I have a young man who is in seminary in the city of which i pastor. he was refered to me by another one of my preachers who is also in seminary. this preacher isn't from my state and he is not admitted to his conference. yet the brother finds himself playing a political game. always calling and dishing out information. with all of the brothers connections he can not be admitted to his conference and already has a college degree. he has been kicked out of every church he has been at for how he conducts himself with the females of the church. i suspended him and let him back thinking that i can help this preacher before he gets him self hurt. not it is effecting the rest of my staff. if kick him out for good this time i will have to notify his bishop the board, his dean and his mother. these people are the ones i wrote a letter to trying to help him. but what they said is true. his elder hasn't sign his license.and i don't want to be a henderence to any young preacher because i was young and stupid to. what do i do?

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2003

Answers

As a pastor, you are also responsible to your flock. Please do not unleash a wolf amongst the lambs.

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2003

If what you say is true, you don't have a problem. He is not a preacher if he has no license and not admitted to the Annual Conference on trial or otherwise. You are at fault if you don't boot him out yesterday and you do not have to explain your action to anyone. Kick him out while he is young and stupid before he becomes old, stupid and dangerous.

BE Blessed

Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2003

I would agree with the responder who said that if he is not licensed by the conference/district, then you are really not responsible for him. Talk to him gently; suggest counseling and a leave of absence. Be "Christian" about it (SMILE), okay?

-- Anonymous, June 19, 2003