Now, I must state this...I can't imagine the torture that so many church leaders have had to endure in their struggle to find the best answer when ambushed with a situation like that mentioned above. I've talked with such leaders. There's insomnia, depression, they can't eat, and their families see the pain associated with the "loss" of a friend. For so long, this brother (who was caught in sin) was known as a certain kind, thoughtful, and generous man, and now these church leaders feel betrayed. Great times were shared with lots of laughter and joy. But now the leaders know a different man. This brother has been fooling them all. As the shock of the realness of the situation begins to wear off, bitterness and anguish begins to set in. And the last thing they want for the rest of their congregations is for them to feel what the leadership is feeling...fear and anger.
I would like to break here and open this blog up for your comments. Have you been a leader in a church that has had to deal with a sinning brother like this? Have you been a brother that has been dealt with by your church leaders? Are you the wife of such a one? A son or daughter? What do you think the restoration process for a sinning brother within the local church should look like?
Share with me your story. So many churches just are equipped to handle ambushes like this. I believe we all have something to learn.
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