Let's Bash the Preacher Some More

[gloryseeker]

It seems that very few people on this forum has anything good to say about those who are in ministry. The majority of the opinion comes across as "who do they think they are," "Their controlling," "Dictators!"

Anyway, my wife received this email from a ministry which I will not post, but I thought it was good:

"I can't tell you how many born-again, Holy Ghost-filled Christians pick their pastor apart on Saturday night and then expect him to pray the prayer of faith for them on Sunday morning! They'll constantly make critical comments about the evangelists and preachers that God has sent to minister to them and then wonder why the rain of the Spirit has all but dried up in their churches.

Most of those folks would never dream of criticizing the ministry of Jesus. Yet, according to the Word of God, that's precisely what they're doing. Your see, Jesus said, 'He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth Me.'

I know ministers fail sometimes. I know they make mistakes. Jesus knew they would too. But, even so, He said, 'If you receive them, you receive Me.'

If you think some preacher's doctrine is wrong, then pray for him. Stop sitting under his ministry if necessary. But the Scripture says, 'Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.' (Rom 14:4 - NIV)

The ministers of the gospel are not your servants, they're God's servants. Whether they're right or whether they're wrong, love them and respect them if for no other reaason than to honor the One who sent them.

Learn to receive the minister of God that Jesus sends to you with the same respect and the same honor that you would give Jesus Himself. You'll open the door for great spiritual power to be released. You'll clear the way for God to meet your needs. The anointing of God will be released through the man of God to you.

Refuse to let criticism hold back the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Then get ready to be blessed because, I guarantee, He won't hold out on you."

[Tim Rutledge]

good post. people sometimes have a way of thinking the beam in their eye is more sanctified then the other guys beam. no beamers in heaven. only by Gods grace will we be beamed up.

[Sister Alvear]

It is right to honor those that are worthy of honor but that does not make them little gods running around...I am from a familiy of ministers...several sons are ministers, my husband is a minister and we are supported by many precious ministers. I honor and respect them HOWEVER it is a great evil and dangerous to worship men...we must have a balanced veiw and understanding of authority...lest we err...

[simplyme]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

It is right to honor those that are worthy of honor but that does not make them little gods running around...I am from a familiy of ministers...several sons are ministers, my husband is a minister and we are supported by many precious ministers. I honor and respect them HOWEVER it is a great evil and dangerous to worship men...we must have a balanced veiw and understanding of authority...lest we err...

Excellent post!
Yes some pastors have an ego problem, like many other humans, and believe that they ARE "God" for those sheep under his guidance., that is when it becomes problematic, even injurious for impressionable and vulnerable 'lambs', but for the most part the ones I've known are doing well, it can be a most stressful position (at times) I'm sure and it takes a strong man to handle whatever comes his way, but with GOD, all things are possible!
I believe that those TRULY called of GOD will turn out to be great blessings for the world., some that are merely
'appointed' as in 'succession' (which sounds more secular) may have some difficulties in adapting.
Either way, it is NOT "christian" to ever put down the men that are 'trying' their best to serve GOD first., they are
certainly not perfect, although there will always be those whom expect that., and I say 'shame on them'.

[gloryseeker]

Originally Posted by simplyme

Excellent post!
Yes some pastors have an ego problem, like many other humans, and believe that they ARE "God" for those sheep under his guidance., that is when it becomes problematic, even injurious for impressionable and vulnerable 'lambs', but for the most part the ones I've known are doing well, it can be a most stressful position (at times) I'm sure and it takes a strong man to handle whatever comes his way, but with GOD, all things are possible!
I believe that those TRULY called of GOD will turn out to be great blessings for the world., some that are merely
'appointed' as in 'succession' (which sounds more secular) may have some difficulties in adapting.
Either way, it is NOT "christian" to ever put down the men that are 'trying' their best to serve GOD first., they are
certainly not perfect, although there will always be those whom expect that., and I say 'shame on them'.

I think the two comments here (yours and Sis A's) show the misunderstanding of the Word and the focus on the negative. Both of your comments have nothing to do with the article posted, which is why I titled it as I did.

Everyone always focuses on the exception, which the letter actually addressed...telling to leave if necessary. But I think the part of the letter "who are you to judge another's servant" is really the key.

In fact, I would go to the other side of the equation and say, if you have a holy Pastor you should get connected, stay connected, honor and treat them according to the anointing on their life.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

It is right to honor those that are worthy of honor but that does not make them little gods running around...I am from a familiy of ministers...several sons are ministers, my husband is a minister and we are supported by many precious ministers. I honor and respect them HOWEVER it is a great evil and dangerous to worship men...we must have a balanced veiw and understanding of authority...lest we err...

Excellent post! There are some men of God I greatly respect and they are loving, unassuming, and humble. It is easy to submit to such a pastor but it is so difficult to submit or commit to a Pastor who thinks he is god and some really do.

God bless all the Pastor's with a servant's heart!

Blessings, Rhoni

[Sister Alvear]

and in no way would I ever bash a man of GOD...however I will stand for truth no matter where I end up!

[Sister Alvear]

You may think it strange my writings on this but I have seen lots of families destroyed over a lifetime by men that are NOT sheppard´s...Souls are precious and we must treat them as such.
There is a right and wrong...I personally am thankful for a good pastor that has been my example since a young child. I have never seen him use pastoral authority for personal gain...I am very blessed...

[simplyme]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

You may think it strange my writings on this but I have seen lots of families destroyed over a lifetime by men that are NOT sheppard´s...Souls are precious and we must treat them as such.
There is a right and wrong...I personally am thankful for a good pastor that has been my example since a young child. I have never seen him use pastoral authority for personal gain...I am very blessed...

..and of course the ONE by YOUR side, whom you also serve, is a gift from GOD to you!

[TulsaDavid]

A resounding AMEN to this entire thread.