Huduma ya Kichungaji, Misheni na Uongozi wa Kanisa wa Kibaptisti — Sehemu ya 5: Migogoro, Mgawanyiko wa Kanisa na UrejeshoBaptist Pastoral Ministry, Missions, and Church Leadership — Unit 5: Conflict, Church Splits, and Restoration

Mstari MkuuKey Verse

"Mkijitahidi kuuhifadhi umoja wa Roho katika kifungo cha amani." (Waefeso 4:3, SUV)"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3, NKJV)

Malengo ya KujifunzaLearning Objectives

Utakapomaliza kipindi hiki, unapaswa kuweza:When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1. Kutaja sababu za kawaida za migogoro katika kanisa na kutoa mifano ya Agano Jipya ya migogoro miongoni mwa waumini.1. Name the common causes of conflict in a church and give New Testament examples of conflict among believers.

2. Kueleza hatua za Mathayo 18:15-17 na jinsi zinavyotofautiana na nidhamu rasmi ya kanisa inayofundishwa katika Kozi ya 3.2. Explain the steps of Matthew 18:15-17 and how they differ from the formal discipline of the church taught in Course 3.

3. Kueleza sehemu ya mchungaji kama mpatanishi, ikiwa ni pamoja na wakati wa kuomba msaada kutoka nje.3. Describe the pastor's part as a peacemaker, including when to ask for outside help.

4. Kutaja mitazamo miwili mikuu kuhusu mgawanyiko wa kanisa, na kueleza jibu la Kibaptisti kuhusu wakati kujitenga ni sahihi na wakati ni dhambi.4. State the two main views on church division, and explain the Baptist answer about when separation is right and when it is sin.

5. Kueleza jinsi kanisa linavyorejeshwa baada ya mgawanyiko, na misimamo ya Kibaptisti juu ya kumrejesha mshiriki aliyeanguka na mchungaji aliyeanguka.5. Describe how a church is restored after a split, and the Baptist positions on restoring a fallen member and a fallen pastor.

Sauti ya Kozi HiiThe Voice of This Course

Kozi hii imeandikwa kutoka ndani ya mapokeo ya Kibaptisti, kwa ajili ya wachungaji Wabaptisti. Ni ya kihafidhina katika mafundisho na ya vitendo katika kusudi. Wabaptisti wamekuwa na ugomvi mwingi, na hatuufichi; Kozi ya 1 inasimulia historia. Wabaptisti wanapotofautiana, tunaeleza kila mtazamo kwa haki na kutoa jibu ambalo Wabaptisti wengi wa kihafidhina wangetoa. Kipindi hiki kinahusu sehemu ngumu zaidi ya maisha ya kichungaji, yaani nini cha kufanya watu wa Mungu wanapokuwa na ugomvi.This course is written from inside the Baptist tradition, for Baptist pastors. It is conservative in doctrine and practical in purpose. Baptists have had many quarrels, and we do not hide them; Course 1 tells the history. Where Baptists differ, we state each view fairly and give the answer most conservative Baptists would give. This unit is about the hardest part of pastoral life, which is what to do when God's people are at odds.

Migogoro Si Jambo JipyaConflict Is Not New

Kanisa la kwanza lilikuwa na migogoro. Katika Matendo 6:1 kulikuwa na manung'uniko ya waumini wanaozungumza Kigiriki dhidi ya waumini wanaozungumza Kiebrania kwa sababu wajane wao walikuwa wakisahauliwa. Katika Matendo 15:36-41 Paulo na Barnaba walikuwa na mabishano makali sana juu ya Yohana Marko hata wakatengana. Paulo aliwasihi Euodia na Sintike wawe na nia moja katika Bwana (Wafilipi 4:2-3). Huko Korintho wengine walisema "Mimi ni wa Paulo," "Mimi ni wa Apolo," na "Mimi ni wa Kefa" (1 Wakorintho 1:10-12). Yohana aliandika juu ya Diotrefe, ambaye alipenda kuwa wa kwanza na hakuwakubali ndugu (3 Yohana 9-10).The first church had conflict. In Acts 6:1 there was a complaint by the Greek-speaking believers against the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were overlooked. In Acts 15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas had such a sharp disagreement over John Mark that they separated. Paul begged Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord (Philippians 4:2-3). At Corinth some said "I am of Paul," "I am of Apollos," and "I am of Cephas" (1 Corinthians 1:10-12). John wrote of Diotrephes, who loved to have the first place and would not receive the brothers (3 John 9-10).

