Pastor Rebukes 'Passive, Coward' Churches

Pastor Shane Idleman is all too aware of the moral decline he sees in the United States and he's speaking out about it. But what irritates him is the cowardice he finds in many churches when it comes to tackling "hot button" issues.

"I'm sick and tired of the passive, lukewarm, coward church doing nothing and saying nothing because it offends people. Yeah, it's a hot button, absolutely. But if the truth doesn't come from here (church), where does it come from?" he posed during his Sunday sermon at Westside Christian Fellowship in Lancaster, Calif.

Idleman wasn't afraid to be blunt as he joined hundreds of other pastors throughout the country in preaching on politics just ahead of the November presidential election as part of Pulpit Freedom Sunday.

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Evermyrtle

I believe that the uncaring churches has a lot to do with the down fall of this nation. We must forget about hurting people's feeling and start doing what GOD demand us to do. We hav to stand up with GOD'S truth which can be found in HIS WORD. Every Christian must stand up for HIS WORD and HIS commandments. We cannot rely on "Being Politically Correct" we must accept HIS truth, all of it, not just a few passages. Going to church and going home and have dinner will not hack it we must get out and work at spreading the word. WE can go to most any place we want to go and stay as long as we like and never hear GOD OR HIS SON JESUS CHRIST mentioned. WHY IS THAT THE STANDARD, TODAY.? WE MUST GET THE LEAD OUT AND DO SOME WITNESSING!!

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Devasahayam

At least one sensible pastor still exists in the Fruitcake State!
http://www.missiontoisrael.org/ Ted R. Weiland

He needs to instead rebuke the pastors and ministry leaders who courted the government for their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt incorporation status, which made the government head of their churches.
- Winston
  
  Amen!
- Crashaxe
  
  Once again AMEN!
- Bighoss
  
  Rot! Taking 501 (c)(3) status does not put the gummint in charge of a church. I worry a lot less about tax exemption for churches than I do about theocratic nutjobs who want to make the church (meaning their church) the gummint. Check out such wackadoodles as the New Apostolic Reformation and its principal nutjob, C. Peter Wagner.
- Pastor Dwayne
  
  men to that Ted, I don't
Jimmy

Recently a pastor of a church nearby said, "Islam is a Religion of Peace, and we must do our best to show our friendship to our brothers." HOGWASH! Either this man doesn't have any idea what Islam is, or his friends at CAIR are paying him to say these things. When I read John Daniels new book at amazon.com titled, THE COMING: A TRUE STORY OF HORROR, it woke me up! I had always had misgivings concerning Islam and for a long while believed the lie it was only a few that had hijacked the religion. Never again!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004047180339 John Adams

I'm assuming that is a photo of him preaching. Pastors SHOULD NOT preach in a t-shirt. It does NOT portray the appropriate respect for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
- Pastor Dwayne
  
  I would probabally prefer the t-shirt than almost all 3 piece suits.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004047180339 John Adams
    
    It's not about what YOU prefer, it's all about God and honoring HIM!!
    - Pastor Dwayne
      
      I have been in all different kinds of worship, those dressed to the hilt, all the way down to jeans . The best worship services were jeans , although I wasn't .
      John, just curious, how do "you" worship the Lord ?
      - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004047180339 John Adams
        
        I worship God in spirit and in truth. BTW, you sound like a rebel.
      - Pastor Dwayne
        
        Some people try to worship , and are not born again
      - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004047180339 John Adams
        
        While that statement is true, how do you believe it applies to the current discussion?
      - Pastor Dwayne
        
        Because 80% of church goers are headed for hell!!!
- mallen11
  
  However, it could also be construed as being legalistic. If a church is known for casual wear by the congregation it stands to reason the pastor dresses casually. The main issue is teaching the Word of God so that one's congregation learns how to become believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and after salvation to glorify Jesus Christ through the knowledge of His Word and how to apply it to their daily lives. There are many well dressed ministers that do not teach God's Word. I personally would not be comfortable in this pastor's congregation but if he is teaching correctly, God will bless his ministry. I know Paul taught that women should adore themselves in modest apparel (KJV) but I am not sure about anything he says about the way a man is to dress. I doubt that in Paul's day they had many changes of clothing.
  - Winston
    
    We are to honor God by giving Him our best… and dressing in jeans and a T-shirt to be "hip" is NOT honoring God by any means, and that is NOT being legalistic.
    - mallen11
      
      We honor God by learning His Word and applying it to or lives. I have known people who are new believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who did not have fine clothes to wear to church and we accepted them in our congregation. Remember the short sighted usher found in James 2:1-13? The ones who came as they were learned from the teaching of the Word of God; not from self-righteous, arrogant, legalistic people who try to tell others how to live the Christian way of life, what to wear and what to do or not do. Sticking one's nose into other people's business is wrong. We teach "live and let live", learn from the Word of God and grow spiritually. Let God be their authority through His Word.
    - Pastor Dwayne
      
