My Youth Pastor

[AndrewWiggin]

So, recently my old high school youth pastor, who I was relatively close to, confessed to some things (not involving students) that led to him being removed from his position.

I moved for school, and he moved shortly after to work at a church here (totally unrelated) and I'm graduating in a few weeks.

I have not spoken to him since he left his position, not because I have an issue with the situation (after all, sin is sin, he's not any worse than me), but because I have no idea how to manage that interaction. If it were me, I feel like I wouldn't want to be in contact with my old students, but I would love for him to come to my graduation ceremony since he's here already.

Any advice?

 

[TonyH]

If you want him to come, ask him. Simple.

Try to contact him first and reestablish the relationship, if needed, but don't feel bad about it.

 

[ibrewbeer]

I'm sure he would be honored. To think a young guy like yourself would take the time or energy to forgive and forget, I'm sure he would love to be there for you. For as much as we all want to run from our issues, we don't want to loose everything and everyone because of them, it happens, but it shouldn't. And just like you said, you aren't interested in his sin, we're all the same there, you just want him to be at a milestone event.

 

[Desdinova]

What was the nature of his sins?

If you are okay with what he did and have no problems with him then reach out.

 

[82R100]

Be open and honest and invite him. You're not inviting him because of or in spite of what happened. You're inviting him because of your association with him. I suspect he'd be honored.

- Chris

 

[PipeCop]

I'm sure he would be honored. To think a young guy like yourself would take the time or energy to forgive and forget, I'm sure he would love to be there for you. For as much as we all want to run from our issues, we don't want to loose everything and everyone because of them, it happens, but it shouldn't. And just like you said, you aren't interested in his sin, we're all the same there, you just want him to be at a milestone event.

+1 I agree, Send him an invitation to your graduation include a note and explain how you feel. Once he knows where you stand on the past the ball will be in his court. If he cares about your frendship he will be there.If not, you know where he stands!
Good Luck

 

[ALL HANDS WORKING]

It would be an act of kindness to invite him (so long as you are comfortable). Many times people either do things or are accused of doing things, and as a result are shunned by the community. So long as it was not something heinous--and I won't go into detail--then I think you should invite him.

 

[TimmyBoston]

If you want him to come, ask him. Simple.

Try to contact him first and reestablish the relationship, if needed, but don't feel bad about it.

This is a no-brainer. If you want him there ask him, if not don't.