Kanisa lililojaa wenye dhambi waliookolewa kwa neema litakuwa na msuguano. Mgogoro haudhibitishi kwamba kanisa limekufa au kwamba mchungaji ameshindwa. Jinsi kanisa linavyoushughulikia huonyesha kama Kristo ni Bwana huko. Mgogoro uliokabiliwa kwa upendo unaweza kulileta kanisa karibu zaidi. Ule uliofichwa au uliopiganiwa kwa hasira unaweza kuliharibu.A church full of sinners saved by grace will have friction. Conflict does not prove that a church is dead or that the pastor is a failure. How the church handles it shows whether Christ is Lord there. A conflict faced in love can bring a church closer. One hidden or fought in anger can destroy it.

Si kila kutokubaliana ni dhambi. Waumini wanaweza kutofautiana kwa uaminifu kuhusu fedha, wakati wa ibada, au nani aongoze darasa. Mgogoro huwa hatari kutokubaliana kunapogeuka kuwa tuhuma, hasira na mapambano ya kushinda.Not every disagreement is sin. Believers may honestly differ about money, the time of the service or who should lead a class. Conflict becomes dangerous when disagreement turns into suspicion, anger and a struggle to win.

Migogoro Hutoka WapiWhere Conflict Comes From

Yakobo anauliza, "Vita na mapigano yatoka wapi kwenu?" na kujibu kwamba hutoka kwa tamaa zinazopigana ndani yetu (Yakobo 4:1-2). Katika makanisa, mizizi mara nyingi ni hii:James asks, "Where do wars and fights come from among you?" and answers that they come from the desires that war within us (James 4:1-2). In churches the roots are often these:

• Kiburi na kupenda mamlaka. Watu wanataka kuwa wa kwanza, kama Diotrefe alivyotaka.• Pride and the love of power. People want to have the first place, as Diotrephes did.

• Maumivu na kosa lisilosamehewa. Neno kali lililosemwa miaka mingi iliyopita bado linaishi.• Hurt and unforgiven offense. A harsh word spoken years ago still lives.

• Fedha na mali. Bajeti, mishahara na majengo ni sababu ya mara kwa mara.• Money and property. Budgets, salaries and buildings are a frequent cause.

• Mawasiliano mabaya. Watu hujua maamuzi kwa uvumi na kujaza ukimya kwa tuhuma.• Poor communication. People learn of decisions by rumor and fill the silence with suspicion.

• Mabadiliko yaliyoshughulikiwa vibaya. Kipindi cha 4 kilieleza jinsi mabadiliko ya haraka yanavyoweza kuumiza.• Changes handled badly. Unit 4 explained how hasty change can wound.

• Tofauti za mafundisho au matendo. Baadhi ni muhimu sana; nyingi ni ndogo.• Differences in doctrine or practice. Some matter greatly; many are small.

• Mchungaji mwenyewe. Wachungaji wanaweza kuwa na kiburi, wasiojali, wakali au wavivu. Mchungaji mwenye hekima huuliza kwanza, "Ni sehemu gani ya jambo hili ni yangu?"• The pastor himself. Pastors can be proud, careless, harsh or lazy. A wise pastor asks first, "What part of this is mine?"

Biblia Inafundisha Nini Kuhusu Kushughulikia MigogoroWhat the Bible Teaches About Handling Conflict

Nenda ukapatane. Yesu alisema kwamba ukileta sadaka yako madhabahuni na kukumbuka kwamba ndugu yako ana neno juu yako, uiache sadaka yako, uende kwanza upatanishwe na ndugu yako, kisha uitoe (Mathayo 5:23-24). Upatanisho unatangulia ibada.Go and be reconciled. Jesus said that if you bring your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, you should leave the gift, go first to be reconciled to your brother, and then offer it (Matthew 5:23-24). Reconciliation comes before worship.

