When I read news stories like this one I hear a toilet flushing in my mind. Pastor Robert Burnham was arrested in a prostitution sting (and here). And the new job he just started, the one leading Faith Lutheran Church in Bentonville, I’m pretty sure that’s been flushed down the toilet along with the rest of his career. No worries though, once he hits the sewer he’ll find lots of opportunities among the Baptists.
Robert Burnham works and lives as Pastor Joe Burnham. On December 5th he was installed as pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Bentonville (cache). He can read all about it on his blog (Cache). 
In typical form, Burnham took his website down and locked up his Twitter feed. HIs church also took their website down, or more precisely, they made it accessible to members only. Circle the wagon Christians, it’s the only thing you know how to do.
What’s the big deal? Pastor Joe allegedly texted a hooker while leading his Wednesday group at church. It’s just sex. Oh, wait. When you are pastor you are supposed to set a moral example. There should be no cheating on your wife or using hookers to satisfy base sexual needs. So why would he do it? Why would a moral leader flush his career and faith away for cheap sex? I’ll never understand.
Do you hear the sound of a toilet flushing? I sure do. Pastor Joe Burnham, you are a hypocrite.
7 comments:
Keeer Flush!
I just read his blog a few days ago about the accountability of a pastor, and I was invited to attend his installation at the Faith Lutheran Church. Hypocrisy like this makes me sick!
Mojoey said: "...once he hits the sewer he’ll find lots of opportunities among the Baptists."
Hahah!! Classic!!!
this is really horrible.. and it sucks, because its just another example of people being put on a pedestal (either by their choosing or not) and showing that when they fall, they fall hard. And for me, theirs several disappointing issues here.. 1. cheating on the wife 2. the hypocrisy 3. making the church look bad, yet again. Just sucks.. when a leader in that positon, does something like that, there's more that's hurt than just his career.. lives are destroyed, families are broken and peoples faith in both him and God are rocked. all that.. for cheap sex? damn...
Or maybe it shows that Pastors are human too? Isn't there a thing in the Bible called Forgiveness? Mistakes are human, and based on what I've read about Christianity, sin is also natural. I highly doubt lives are being destroyed because of this. If faith is lost following this event, it is each person's own volition, Joe is not to blame. As with all unfortunate happenings, I see this event as a great lesson to all. You have to choose to take the message.
If you think what Pastor Burnham did was bad you should check out King David from the Bible. He committed adultery, had a man killed, etc. Too bad you couldn't flush him down the toilet too-you would have wiped out the entire lineage of Christ.
Forgive the sarcasm, but I pray the Lord will open your eyes to understand grace. You may realize you need it one day, that you've always needed it, just like the rest of us. Pray you will learn to show that grace. Not to pander mistakes, but to SHOW GRACE. To pick up, dust off, and pluck from the fire, rather than to condemn a wandering soul to it.
P.S. Somehow I managed to read this blog post without realizing the story behind-yours. It makes sense now why you'd be angry at him. I guess I'm writing from the perspective of a believer in Christ who's been forgiven a lot. A LOT. Like Pastor Burnham, there have been so many things I could not rescue myself from-fear, hatred, etc. I'm not talking about outward acts. I'm talking about what was inside. Those are the things I've been freed from, things nobody could put their fingers on to fix. Things my own tears and strong will and desire could not change. Christ did that. The One who I believe created me did that despite all my failings. I hope one day you know that love too, that kind of grace for mistakes, that kind of freedom and peace that defies even the most hellish of circumstances. I appreciate your honesty in sharing and wish you the best!
Update. Pastor Joe is a wonderful man. He has completely changed his life and he blesses us with his knowledge. He has become one with his soul again and I believe you all should think about your words when talking about him.
Post a Comment