Today’s Question:
I have a question, my pastor was given a cell phone by his church so they could reach him in respect to his job and for his convenience. Recently, the deacons requested an itemized bill to study. Is this proper? I feel like they should trust his discretion and be grateful they can reach him if need be.
Thank you.
TSgt XXXXXXXXXX
” Identifying Information Deleted”
Dear TSgt XXXX,
I suppose you read my column entitledCell Phone Protocol and thought I must be an expert on the subject. Sadly, I must confess that beyond having a personal opinion I really have no sound advice for you.
If you are in the position of power in a church, such as a Pastor, one would think that you would be trustworthy to some degree and checking the phone records might sound unnecessary. On the other hand, just knowing that there are checks and balances in place will discourage misuse in the first place. In defense of the deacons, it is their money paying for the phone and if they’d like to make sure there is no misuse going on, I think that’s fine. Smarter, would have been having the billing set up to go to them from the get-go since they are the financial backers.
I’m aware that you might think I’m being insensitive in regards to giving the benefit if the doubt to the man of the cloth. However, he is just a man just like every other man, although perhaps slightly more scrubbed clean under the circumstances. And in light of not being able to walk 3 inches through the news and not hit an article about misuse of power by men in position, in the church or otherwise, I think prudence might win.
best to you,
leahpeah