Fuata Mathayo 18. Yesu alitoa mfano kwa kisa ambapo ndugu anakukosea (Mathayo 18:15-17). Kwanza, nenda kwake faraghani na umweleze kosa lake, kwa lengo la kumpata ndugu yako. Asiposikia, chukua mtu mmoja au wawili pamoja nawe ili kila neno lithibitishwe. Akikataa bado, liambie kanisa. Zingatia kinachohitajika hapa. Aliyekosewa lazima aende, na aende kwanza na peke yake. Ugomvi mwingi wa kanisani hukua kwa sababu watu hufanya kinyume chake. Huwaambia kila mtu isipokuwa mtu anayehusika.Follow Matthew 18. Jesus gave a pattern for the case where a brother sins against you (Matthew 18:15-17). First, go to him privately and tell him his fault, with the aim of winning your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others so that every word may be established. If he still refuses, tell it to the church. Notice what this requires. The one offended must go, and must go first and alone. Most church quarrels grow because people do the opposite. They tell everyone except the person concerned.

Mfano huu ni kwa makosa binafsi kati ya waumini. Pia unaanzisha njia ya nidhamu ya kanisa, ambayo inahusu dhambi kubwa isiyotubiwa na inafundishwa katika Kozi ya 3, Kipindi cha 5. Ugomvi wa kawaida kuhusu bajeti na mapendeleo kwa kawaida unapaswa kuisha muda mrefu kabla haujafika kwenye nidhamu rasmi.This pattern is for personal offenses between believers. It also begins the path to church discipline, which concerns serious and unrepented sin and is taught in Course 3, Unit 5. Ordinary quarrels about budgets and preferences should usually end long before they reach formal discipline.

Sema kwa upole na haraka. Jibu la upole hugeuza hasira, bali neno kali huchochea ghadhabu (Mithali 15:1). Paulo anasema, "Jua lisichwe likiwa na hasira yenu" (Waefeso 4:26). Kwa kadiri iwezekanavyo, kwa upande wetu, tuishi kwa amani na watu wote (Warumi 12:18). Yesu alisema wapatanishi wamebarikiwa (Mathayo 5:9).Speak gently and quickly. A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1). Paul says, "Do not let the sun go down on your wrath" (Ephesians 4:26). As far as it depends on us, we are to live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18). Jesus said the peacemakers are blessed (Matthew 5:9).

Liweke ndani ya familia. Paulo alikuwa na aibu kwamba waumini wa Korintho walipelekana mahakamani mbele ya wasioamini, na akauliza kama hakukuwa na mtu mmoja mwenye hekima miongoni mwao anayeweza kuamua kati ya ndugu (1 Wakorintho 6:1-6). Kanisa linapaswa kutoa ushauri wa busara kutoka ndani, na mahali ambapo hilo ni gumu, kutoka kwa wachungaji wa jirani.Keep it in the family. Paul was ashamed that believers at Corinth took one another to court before unbelievers and asked whether there was not one wise man among them able to judge between brothers (1 Corinthians 6:1-6). The church should provide wise counsel from within, and in a place where this is hard, from neighboring pastors.

Mchungaji kama MpatanishiThe Pastor as Peacemaker

Mchungaji wakati wa mgogoro anahitaji subira na mpango. Miongozo hii inasaidia.A pastor in a time of conflict needs patience and a plan. These guidelines help.

1. Omba kwanza na mara nyingi. Mgogoro ni jambo la kiroho.1. Pray first and often. Conflict is a spiritual matter.

2. Sikiliza kila mtu peke yake na kikamilifu. Usichukue upande mapema. Kwa kawaida kuna hadithi mbili, na kila mtu anaamini yake.2. Listen to each person separately and fully. Do not take sides early. There are usually two stories, and each person believes his own.

3. Kataa uvumi. Mshiriki anapoanza kukueleza mtu wa tatu alichofanya, uliza, "Je, umesema naye?" Ikiwa hapana, mtume. Mchungaji anayebeba hadithi kutoka kwa mshiriki mmoja hadi mwingine anakuwa sehemu ya tatizo.3. Refuse gossip. When a member begins to tell you what a third person has done, ask, "Have you spoken to him?" If not, send him. A pastor who carries stories from one member to another becomes part of the problem.

4. Jichunguze. Mwombe Bwana na rafiki mwenye hekima kama una kosa kwa sehemu.4. Examine yourself. Ask the Lord and a wise friend whether you are partly at fault.

5. Waleta watu pamoja, wanapokuwa tayari. Mwombe kila mmoja aseme juu ya sehemu yake mwenyewe na si makosa ya mwingine. Anza na maliza kwa maombi.5. Bring people together, when they are ready. Ask each to speak of their own part and not of the other's faults. Begin and end with prayer.

