We Believe In The Bible, MOST of the Time
Let me begin by saying two things. First, I believe in the Bible. I believe it is infallible, and inerrant. I believe in its sufficiency for every need in a person's life. There is no issue you will ever face where the Bible will not have an answer for you. I believe that if God can keep the world from falling off its axis, and if He can keep my body temperature at a fairly steady 98.6 degrees, He can protect His word down through the centuries. I am much better at believing in the Bible than I am at putting it all into practice. As the song from the movie "The Apostle" says, "these things I tell, they are much truer, than the heart of he who speaks."
I also want to say that the statements I make in this article are not meant to be indictments against the people involved. I've lived long enough to know that there are two sides to every story--and the side I have read is just one of them.
I think that there are a lot of people who say they believe in the Bible, but when it comes to putting it into practice, they reveal by their actions that they really don't. From a practical standpoint, they do not believe in the Bible.
Case in point, Steven Flockhart. Flockhart is a Southern Baptist pastor that you may have heard of. He is an understudy of Johnny Hunt, a very popular Southern Baptist pastor from Georgia, and currently a candidate for president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Johnny Hunt recommended Flockhart to the pastor search committee of First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach, Florida, one of that state's largest and most prestigious congregations. Soon after moving into his 4500 square foot house in a prestigious West Palm gated community, Pastor Flockhart came under scrutiny by a newspaper reporter digging into his background. In a series of newspaper stories looking into Flockhart's many financial problems, it was eventually revealed that Flockhart had fabricated much of his resume. Fabricated is a nice way of saying that he lied. And he lied a lot. Over and over again he lied, even when confronted with proof that he had been dishonest. He did not have nearly the educational credentials that he said he did. According to the series of newspaper stories, Flockhart was a liar, and a cheater, and could not manage his finances. He eventually resigned in shame from the church in West Palm Beach. Here is a link to one of the first newspaper articles regarding his financial woes, detailing two specific lies Flockhart told about his financial dealings.
Steven Flockhart
Is it acceptable for a man who is a liar and a cheat to serve as a pastor?
Well, yes, I'm sure it is. Pastors are people, just like everyone else. They are subject to the same temptations and struggles as any person is. Find a pastor, and you will find an imperfect person. That's okay. But what does the Bible tell us about the qualifications of a pastor? 1 Timothy 3 gives us a good indication. It says that a pastor must be the husband of one wife (a one-woman kind of man), he must be above reproach, respectable, hospitable, with a good reputation. He much have a good reputation with people outside the church. He must be free from the love of money, and one who manages his own affairs well. Oh, and he must refrain from fruitless discussions, which disqualifies most pastor-bloggers.
Now, seven years ago, I left the ministry because I believed that I had disqualified myself from the office of pastor. I was not forced to leave the ministry. I did not get "caught in the act" of anything. I recognized that my life and my actions were no longer consistent with the character of a pastor. So I found a secular job, and I walked away. Although there are aspects of the job that I miss, I have never tried to go back. I've never asked a fellow pastor to "restore" me to the ministry. God has blessed my life and my family, and I believe He has blessed my decision to leave the ministry. I have repented of my sin, and done my best to make things right. What I was, I no longer am. Even though I know I do not have to earn the forgiveness I have been freely given, I want to live up to the blessings I have received. I am at peace.
Now, let's say a pastor, like Steven Flockhart, was guilty of violating some other stipulation of 1 Timothy 3. Let's say he was divorced. If he had gotten a divorce, the newspapers probably would not have cared. But his ministry would be over forever. If he had been guilty of having an affair, same story. No respectable SBC church in the country would see him as qualified to be a pastor. That's because it is commonly believed in the SBC that if a pastor gets a divorce, or commits adultery, he is no longer the husband of one wife according to 1 Timothy 3, and is therefore forever banned from ministry.
Now as far as we know, Flockhart has not violated those qualifications. Instead, he violated other qualifications of 1 Timothy 3. Several of them. Yet, Johnny Hunt has declared him restored to the ministry, and he is now pastoring a church again. There are conflicting reports as to whether or not Flockhart has repaid the approximately $140,000 he owed his former church in Georgia, or the $39,000 he never paid on an American Express Card, or the $9500 he owed the IRS. He says something to the effect that he has made it right. According to online video of the service at Woodstock where Flockhart was declared "restored," the issues related to the money he owed at former pastorates were not dealt with, at least not publicly.
