<> Ask the Pastor The Rev. Walter Snyder Good morning! Our questions this week come from a reader in Canada who chanced upon the column on the Internet. If you'd like to look back at old issues yourself, go to the Web and head for: http://members.aol.com/walts9/askthepastor/home/ Q: What are the proper steps that should be taken when a Christian takes another believer to court, and what are the steps taken when a Christian takes someone from the world to court? A: We hope that neither of these situations would ever arise, especially the former. Paul was quite explicit in his chastisement of the Corinthian Christians for their eagerness to drag brothers in the faith before civil magistrates - especially pagan judges such as Corinth had. When all is going well, Christians will not break contracts, lie, cheat, withhold services, or do anything else that is civilly actionable. However, because of the sinful flesh that clings to us (cf. Paul in Romans: "The good I would do, that I do not...."), we do at times commit such offenses. The Lord would like to see the reconciliation or restitution take place within the body of believers and not out in the world where the Faith is held up to public ridicule. While the Christian should always promote justice, this justice is, by virtue of circumstances, tempered with mercy, charity, and the like. It may be just that you receive recompense from one who has wronged you. Yet, it may not be merciful that you pursue your case because of extenuating circumstances, such as poor health, poverty, or the like. Pursuing a case in a mean spirit is just as much a sin as whatever the original problem. Unless it is a matter of being impoverished, of defending your family, or of checking gross evil, it seems hard to justify suing either Christians or non-Christians. Christ says in Matthew 5:38-41 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." Tread lightly when considering legal action. Make sure the right thing is done for the right reasons. We also have the matter of the offending party. A believer is motivated by Christ's love to want to do the right thing to and for others. If I violate my word or otherwise bring harm to you, my desire should be to come running to make things right. If I have wronged you and don't offer either apology or recompense, I am guilty of an unrepented sin against you, and should face the judgment of the Church. How this might take place comes in the answer to this reader's other question. Q: Can a pastor of a church kick a member out? If so, what is the procedure? A: I can't speak for pastors except those who I've witnessed or know about. In some congregations, the pastor practically owns the church (including the building, the offerings, and more). If such is the case, he can pretty much do whatever he pleases. Most organized bodies have procedures modeled in large part upon Matthew 18:15-17, where Jesus said, "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." In many churches, this is done with the offended party, the pastor and the elders or deacons all meeting in turn with the culprit before bringing the issue before the whole congregation. Sometimes a council of ministers, a bishop, or others have the final say. The actions taken are normally not arbitrary, but are made after carefully weighing the evidence. In providing this method of resolution, Christ gives opportunity for reconciliation at each step of the way. Still, his Church is bound by fidelity to him to expel the wicked person from its midst, so as to not allow sin to spread or to give the appearance that evil is sanctioned. So long for now. Remember to "Ask the Pastor" at P.O. Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951 or via the Internet through xrysostom@aol.com. You can also stop me on the street for a chat. Walter Snyder is the pastor of St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches, Jasper and Woodville, Texas, and coauthor of "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1996 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.