6. Fundisha bila kutaja majina. Hubiri juu ya umoja, msamaha na unyenyekevu katika mfululizo wa kawaida wa Biblia, lakini usitumie mimbari kuwashambulia watu.6. Teach without naming. Preach on unity, forgiveness and humility in the regular course of the Bible, but do not use the pulpit to attack individuals.

7. Omba msaada wa nje kanisa linapokwama. Mchungaji wa jirani anayeaminika, au kiongozi kutoka chama cha makanisa (Kozi ya 3, Kipindi cha 3), anaweza kusikiliza kwa masikio mapya. Hili haliukiuki uhuru wa kanisa. Matendo 15 inaonyesha kanisa likitafuta ushauri wa viongozi wengine, na kanisa bado lilifanya maamuzi yake mwenyewe. Mgeni hushauri. Kanisa huamua.7. Ask for outside help when the church is stuck. A trusted neighboring pastor, or a leader from the association (Course 3, Unit 3), can listen with fresh ears. This does not violate the church's independence. Acts 15 shows a church seeking the counsel of other leaders, and the church still made its own decisions. The outsider advises. The church decides.

Kisa maalum kinahitaji uangalifu: mashtaka dhidi ya mchungaji. Maandiko yanasema, "Usipokee mashtaka juu ya mzee, isipokuwa kwa vinywa vya mashahidi wawili au watatu" (1 Timotheo 5:19). Kanisa halipaswi kutenda kwa uvumi, wala kupuuza shtaka zito. Mashemasi wanapaswa kulisikia kwa haki, na mshauri wa nje anaweza kusaidia.A special case needs care: accusations against the pastor. Scripture says, "Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses" (1 Timothy 5:19). The church should not act on rumor, nor ignore a serious charge. The deacons should hear it fairly, and an outside counselor can help.

Mgawanyiko wa Kanisa: Mitazamo Miwili na Jibu la KibaptistiChurch Splits: Two Views and the Baptist Answer

Wabaptisti wanaifahamu mgawanyiko vizuri, kama Kozi ya 1 inavyoonyesha. Uhuru wetu wa kujitawala unamaanisha kwamba hakuna askofu wala bodi inayoweza kuzuia kanisa kugawanyika. Hii ndiyo sababu kutafuta amani nyumbani ni muhimu sana.Baptists are well acquainted with division, as Course 1 shows. Our freedom to govern ourselves means that no bishop or board can prevent a church from dividing. This is why the peacemaking at home is so important.

Wanahistoria na wachungaji hawakubaliani jinsi ya kuhukumu mgawanyiko wa makanisa. Mitazamo miwili ni ya kawaida.Historians and pastors do not agree on how to judge church divisions. Two views are common.

Mtazamo wa kwanza: umoja kwa gharama yoyote karibu. Yesu aliomba kwamba watu wake wawe na umoja (Yohana 17:21). Paulo aliwahimiza Wakorintho wawe na nia moja na shauri moja (1 Wakorintho 1:10) na Waefeso wahifadhi umoja wa Roho (Waefeso 4:3). Kwa mtazamo huu mgawanyiko ni dhambi inayoleta aibu kwa injili, na waumini lazima wabaki pamoja na kutatua matatizo yao.View one: unity at almost any cost. Jesus prayed that His people may be one (John 17:21). Paul urged the Corinthians to be of the same mind and judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10) and the Ephesians to keep the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3). On this view division is a sin that brings shame on the gospel, and believers must remain together and work out their problems.

Mtazamo wa pili: ukweli kabla ya umoja. Paulo alitamka laana juu ya yeyote aliyehubiri injili nyingine (Wagalatia 1:8-9). Aliwaambia Warumi wajihadhari na wale wanaosababisha mafarakano kinyume cha mafundisho waliyojifunza, na waepukane nao (Warumi 16:17). Yohana aliwaambia waumini wasimpokee nyumbani mwalimu asiyeleta mafundisho ya kweli ya Kristo (2 Yohana 10-11). Kwa mtazamo huu, baadhi ya kujitenga kunahitajika na uaminifu.View two: truth before unity. Paul pronounced a curse on anyone who preached another gospel (Galatians 1:8-9). He told the Romans to watch out for those who cause divisions contrary to the teaching they had learned, and to avoid them (Romans 16:17). John told believers not to receive into the house a teacher who did not bring the true teaching of Christ (2 John 10-11). On this view, some separations are required by faithfulness.