Johnny Hunt
Now don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to dog Steven Flockhart, or Johnny Hunt. I just want to know why there seems to be so little consistency among some people in the ministry. How is divorce a bigger violation of 1 Timothy 3 than lying, cheating, or having a terrible reputation in the community?
To me, the bottom line for a pastor is trust and confidence. Every word of 1 Timothy 3 comes down to trust. If a pastor violates that trust, by divorcing his wife, by not having discipline with regard to wine, or food, or his words, if he cannot control his family or his finances, or if he does not have the respect of those around him, he has violated the scriptural mandate for the office.
Now, are these violations permanent? If a person, for a time, violates the trust of others, is he permanently barred from the position of pastor? If he is for one violation, then he must be for any and all violations, right? In other words, if divorce disqualifies a pastor, so should lying, dishonesty, and an inability to manage finances.
What do you think?
I also want to say that the statements I make in this article are not meant to be indictments against the people involved. I've lived long enough to know that there are two sides to every story--and the side I have read is just one of them.
I think that there are a lot of people who say they believe in the Bible, but when it comes to putting it into practice, they reveal by their actions that they really don't. From a practical standpoint, they do not believe in the Bible.
Case in point, Steven Flockhart. Flockhart is a Southern Baptist pastor that you may have heard of. He is an understudy of Johnny Hunt, a very popular Southern Baptist pastor from Georgia, and currently a candidate for president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Johnny Hunt recommended Flockhart to the pastor search committee of First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach, Florida, one of that state's largest and most prestigious congregations. Soon after moving into his 4500 square foot house in a prestigious West Palm gated community, Pastor Flockhart came under scrutiny by a newspaper reporter digging into his background. In a series of newspaper stories looking into Flockhart's many financial problems, it was eventually revealed that Flockhart had fabricated much of his resume. Fabricated is a nice way of saying that he lied. And he lied a lot. Over and over again he lied, even when confronted with proof that he had been dishonest. He did not have nearly the educational credentials that he said he did. According to the series of newspaper stories, Flockhart was a liar, and a cheater, and could not manage his finances. He eventually resigned in shame from the church in West Palm Beach. Here is a link to one of the first newspaper articles regarding his financial woes, detailing two specific lies Flockhart told about his financial dealings.
Steven FlockhartIs it acceptable for a man who is a liar and a cheat to serve as a pastor?
Well, yes, I'm sure it is. Pastors are people, just like everyone else. They are subject to the same temptations and struggles as any person is. Find a pastor, and you will find an imperfect person. That's okay. But what does the Bible tell us about the qualifications of a pastor? 1 Timothy 3 gives us a good indication. It says that a pastor must be the husband of one wife (a one-woman kind of man), he must be above reproach, respectable, hospitable, with a good reputation. He much have a good reputation with people outside the church. He must be free from the love of money, and one who manages his own affairs well. Oh, and he must refrain from fruitless discussions, which disqualifies most pastor-bloggers.
Now, seven years ago, I left the ministry because I believed that I had disqualified myself from the office of pastor. I was not forced to leave the ministry. I did not get "caught in the act" of anything. I recognized that my life and my actions were no longer consistent with the character of a pastor. So I found a secular job, and I walked away. Although there are aspects of the job that I miss, I have never tried to go back. I've never asked a fellow pastor to "restore" me to the ministry. God has blessed my life and my family, and I believe He has blessed my decision to leave the ministry. I have repented of my sin, and done my best to make things right. What I was, I no longer am. Even though I know I do not have to earn the forgiveness I have been freely given, I want to live up to the blessings I have received. I am at peace.
Now, let's say a pastor, like Steven Flockhart, was guilty of violating some other stipulation of 1 Timothy 3. Let's say he was divorced. If he had gotten a divorce, the newspapers probably would not have cared. But his ministry would be over forever. If he had been guilty of having an affair, same story. No respectable SBC church in the country would see him as qualified to be a pastor. That's because it is commonly believed in the SBC that if a pastor gets a divorce, or commits adultery, he is no longer the husband of one wife according to 1 Timothy 3, and is therefore forever banned from ministry.
