Quote:
Originally Posted by AreYouReady?
While there are many 'pastor's' out there nurturing the saints, there are also many who do not nurture the saints, but fill their own bellies using the saints. The bible does not say we must endure spiritual abuse from these type of men or women.
Like you, I am likewise enlightened what my calling and assignment from God is. The Holy Ghost is fully able and willing to teach those who put their faith in God.
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
( I John 2:27) |
I AGREE with you 100%. I come from a terrible Memphis Apostle's manipulation, and abuse-it almost desroyed me, but my affectons were deeply rooted and anchored in Jesus; I was terribly wounded for many years, but God healed me, and I'm a man that practice, and exercise great discretion when dealing with God's sheep, and I've made it my business NEVER to abuse, nor injure God's people. I'm working on a book right now entitled, "Surviving Church Abuse And Betrayal". My wife and I despise abusive leadership towards God's people, and we will fight to DEFEND God's people from abusive pastors/leadership. Many, many Pastors start off well, but get lifted up, and far too comfortable with things in the church that should not be in their control: church finances should be handled soley by the trustees and/or deacon board. I believe that the Pastor should be given mtgs/reports on how the church is fairing financially, but should not handle the monies, plus-the IRS frowns down on this as well. Our job as Pastors is to FEED the Flock of God, and to be tendered and loving to them; even those that seems to have a little goat in them-this is our charge; to feed-nurture-pray for-uplift-encourage-reprove-etc; when we spend out time in our calling, and exercising disciplne in our lives, and truly remain trnasparent; then God will be pleased.