Jibu la Kibaptisti, kama tunavyolishikilia, linatambua ukweli katika yote mawili. Tunatofautisha aina tatu za mambo. Aina ya kwanza inahusu injili yenyewe na misingi ya imani, kama vile nafsi na kazi ya Kristo na mamlaka ya Maandiko. Hapa kujitenga na walimu wanaokana ukweli wakati mwingine kunahitajika, ingawa lazima iwe hatua ya mwisho baada ya juhudi ya subira. Aina ya pili inahusu mafundisho muhimu ambayo waumini wa dhati hutofautiana juu yake, kama vile wakati wa mambo ya mwisho, au maelezo ya wokovu ndani ya maisha ya Kibaptisti (Kozi ya 2, Vipindi 8 hadi 10). Kuhusu haya tunapaswa kutokubaliana bila kugawanyika. Aina ya tatu inahusu mapendeleo, haiba za watu, muziki, majengo, bajeti na nani ana mamlaka. Mgawanyiko juu ya haya ni dhambi. Unamhuzunisha Bwana na unaharibu ushuhuda wa kanisa. Migawanyiko mingi ya makanisa, tukiwa waaminifu, ni ya aina ya tatu.The Baptist answer, as we hold it, recognizes the truth in both. We distinguish three kinds of matters. The first kind concerns the gospel itself and the foundations of the faith, such as the person and work of Christ and the authority of Scripture. Here separation from teachers who deny the truth is sometimes required, though it should be a last step taken after patient effort. The second kind concerns important doctrines on which sincere believers differ, such as the timing of the last things, or the details of salvation within Baptist life (Course 2, Units 8 to 10). On these we should disagree without dividing. The third kind concerns preferences, personalities, music, buildings, budgets and who holds power. Division over these is sin. It grieves the Lord and damages the witness of the church. Most church splits, if we are honest, belong to the third kind.

Paulo na Barnaba wanaonyesha kwamba kutengana si janga kila wakati. Mabishano yao makali yaliishia kwa kila mmoja kwenda njia yake, na safari mbili za kimisionari zikatoka badala ya moja (Matendo 15:39-41). Hata hivyo hadithi haikuisha kwa uchungu. Miaka baadaye Paulo alimtaka Marko kwa sababu "ananifaa kwa huduma" (2 Timotheo 4:11). Inawezekana kwa waumini kutengana na baadaye kurejeshwa.Paul and Barnabas show that separation is not always a disaster. Their sharp disagreement ended with them going separate ways, and two missionary journeys went out instead of one (Acts 15:39-41). Yet the story did not end in bitterness. Years later Paul asked for Mark because "he is useful to me for ministry" (2 Timothy 4:11). It is possible for believers to part and later to be restored.

Swali linalohusiana ni la mchungaji anayeondoka. Kanisa la Kibaptisti lina haki ya kumwita mchungaji, na lina haki ya kumwomba aondoke. Linapaswa kufanya hivyo kwa utaratibu, kwa maombi, haki na wema, na si kwa hasira. Mchungaji anayeondoka anapaswa kuondoka kwa amani na hapaswi kuchukua kikundi pamoja naye kuanzisha kanisa pinzani katika jamii ile ile.A related question concerns the departing pastor. A Baptist church has the right to call a pastor, and it has the right to ask him to leave. It should do so in order, with prayer, fairness and kindness, and not in anger. A pastor who leaves should leave peacefully and should not take a faction with him to form a rival church in the same community.

Urejesho Baada ya MgogoroRestoration After Conflict

Mgogoro unaoisha bila urejesho haujaisha kweli. Kanisa linahitaji njia ya uponyaji.A conflict that ends without restoration has not truly ended. The church needs a path to healing.

Kuungama na msamaha. Yakobo 5:16 inasema tuungame makosa yetu sisi kwa sisi na kuombeana. Tunapaswa kusamehe kama Kristo alivyotusamehe (Waefeso 4:32; Wakolosai 3:13). Petro alipouliza mara ngapi kusamehe, Yesu alijibu, mara sabini mara saba (Mathayo 18:21-22). Paulo aliwaambia Wakorintho wamsamehe na kumfariji mtu aliyekuwa amepewa nidhamu na kuthibitisha upendo wao kwake (2 Wakorintho 2:6-8).Confession and forgiveness. James 5:16 says to confess our trespasses to one another and pray for one another. We are to forgive as Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). When Peter asked how often to forgive, Jesus answered with seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22). Paul told the Corinthians to forgive and comfort the person who had been disciplined and to reaffirm their love for him (2 Corinthians 2:6-8).

