How Should Pastors Handle a Divisive Person?
Divisive people have always been a thorn in the flesh of the church. At the drop of a hat, some pastors could name a divisive person they have encountered. They tend to be easily recognizable (except, perhaps, by those who are too innocent to see through divisive, manipulative, and controlling behavior). As Romans 16:17–18 warns, “watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”
Sadly, these divisive people are often pacified and
permitted to remain in the fellowship, suck the life out of the church,
manipulate the naive, and hinder progress. Christ, however, gives clear
instructions for how divisive people are to be handled in his Church: “Warn a
divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have
nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and
sinful; they are self-condemned” (Titus 3:10–11).
Christ gives clear instructions for how divisive people
are to be handled in his Church.
Read the entire article by Johnathan Arnold here.
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