Dealing with Accusations

Procedure Handling an Accusation Against Leadership at Second Chances Youth Ranch

1). In order to properly bring an accusation against a brother, (or in our case a board member), there must be at least 2 or 3 witness. 2). If the Brother disagrees with the accuser, the case should be brought to the Church Leaders, (or in our case board members), who will make a thorough examination of the facts that led to the accusation. 3). Bringing an accusation against a brother is no light matter. This is a serious matter and should be weighed carefully and within the proper manner the Lord has given us in Mat 18:15-18.

4). Every effort should be made to minimize any discussion or gossip concerning the accusation in order to protect the reputation of the parties involved, and the ministry of Second Chances Youth Ranch.

The Steps to resolving an accusation against a brother, or board member:

To bring an accusation against a brother or sister, whether true or false, is not to be done in a habitual or frivolous manner. Bringing a accusation against a fellow believer is not to be initiated in a public forum, but the process should be done in private first with the goal of winning the brother or sister back to a place of fellowship.

1). Talk to the brother or sister one on one,

2). If the person being accused disagrees with the charges, bring 2-3 witness to hear and establish the facts leading to the accusation.

3). Bring the accused brother before the Church Leaders, (or in our case the board of directors), to review the facts concerning the accusations.

The board of directors will review the facts and establish weather this is a true or false accusation.

If the board of directors makes the determination that the accusations are in fact true, then the board of directors will recommend what, if any, actions will be taken.

All of these careful steps are to be done with the intent and desire to win your brother back in Christian love and fellowship.

* Any accusation is to be taken very seriously, and with much thought.

Matthew 18:6–9 (KJV 1900)

6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! 8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

* The steps to accuse a brother as outlined by Jesus:

Matthew 18:15–22 (KJV 1900)

Step 1:

15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Step 2:

16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

Step 3:

17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

* Jesus has given the leadership of the Church, (or in our case this Ministry,) the authority to make a final decision:

18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

* After a decision has been made, any actions taken by the board, we as Christians are obligated to forgive the brother in question.

21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.