Pastor Allegedly Pulls Gun on Son. Another Case of Family Violence?

WBIR is reporting that a local pastor allegedly pulled a gun on his son and threatened the son's wife and family.  (Click here for the news report.) Note: The accused is always presumed to be innocent until judged by a court of law.

Family violence knows no boundaries and should never be tolerated. That there should even be a hint of domestic violence in a pastor's family goes against our sense of order. Parishioners immediately begin taking sides the minute an allegation of family violence is made. One of the reason's that domestic violence in a pastor's family is so reprehensible is because it not only endangers the family as a unit but the church family as a whole.

Some denominations require extensive psychological testing to be done on all pastors before they are admitted into ministry. These tests are often performed in addition to a background check. The tests are not failproof but they do offer a proactive defense against domestic violence in the pastor's family.

There is no excuse for family violence. Pastors especially should be vigilant about their own behavior and that of their family members. If there are issues that could potentially lead to domestic violence counseling should be obtained immediately. This may require a pastoral family to live apart for a year. Pastor's may balk that this could hurt their ministry and it might. In reality, a separation under counseling will hurt a ministry much less than an allegation or actualization of family violence or domestic abuse.

Schoolboard Member Resigns After Domestic Violence; Another Cost

WATE is reporting on the resignation of Knox County School Board Member Bill Phillips. According to the news report Mr. Phillip admitted guilt in a domestic altercation with his wife in December 2008.  The cost, in this case of domestic violence involved not only the loss of a coveted position but in 2009 the Tennessee Dept. of Safety revoked the handgun permit of Mr. Phillips. The article also mentions a possible previous incident of domestic violence between both Phillips and his wife. Neither had any memory of the previous event.

Domestic violence is a crime that often ends in shattered lives. Seemingly, both parties were fortunate this time. No life was lost. No bones were broken. Advocates and educators know that domestic abuse is a pattern of behavior that escalates over time. It begins with name calling and put downs and then evolves into physical and/or sexual violence.

Abusers come in all walks of life. Sadly, they are even in positions of authority and great influence. In addition to other losses  the loss of position is only one of the high prices to be paid in domestic violence.

If you are a victim or abuser who needs help please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Click here to view their website.