I understand those qualifications for SERVICE, to be eligible for those specific roles. In a sense, Pastor Bryant has not operated out of those qualifications stated above, what it has been said to have done (adultery, fornication, etc.) applies to ALL BELIEVERS, yes?
Using your point about believers and non believers, it's almost the same thing: either there is a standard or there is not. There are not degrees or levels within the standard. Either one is a believer or not. Either one is an adulterer or not. Either one is a fornicator or not. There is no in-between. A laymember gets the same judgement for fornication as a clergymember, yes?
I think this scripture answers my question, either if it is pertaining specifically to the teaching ministry or if this scripture also includes all members of the clergy, e.g., pastors, etc.?
James 3:1-2 (NIV)
1Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
(Amplified)
1NOT MANY [of you] should become teachers ([
a]self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation].
2For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.
(The Message)
1-2Don't be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards. And none of us is perfectly qualified. We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths. If you could find someone whose speech was perfectly true, you'd have a perfect person, in perfect control of life.
But again, the LORD is merciful... so merciful....