Wakati na subira. Uaminifu hujengwa upya polepole, kupitia ibada ya kweli, uhubiri thabiti na toba inayoonekana.Time and patience. Trust is rebuilt slowly, through honest worship, steady preaching and visible repentance.

Matendo ya pamoja. Siku ya maombi, ibada ya kuungama, Meza ya Bwana inayoshirikiwa pamoja baada ya kujichunguza (1 Wakorintho 11:28), na kufanya upya agano la kanisa vinaweza kuashiria mwanzo mpya.Shared acts. A day of prayer, a service of confession, the Lord's Supper taken together after self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28), and a renewal of the church covenant can mark a new start.

Mabadiliko ya kuzuia kujirudia. Chunguza mazoea ya kanisa. Je, sheria ndogo zinawaruhusu watu wachache kulidhibiti kanisa? Je, habari zinashirikiwa waziwazi? Je, mabishano yanashughulikiwa kwa Mathayo 18?Changes to prevent a repeat. Examine the church's habits. Do the bylaws allow a few people to control the church? Is information shared openly? Are disputes handled by Matthew 18?

Wabariki walioondoka. Kikundi kikiwa kimeondoka, usiwasemee vibaya. Waombee. Kanisa linalowabariki wanaoondoka huacha mlango wazi kwa upatanisho.Bless those who left. If a group has left, do not speak ill of them. Pray for them. A church that blesses those who leave leaves a door open for reconciliation.

Kumrejesha mshiriki aliyeangukaRestoring a fallen member

Wagalatia 6:1 inasema, "Ndugu zangu, ikiwa mtu ameshikwa katika kosa lolote, ninyi mlio wa Roho mrudisheni mtu huyo kwa roho ya upole; ukijiangalia nafsi yako, usije ukajaribiwa wewe nawe." Lengo la nidhamu ni urejesho. Mshiriki aliyetubu anapaswa kukaribishwa tena.Galatians 6:1 says, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." The aim of discipline is restoration. A repentant member is to be welcomed back.

Kumrejesha mchungaji aliyeangukaRestoring a fallen pastor

Wabaptisti hutofautiana juu ya swali hili chungu. Mtazamo mmoja unashikilia kwamba mchungaji aliyeanguka katika dhambi nzito, mara anaposamehewa, anaweza kwa wakati kurudi katika ofisi ya uchungaji, kwa sababu msamaha ni kamili na kwa sababu Petro alirejeshwa baada ya kumkana Bwana (Yohana 21:15-17). Mtazamo mwingine unashikilia kwamba msamaha peke yake hauurudishi sifa za 1 Timotheo 3:2 na 3:7, kwamba mwangalizi lazima awe asiye na lawama na awe na sifa njema kwa watu wa nje, na kwamba baada ya dhambi fulani mchungaji hapaswi kurudi kwenye mimbari.Baptists differ on this painful question. One view holds that a pastor who falls into grave sin, once forgiven, may in time return to the pastoral office, because forgiveness is full and because Peter was restored after denying the Lord (John 21:15-17). The other view holds that forgiveness does not by itself restore the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:2 and 3:7, that an overseer must be above reproach and have a good reputation with outsiders, and that after some sins the pastor should not return to the pulpit.

Jibu la Kibaptisti la kihafidhina tunalotoa ni hili: msamaha na urejesho kwenye ushirika ni hakika na kamili. Kanisa linapaswa kumpenda mchungaji aliyeanguka na familia yake na kuwatunza. Lakini kama atarudi katika ofisi ya uchungaji ni swali tofauti. Kanisa lisikimbilie hilo, na mchungaji mwenyewe asilidai. Likija kabisa, linakuja baada ya toba ya kweli, msimu mrefu wa kupimwa, uwajibikaji na ushauri kutoka kwa wachungaji wengine. Katika kisa cha unyanyasaji wa kingono, au dhambi yoyote iliyowadhuru walio dhaifu, kanisa lazima pia liwalinde walio chini ya uangalizi wake na kutii sheria.The conservative Baptist answer we give is this: forgiveness and restoration to fellowship are certain and complete. The church should love the fallen pastor and his family and care for them. But whether he returns to pastoral office is a separate question. The church should not rush it, and the pastor himself should not demand it. If it comes at all, it comes after real repentance, a long season of testing, accountability and counsel from other pastors. In the case of sexual abuse, or of any sin that has harmed the vulnerable, the church must also protect those in its care and must obey the law.