      Most people in jeans, ( that I know ) Their hearts are right , ( Born Again ), before the Lord! Most people that wear 3 piece suits to honor God, Don't have a clue what Jesus meant when He said you must be Born Again to enter the Kingdom. Whether 3 piece, or jeans if they are not Born Again, the scripture that applies is , all our righteousness to Him is as filthy rags!
      - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004047180339 John Adams
        
        When we come to Christ for salvation, He takes us as we are. However, a TRUE experience with Christ causes one to become a new creature – ALL things become new!!
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004047180339 John Adams
    
    No, the "main issue" is NOT teaching the Word of God. The main issue is worshipping and honoring God. Yes, that can, and ought to, be done by teaching the Word of God, but the main issue is WORSHIP. Dressing "casual" does NOT honor God. Would one dress "casuel" for an audience with the queen or the president? Why should one do less for the God of the Universe?
    - mallen11
      
      How can one worship God if they know nothing about the Word of God? Too many churches are NOT teaching from the Bible and their congregation has no idea how to worship.
      
      Col 1:27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the confidence of glory.
      
      We are to worship Christ intensely. We must know His Word and grow spiritually through the teaching of His Word as well as our own reading and studying.
      
      John 4:24 God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit (in fellowship) and truth (using the knowledge of his Word.)
      
      Remember Jesus calling the religious leaders dead men bones or white washed
      John 4:24 God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit (in fellowship) and truth (using the knowledge of his Word.)
      
      Remember Jesus calling the religious leaders dead men bones or white washed tombstones?
      And Jesus said…
      Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
      - Pastor Dwayne
        
        Double AMEN
      - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004047180339 John Adams
        
        I think that the majority of the church today has lost sight of the FACT that witnessing/soul winning is to be done OUTSIDE the church. The church is for believers NOT the unsaved. I don't believe that we should exclude the unsaved from attending the church, but what we say/do in church is to be directed to those who are already believers.
      - mallen11
        
        I am surprised to hear you say that about witnessing/soul winning is done outside the Church when MANY people have walked into our congregation and have come to know the Lord. We are taught to be ambassadors for Christ everywhere we go. So, any unbeliever who comes to your church would be clueless because they do not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and can't understand what is taught but they should be given the plan of salvation. We give the plan of salvation in our first service but there is no invitation to "walk the Isle". Sometimes it takes time for one to make up their mind about Christ. We are very sensitive to those who come who are new and plenty of people to talk to them.
      - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004047180339 John Adams
        
        At the end of our morning service, our Pastor always invites any who may be there and don't know Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour to come forward to speak with him or to talk to him after the service, but we seldom have a "salvation" message. The church is for the edification of the saints, not the salvation of sinners. It would actually be best that the church be exclusively for believers. Less opportunity for corruption to creep in. Look at the NT for the pattern.
      - mallen11
        
        I think you are finally making it clear. We seldom have a "salvation" message except at the end of our first Sunday service. We do believe the teaching in our church is to edify the saints as well. I think you are trying to say that unbelievers should not have influence among believers so there is no corruption. I agree.
        Our pastor teaches from the original languages of Hebrew and Greek using ICE:
        I= isagogics, the interpretation of scripture with its framework of historical setting or prophetical environment.
        C=categorical, communication of scripture – comparing scripture with scripture which results in Biblical systematic theology. Theological nomenclature must be assigned to give retention of categories.
        E=exegesis, the expository approach to scriptures and based on the analysis of the grammar, etymology, syntax of the scripture. Every verse must be correctly translated so it can be accurately interpreted. Must be interpreted in the time of writing. This is to determine under the ministry of God the Holy Spirit the exact thought of any given writer under any given context.
        For example, it took five years to get through II Corinthians teaching four times a week. So you can see that we take the teaching of God's Word very seriously since it is the only way we can grow spiritually and glorify Jesus Christ.
    - Wayne
      
      I can see what you are saying and that it has its own merit. I believe too though that in a church that proposes to help those seeking the Lord, it is worthwhile to maintain a level of decorum that those unfamiliar with Christ will be willing and wanting to attend. It is the word that is taught and the worship that is had that touches the heart, not the attire of the pastor or his congregation. "We should be all things to all people" isn't that what was taught by Paul? I am willing to go where the people are to meet them in their own environment, and at their comfort level. That I believe is why there are many different types of churches that teach the same absolute truths of Jesus and the Gospel. Some are very modern, others more traditional, music, prayer and attire varies. Different churches are appropriate for different people, and all churches are part of the one Holy church as long as they teach the Bible and its' truth only.
    - Pastor Dwayne
      
