority are of good character, and background checks are a legitimate part of this.

 

[mlqurgw]

While I do agree that a man whom is being considerd as a pastor should be checked out by all honest means, we need to be careful that we don't expect too much from him. What some might think as being financially responsibile may be more than reasonable. We are not all good with money but that doesn't mean we are irresponsible with it. For some of us money is of little concern. What I am saying is that we need to be careful that we don't add our own standards to the already strict ones given in Scripture and that we don't read too much into those given. What is the required credit score for a pastor?

 

[daveleau]

lol, that's a good point. ...I'm sorry, you need a better credit score before we can employ you. lol At the same time, though, credit reports are valuable tools. If a pastor is hocked to the gills, that could only be known through getting to know him in detail (likely not a possibility in hiring a pastor), or through a credit report. But, churches need to refrain from abuse. My credit score is not great because I pay cash for everything, and I live in base housing. So, I have no debt other than student loans.