Posted November 3rd, 2011 at 10:42 PM by Lois
Ministers who don't keep confidences. This is another sign of an unhealthy church. One should be able to counsel with a minister and know that what is shared will stay between them alone. Even the UPC, in its Manual of rules states, "When a minister receives information that is a privileged communication, the minister shall not divulge or repeat any part of such communication to any other person.." (unless required to by law or if the person waives the privilege)...
Yet some ministers use privileged information to shame and manipulate church members. They incorporate it into sermons. They share it with their wife and other family members. It may come out under the guise of a prayer request for the individual. They may even share private matters about members with people who don't even attend the church they pastor.
A minister is to have the heart of a servant. Using privileged information to shame, manipulate, humiliate, control or hurt people is a sign of an abusive individual who, though they may hold the title of a minister, they are not representative of Christ.
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