      That is what mallen11 said john , after people get saved, they then glorify ( worship, honor ) God , and only then!
- dionesius3
  
  And you still wear your Frock Coat and Powdered wig in Polite society I assume???
  Give me a break!!!
  I suppose you don't allow women to speak, wear pants, or teach Sunday School either do you?
  And the "Pastor" is so above you as a "mere" layman that you would never dare question his teachings or authority now would you??
  What a load of HogWash!
  - Evermyrtle
    
    Who on earth are you referring to. I do not see a post the deserves such spite.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004047180339 John Adams
    
    Actually, in our church women do NOT speak publically, not even to ask a question during a Q&A time, they do not wear pants nor do they teach, except to teach other women. We believe that is following God's commandments as presented in His Holy Word, the Bible.
    - Washington22
      
      Interesting and old fashioned. I'm curious enough to ask what is the demoniation of your church? I think the apostolics are strict like that…or possibly Quacker? I would not critize or condemn another's faith or it's practices, except of course, for Islam. Each group follows their own path to God. But I am curoius…………..
      - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004047180339 John Adams
        
        We are independent fundamental Baptist.
    - Pastor Dwayne
      
      John, where does it say a woman can't talk or teach?? You said it is in the bible! Just curious
      - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=58215905 Wesley Woods
        
        i think it is in Paul letter to the Corinthian church unfortunately taken out of the historical context where were only good for food and being barefoot and pregnant. about the only time the were even seen in public was to shop for food. they were not even considered pleasure for men. teenage boys held position for men in society. practically all ancient Greek society was that way outside of Sparta where it was basically a military dictatorship.
      - Jeff Dixon
        
        <>
        New International Version (©1984)
        women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.
        
        1 Timothy 2:11-12
        
        Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.
      - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004047180339 John Adams
        
        1Cr 14:34
        
        Let your women keep silence in
        the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are
        commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
        
        1Ti 2:11
        
        Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
        
        1Ti 2:12
        
        But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
    - Pastor Dwayne
      
      Still waiting for your reply, where in the Bible does it say women can't speak or teach?????
- Evermyrtle
  
  It may not be all the fine but I honor GOD by wearing my best to church. This is something that I do not worry about anywhere else that I go. I could wear what I intend to wear for the rest of the day, but I hate to be so lazy that I can not dress up for GOD, even though I know HE doesn't care what I wear except I be decently dressed. I feel like I am dishonoring HIM if I save my best for other occasions and wear anything I can just pick up to HIS house. I do this only for HIM.
- Crashaxe
  
  Jesus wore no suit, He wore the clothes of a peasant.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004047180339 John Adams
    
    When Jesus went to the temple to worship His Father, I'm SURE that He wore His best.
    - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=58215905 Wesley Woods
      
      you are really using a straw-man argument for Jesus would have worn his only clothes for having a second set of clothes was a sign of wealth. for by default it would have been his best because there would have been no other.
      - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004047180339 John Adams
        
        So, what is your excuse for wearing less than your best, or encouraging others to do so?
- Bighoss
  
  That "style" has become very commonplace with pulpiteers trying to appeal to young people. Generally when you see the "pastor" thus attired, you will find that the music of his souped-up church has a hard, driving sensual beat, also designed to appeal to youth. Where are you, Isaac Watts, now that we really need you?
Ryan Kempf

its not what a person wears on the outside its what inside his heart

Matthew 12:33-37New King James Version (NKJV)
A Tree Known by Its Fruit33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. 34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart[a] brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment
Just by wearing a suit and Tie doesn't make you Holy
Sky Soldier

We left a church because the pastor was an admitted "follower" of Rick Warren who has promoted socialist practices with his global peace network with Muslims … branded "Chrislam". The pastor then said he'd "invite a Muslim cleric into his church if it helped the members understand Islam better". That was the last service we attended at that apostate ecumenical bent church. Liberalism has wormed its way into many American churches and the sheep are blind to what is going on…and the elders and deacons do nothing to formally discipline the pastors.
- Fed Up
  
  I would inform that pastor that the Muslim cleric can lie and say anything he wants to make Islam look good because that is what their belief tells them to do. So how would the people know if what he is saying is the truth or not.
- petroskhan
  
  Some might attempt to point out that muslims are only allowed to lie during war, or to preserve their own lives.
  
  Well, to all devout muslims, they ARE at war; they are at war with all who do not follow their so-called "prophet" Mohammed (pork be upon him). Since they believe that they engaged in some sort of holy war against…well…everyone, then in their minds, it's perfectly okay to lie. Sounds like the pastor you mention needs a quick reality check.
Robert Alexander

Explain to them instead WHY these "Churches" are cowering. Giving the people a list of examples and heart cancers of evil within those churches mindsets – revealing why they rather serve the state instead of Yah – these are some steps to include.