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�PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, AUGUST 6, 1986
PAGE 3
world's only hope! We, of all people, must not let our senses become
dulled to what is happening in this world of modern weapons and ancient
lusts, ancient greeds and ancient sins.
n
For the earnest expectation
of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God ••••
because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of
corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God
n
(Romans
8:19, 21).
Stay close to God in prayer. Remember all of us in Pasadena, as we
remember you.
With deep love,
FROM CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
INVESTMENT COUNSELING; YOU UPDATE; FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT; INTERNATIONAL
NEWS--United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Ghana, Germany, Australia
Investment Counseling Recently we have had a few calls from members
regarding bad investments made with another member. In the specific
case involved we had no prior knowledge of the member's intent to
invest and gave !1Q counsel regarding the wisdom of such an investment.
Also, we have no evidence that any pastors have given such counsel.
However, it does seem appropriate to address the potential dangers
involved. We must be nwise as serpents and harmless as doves.n
I know that as pastors we can become closely associated with members
and their needs, which can cloud our judgment if we get caught off
guard. We must discipline ourselves not to get involved in business
and financial matters between brethren. Under no circumstances should
we encourage one member to invest with another or give nadvice
n
to
members on business decisions.
Our proper role is to give "counsel
n
of a biblical and spiritual
nature, pointing out God's laws governing our pursuits and helping the
brethren draw principles from them.
Often this includes reminding
members to get all of the facts, weigh the pros and cons, cons.
ider the
risks and make a wise decision. We all know that sometimes members
will lean on us to make decisions for them. But they need to learn to
make theire>wi1°decisions.
As ministers, we are faced with the challenge of promoting unity and
trust among the brethren while helping them to be realistic in their
expectations of one another. It is no more true that any two Church
members can be successful business partners than it is true that any
two members (male and female) can become successful marriage partners.