Hot Button Issue #4

GRACE OR STANDARDS?
Arrested two years ago for a sexual offense as a minor, a 19-year-old returns to your church after serving his time and going through extensive counseling. He welcomes mentoring from your church’s youth pastor as well as from some mature peers. He submits himself to an accountability structure and agrees to stay away from the children’s ministry areas of the church. Some in the church, however, become concerned when he asks if he can join the worship band to play drums during services.

What kind of standards should be required for him to minister publicly? Does grace release him quickly into ministry or lead him through a process of restoring trust? Does grace protect him from the misunderstandings of others? Does grace guard him against further temptation by maintaining a tight leash on his activities? How do you minister to the young man? And what do you say to the concerned members of your church?