Pingamizi na MajibuObjections and Answers

Pingamizi la 1: "Amani ndilo lengo, kwa hiyo epuka mapambano." Wachungaji wengine hudumisha uso tulivu na kupuuza kila tatizo. Nabii aliwalaani wale wanaosema "Amani, amani!" ilhali hakuna amani (Yeremia 6:14). Mathayo 18 inatuamuru kwenda kwa ndugu, si kumkwepa. Kudumisha amani ni tofauti na kutengeneza amani. La kwanza huficha jeraha tu; la pili huponya.Objection 1: "Peace is the goal, so avoid confrontation." Some pastors keep a calm surface and ignore every problem. The prophet condemned those who say "Peace, peace!" when there is no peace (Jeremiah 6:14). Matthew 18 commands us to go to the brother, not to avoid him. Keeping the peace is different from making peace. The first only hides a wound; the second heals it.

Pingamizi la 2: "Uhuru wa kanisa unamaanisha hakuna mtu wa nje mwenye haki ya kusaidia." Uhuru wa kujitawala wa Kibaptisti unamaanisha kwamba hakuna chombo cha nje kinachotawala kanisa la mahali. Haimaanishi kwamba kanisa lazima liwe peke yake. Matendo 15 inaonyesha kanisa likishauriana na viongozi wa makanisa mengine. Chama cha makanisa kipo kwa msaada kama huo (Kozi ya 3, Kipindi cha 3), na kanisa linaloomba ushauri linatenda kama kanisa huru linavyopaswa.Objection 2: "Church independence means no one outside has a right to help." Baptist autonomy means that no outside body rules over a local church. It does not mean that a church must be alone. Acts 15 shows a church consulting leaders from other churches. The association exists for such help (Course 3, Unit 3), and a church that asks for counsel is acting as a free church should.

Pingamizi la 3: "Ikiwa kanisa haliwezi kukubaliana, ni bora kutengana kuliko kupigana milele." Wakati mwingine hili ni kweli, kama Paulo na Barnaba wanavyoonyesha. Lakini jibu la Kibaptisti ni kwamba kutengana lazima kuje baada ya juhudi ya kweli, bila uchungu, na juu ya mambo yanayohitaji hivyo kweli. Mgawanyiko juu ya upendeleo wa kibinafsi mara chache sana ni mapenzi ya Bwana.Objection 3: "If a church cannot agree, it is better to part than to fight forever." Sometimes this is true, as Paul and Barnabas show. But the Baptist answer is that parting must come after honest effort, without bitterness, and over matters that truly require it. A split over personal preference is rarely the Lord's will.

Matumizi ya KichungajiPastoral Application

Katika kanisa la washiriki wapatao themanini, familia mbili, ambazo tutaziita familia ya Ramos na familia ya Torres (mfano wa kubuni), zimegombana juu ya ujenzi wa darasa jipya. Kila mmoja anasema mwingine aliwatukana katika mkutano wa biashara. Kufikia Jumapili kanisa limeanza kuchukua pande, na Mchungaji Eduardo anasikia hadithi mlangoni pake.In a church of about eighty members, two families, whom we shall call the Ramos and Torres families (a fictional example), have fallen out over the building of a new classroom. Each says the other insulted them in the business meeting. By Sunday the church has begun to take sides, and Pastor Eduardo hears the stories at his door.

