I was browsing a news website when I saw an article about a Louisville, KY, church ordaining a past sex offender as a worship pastor. Intrigued on what the world would say about such an act, I clicked the link and started reading.

Summary:

Long before Mark joined the City of Refuge Worship Center church, he was convicted of sexually abusing an 11-year-old boy (convicted in 1998 for acts done in ’93-94). He served a five-year prison sentence, completed his parole term (ended June 2008), and registered his name on the Kentucky’s sex offender registry (for life). In a nutshell, Mark has fulfilled every legal obligation placed on him since the conviction that includes being banned from all pornography which is just one of the stipulations of the sex offenders registry.

On a moral level, it seems that Mark has given his life to Jesus and has subjected himself to the moral authority of the church and the pastor. I say “seems” because I do not know Mark – I only know that his senior pastor has vouched for him.

The Supposed Issue

However, in reading the article there are some folks who seem to think that once a person as committed a sex crime, they are doomed forever. In the words of a former leader at church (as reported in the article):

“He’s still a threat” to children…. Mark “has an illness that you can’t cure.”

It is note worthy that the leader who stated the above comments was the victim of abuse by a Catholic priest in the late1950s and early 60s. This may or may not be affecting his decisions and comments…either way, I pray that he has let God into this area of his life as that pain and anger could destroy him from within. =/

While there are some people (read an “abuse victims advocacy group”) who agree with the former leader’s comments and disagreement with Mark’s ordination, most of the folks at the church are in support of Mark…at least according to the article.

My Thoughts

While Mark’s past actions are horrible, they are the result of sin – just like anything else. Yes, the child whom he abused will have to live the memory of the abuse. But so does the child who is physical, but not sexually, abused; or the child of a divorced home; or anyone else who is a victim on the spiritual battle surrounding us.

We serve a HUGE God – one who could take a serial murder (who left widows and children crying in his wake) and turn him into one of the greatest defenders of the faith (Paul). If we really believe that God is who He says He is, then we have to believe that He can redeem a former sex offender.

If He can not, then there is no hope for me or you as we are no different then Mark in the eyes of God. Sin is sin. There is no greater sin or sliding scale of ‘sinfulness’. Either God redeems, cleans, changes, and renews all of us – or none of us. That’s it.

I applauded the members and leaders of the City of Refuge Worship Center for allowing God to work in Mark’s life.

May the Lord give them strengthen and wisdom to walk in His light.