Now as far as we know, Flockhart has not violated those qualifications. Instead, he violated other qualifications of 1 Timothy 3. Several of them. Yet, Johnny Hunt has declared him restored to the ministry, and he is now pastoring a church again. There are conflicting reports as to whether or not Flockhart has repaid the approximately $140,000 he owed his former church in Georgia, or the $39,000 he never paid on an American Express Card, or the $9500 he owed the IRS. He says something to the effect that he has made it right. According to online video of the service at Woodstock where Flockhart was declared "restored," the issues related to the money he owed at former pastorates were not dealt with, at least not publicly.
Johnny HuntNow don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to dog Steven Flockhart, or Johnny Hunt. I just want to know why there seems to be so little consistency among some people in the ministry. How is divorce a bigger violation of 1 Timothy 3 than lying, cheating, or having a terrible reputation in the community?
To me, the bottom line for a pastor is trust and confidence. Every word of 1 Timothy 3 comes down to trust. If a pastor violates that trust, by divorcing his wife, by not having discipline with regard to wine, or food, or his words, if he cannot control his family or his finances, or if he does not have the respect of those around him, he has violated the scriptural mandate for the office.
Now, are these violations permanent? If a person, for a time, violates the trust of others, is he permanently barred from the position of pastor? If he is for one violation, then he must be for any and all violations, right? In other words, if divorce disqualifies a pastor, so should lying, dishonesty, and an inability to manage finances.
What do you think?
I think the only evidence that the only attitude, on his part, which would indicate a suitability to go back into the ministry, would be a realization on his part that he could never go back into the ministry. An inescapable Catch-22.
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Bob, you write two sentences, and capture the entire point. Thank you for your great wisdom. I had to read your comment two or three times for it to really sink in, and you are absolutely correct. The very attitude that would be required of him to return to the ministry is the attitude that makes him recognize that he is not fit for it. I have been there a thousand times. Thank you.
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You are on the money. Steve Flockhart has 3 times shown himself to be unworthy of trust and once again Johnny Hunt has empowered him and aided him in gaining the opportunity to deceive the children of God. This does not pass the smell test --- does it?!? Surely this story needs to be brought into the full light of day for all to consider before electing Hunt president of the SBC.
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I too am troubled by the thought that a man who would be president of the SBC would be one who would willingly aid a man who seems so disqualified for a position like this. At some point, one has to realize that God can bless a man richly outside the ministry.
Thanks for your comment, and I hope you will stop in often.
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You all have called it as it is! All of us sin....but we are called to cease practicing sin according to scripture, and the Lord works this in us. But when one, like Steve Flockhart (and his family) continue to lie, cheat and steal from the flock the Lord has given them (or maybe I should say, the flock Johnny Hunt has given them), and they have supposedly Saved (thus changed, "A new creation") for over 20 years, one has to wonder.
Surely Johnny Hunt won't be voted in as SBC President.
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While I agree that a violation of any principle of 1 Timothy 3 should be treated as any other violation, and total expulsion should follow any violation of the text, your article is not entirely accurate and I am therefore left to wonder whether there is more to your denuciation of Steven Flockhart than appears to the eye.
You make it appear that the time frame for his exposure was protracted. The fact is that he preached his "call" sermon, was called and all hell broke out that very week and he never preached another sermon at 1st Baptist of WPB.
You also make no mention of the fact that the pulpit nominating committee was just as much at fault as Rev. Flockhart was since they did not choose to investigate very thoroughly even though or perhaps because of the fact that they had been searching for nearly 3 years at that point.
You repeatedly say that you have no ax to grind but your article says something different.
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Thank you Ernie, for visiting the blog, and for making your comment. Perhaps you could elaborate on what ax you think I have to grind, or how there is more to my denunciation than meets the eye. In fact, the only ax I have to grind is when we claim to be people of the book, as long as it is convenient and profitable. Flockhart should have left the ministry because he damaged his credibility by lying and deceiving the flock. Certainly you are correct when you say that the pulpit committee has culpability in this, because they did not do their due diligence, but they were under the impression that they could trust Flockhart, and Johnny Hunt too. Big mistake.
I said nothing at all about the time frame involved, and I'm sorry if it reads like it was a long time.
Perhaps you have some insight you'd like to share about the situation. Do you feel like it is a mistake for Flockhart to be pastoring the church in Georgia, and for Hunt to have arranged the chance for him to do so?
Thanks again, Ernie.