Eduardo anaomba na kukutana na kila familia peke yake. Anasikiliza na kumwuliza kila mmoja, "Je, mmesema nao?" Wanaposema hapana, anawahimiza waende, na anajitolea kuwaombea kwanza. Anachunguza sehemu yake mwenyewe: anagundua kwamba hakuwa ameeleza gharama ya mradi. Anawaomba mashemasi wamsaidie, na anamwalika mchungaji wa jirani, ambaye familia zote mbili zinamheshimu, aketi na familia hizo mbili. Jumapili anahubiri juu ya Waefeso 4:1-6 na Mathayo 5:23-24 bila kumtaja mtu yeyote. Familia hizo mbili zinakutana. Kila moja inakiri maneno yasiyo ya fadhili, nao wanaomba. Mwezi mmoja baadaye kanisa linapokea Meza ya Bwana pamoja. Darasa linajengwa, kwa bajeti ndogo zaidi. Eduardo anaendelea kutembelea familia zote mbili, kwa maana jeraha halijapona kabisa.Eduardo prays and meets each family alone. He listens and asks each, "Have you spoken to them?" When they say no, he encourages them to go, and he offers to pray for them first. He checks his own part: he realizes he had not explained the cost of the project. He asks the deacons to help him, and he invites a neighboring pastor, whom both families respect, to sit with the two families. On Sunday he preaches on Ephesians 4:1-6 and Matthew 5:23-24 without naming anyone. The two families meet. Each admits unkind words, and they pray. A month later the church receives the Lord's Supper together. The classroom is built, with a smaller budget. Eduardo keeps visiting both families, for the wound is not fully healed.

MuhtasariSummary

Migogoro si jambo jipya katika kanisa, kama Matendo 6, Matendo 15, Wafilipi 4 na 1 Wakorintho 1 zinavyoonyesha. Inatokana na kiburi, maumivu, fedha, mawasiliano mabaya, mabadiliko yaliyoshughulikiwa vibaya, tofauti na makosa ya mchungaji mwenyewe. Maandiko yanatufundisha kupatanishwa haraka, kufuata Mathayo 18, kusema kwa upole na kuweka mabishano ndani ya familia. Mchungaji hutenda kama mpatanishi: husikiliza, hukataa uvumi, hujichunguza, hufundisha, na huomba msaada wa nje inapohitajika, huku kanisa likiendelea kuamua. Kuhusu mgawanyiko, wengine husisitiza umoja na wengine ukweli; jibu la Kibaptisti linatenganisha injili, mafundisho muhimu na mapendeleo, na kushikilia kwamba mgawanyiko juu ya mapendeleo ni dhambi. Urejesho unahitaji kuungama, msamaha, wakati, matendo ya pamoja na mazoea yaliyobadilishwa. Mshiriki aliyeanguka anapaswa kurejeshwa kwa upole. Kwa mchungaji aliyeanguka, msamaha ni kamili, lakini kurudi katika ofisi ya uchungaji ni swali tofauti ambalo kanisa linapaswa kuliamua polepole.Conflict is not new in the church, as Acts 6, Acts 15, Philippians 4 and 1 Corinthians 1 show. It comes from pride, hurt, money, poor communication, changes badly handled, differences and the pastor's own failings. Scripture teaches us to be reconciled quickly, to follow Matthew 18, to speak gently and to keep disputes in the family. The pastor acts as a peacemaker: he listens, refuses gossip, examines himself, teaches, and asks for outside help when needed, while the church still decides. On division, some stress unity and some stress truth; the Baptist answer separates the gospel, important doctrines and preferences, and holds that splits over preferences are sin. Restoration needs confession, forgiveness, time, shared acts and changed habits. A fallen member should be restored gently. For a fallen pastor, forgiveness is complete, but return to pastoral office is a separate question that the church should decide slowly.

Usomaji ZaidiFurther Reading

• J. M. Pendleton, Church Manual (Mwongozo wa Kanisa) (1867), kuhusu kanisa na nidhamu yake.• J. M. Pendleton, Church Manual (1867), on the church and its discipline.

• Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students (Mihadhara kwa Wanafunzi Wangu).• Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students.

• Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor (Mchungaji Aliyerekebishwa) (1656).• Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor (1656).

• Kozi ya 1 kuhusu mgawanyiko wa Wabaptisti, Kozi ya 3, Kipindi cha 3 (vyama vya makanisa) na Kipindi cha 5 (uanachama, agano na nidhamu).• Course 1 on Baptist divisions, Course 3, Unit 3 (associations) and Unit 5 (membership, covenant and discipline).

• Baptist Faith and Message 2000 (Imani na Ujumbe wa Kibaptisti 2000), kifungu kuhusu kanisa.• Baptist Faith and Message 2000, the article on the church.

• John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress (Safari ya Msafiri), kuhusu safari ya muumini kupitia migogoro na majaribu.• John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress, for the believer's walk through conflict and trial.

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