Quote:
Originally Posted by Ohio
So Gene, in the desire to submit to his leader and to be completely reconciled with each of the saints, acquiesces to Mel Porter's demands and publicly repents, "[COLOR=Blue]If I have offended anyone in word or deed please come to me after the meeting.[COLOR=Black]" Gene is only attempting to act according to the Lord's word in Matthew, "if your brother offend you, go to him." But the problem is that none of the saints were ever offended by Gene, rather they all loved him. They all go along thinking that Gene's word is for someone else.
To the ministry zealots, however, this is totally unacceptable. How dare you say "if," and then, how dare you attempt to connect with the saints individually after the meeting! There is no "if," and there will be no contact with the saints!
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It may be Gene only offended one, two, or three out of the locality. Also Ohio, "if" implies elder #1 or elder #2 having to go to Gene (who many not have served in the capacity of a responsible brother) about the offense.
Not going to happen. Understand double-standards exist in the church regarding offenses and repentance. An #1 elder can offend a brother and he doesn't have to do anything about the offense. However if a brother or sister offends a #1 elder, if they want to go on in the church, they will be required to repent.