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Ernie....You sound pretty secure that you recall the facts correctly. Perhaps these articles' excerpts (orig published in the PB Post) will help to jog your memory. Flockhart spoke from the pulpit in FBC for at least a month. Yes, the nominating committee was at fault. I believe that Johnny Hunt carries the larger load, due to his video-taped endorsement. But because someone doesn't uncover your sin, does the sin become that of the one who failed to uncover it? NO!
This one was published on Aug 13. His background was beginning to come out, but this was 2 weeks before he resigned.
Private Inurement
http://www.lindawilliams.net/nonp1.htm
Former Pastor Steve Flockhart of Crosspointe Baptist Church in Millington TN
Your Sins will find you out.
Tales of financial flaws follow pastor to W. Palm megachurch
By JANE MUSGRAVE
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Sunday, August 13, 2006
WEST PALM BEACH — The new head pastor of the nearly 10,000-member First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach left a Georgia church in near financial ruin eight years ago, interviews and court records show.
Beloved as a dynamic man and powerful preacher, the Rev. Steven Flockhart repaid Macedonia Baptist Church in Dawnville last year a debt that had ballooned to $162,779, former parishioners said.
The Rev. Steven Flockhart assures his new congregation at First Baptist Church: 'I have, through the years, learned to become a better steward.'
The Rev. Steven Flockhart, facing a suit alleging misappropriation of money, enjoys praise from members of the church filing the suit.
But, they insisted, even though Flockhart's action threatened the church's survival, there are no hard feelings.
"Other than a little flaw, he's incredible," said Bruce Phillips, chairman of the council of elders at the 170-year-old church just outside Dalton. "People at the church still love him. He's the best preacher I've ever heard."
The "little flaw" left the church deeply in debt, created difficulties for it to do business in the small northeast Georgia town and soured some longtime members on religion, said the Rev. Barry Crocker, who was hired after Flockhart left in 1998.
Pastor Steven Flockhart’s fall from grace, resignation tied to resume lies
Palm Beach Post, USA
Aug. 27, 2006
Jane Musgrave
www.palmbeachpost.com
The First Baptist pastor in West Palm quits abruptly.
WEST PALM BEACH ? Newly appointed Pastor Steven Flockhart abruptly abandoned the pulpit at First Baptist Church West Palm Beach late Friday after The Palm Beach Post questioned the fabricated education credentials he used to land the post.
Flockhart, 40, submitted a one-line resignation to church leaders, said the Rev. Kevin Mahoney, executive pastor of the venerable church along the Intracoastal Waterway. It was effective immediately.
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V. Stone, I was a member of FBC when Flockhart was there, and remember a few sermons, not just one. While he was very charismatic and charming, something was not quite right. I had a bad feeling, but kept it to myself because so many people were enamored of him. I was not one of them. Things just seemed "hinky."
I was there when the stuff started coming out, and knew then what that "hinky" feeling had been. I also remember the fallout to our church from the revelations of his inability to tell the truth. Not just failing to be truthful one time, but several times. Each time, Kevin Mahoney gave him a chance to tell his side; and each time, the story had to be "revised" when the documents contradicted his story. It was devastating. And sad. He has a great gift of preaching, but that same gift is his weakness. Your strengths when unbalanced become weaknesses, right? The sad thing is this: if he had confessed it all, he could have stayed on as pastor, and safeguards would have been put in place to limit his ability to church funds. What is sad, too, is that the pastor search committee was made up of excellent, wonderful people, and they failed to conduct a simple check of his background. All so sad.
But, I am writing now because I am concerned in that he is now leading a church in Hiram, GA, and is doing a fundraising campaign right now to make the church bigger and better. My prayers for that church are that he not be allowed access to church funds. My concerns are that they will be swept away by his larger-than-life personality and will not think that safeguards are necessary.
Also, it is my personal belief that while he is just a sinner as we all are, he is held to a higher standard as a pastor, and his actions spoke to his total lack of integrity, no matter how gifted a speaker he is.
I do not believe he should have been "restored" yet, much less by the pastor who highly recommended him in the first place. Shouldn't someone with more neutrality make that decision?
I wish him a better future, but surely there is a way that he can be monitored? An accountability partner, to be sure, but more may be needed.
And Hunt was elected as SBC president. Only 7000 members at the convention.
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