Child Predators in the Church

Posted at humble Theology:

I write this to explain my decisions to leave the OPC denomination, warn others about churches are facing in our time, give church members and leaders a foothold to think about how to apply the theology they bear, and to protect the weak and vulnerable in the church. Please pray for me and my family as we seek out a Bible preaching and practicing church. Please pray for your and all churches to remain faithful in word and practice. Reference your state’s Child Sexual Offenders website to check who you may be exposing your children (or prior victims) to at church.

In an age where an alarming number of church leaders are being removed due to crimes against children, the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (“OPC”) deems it acceptable to invite such criminals into their churches as communing members in good standing and currently allows them the option to pursue ordination into church offices (Elder, Deacon, and Ministers). I want to say upfront and clearly that I strongly believe that any sin can be forgiven by God, and thus any Child Sex Offender (“CSO” – including but not limited to rape of a child, aggravated assault of a child, indecent exposure…) may be saved by the grace of God. But, at the same time, I don’t believe spiritual salvation equates to a get out of jail free card in this life, especially regarding this form of sin. You should reap what you sow.

I have argued this within the OPC as an elder on a local church session and yet discovered that such tolerance/acceptance had already been granted to members and ministers prior to my being made an elder. In my mind, to stay on as an elder (or even as a member) would imply that I agreed with the ruling. I do not believe CSOs have a biblical “right” to church membership and certainly have no right to pursue ordination as a church officer (1 Tim 3;7, Titus 1:6). I find this to be a lack of church discipline, the gross nod of agreement to a most heinous sin, and the endangering of the flock for the inclusion of the felt needs of a few. As such it falls short of possessing the marks of a true church of Christ no matter what else it may correctly and doctrinally affirm. As such I disagree with the current OPC resolution in the 2024 GA Overture:

“Overture 2 is a request from a presbytery for the General Assembly’s advice regarding when and if those with serious sin and/or criminal history might be considered to serve in ordained office in the church. This includes such grievous sins as murder, sexual assault, and offenses requiring a man to register as a sex offender. The advisory committee made two recommendations.

The first was: “That the General Assembly adopt the following statement: ‘In light of the transformative and renewing power of the gospel (e.g., 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, Ephesians 2:1–10, Titus 3:3–7), and in consideration of the biblical examples of Moses, David, and the Apostle Paul, we affirm that those with a criminal past can serve faithfully in ordained office in Christ’s church. However, there are some crimes and some contexts in which ordination should not be pursued, due to the scandalous nature of some sins, and the necessity for ordained officers to be exemplary in character, above reproach, and well thought of even by unbelievers. This decision must ultimately be left to the wisdom of local sessions and/or presbyteries, who ought to ask the Lord of the harvest to provide men fitting to rule His church.’”

The advisory committee made a second recommendation, amended by the body, and in summary form: To elect a study committee of three ministers and two ruling elders appointed by the Moderator to study the matter, to offer recommendations to the presbytery, and to report back to the 91st General Assembly. It was approved. Rev. Todd Smith (Faith Bible Church OPC, Brick, NJ) prayed for the matters contained in the overtures.”

It is my stance that CSOs are not permitted to be ordained and should also be forbidden to join a church as a member or attend a church where children (18 and under) are present. I know this sounds harsh, unloving, and maybe even “unchristian”, but please consider the following.

Continue here.