How close should a pastor get to the members?

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I'm sure she knows that, Mizpeh.

Yes, I'm sure she knows it but then why can't the church family be as close and loving as any natural family? Even in a natural family there is a closeness but there is an order as well put there by God. Perhaps I'm too much of an idealist at times.

In the Bible do we see any of the saints who are used by God in the ministry of the word creating a dichotomy between them and those who are not similarly gifted ?

I have a very close friend that called me yesterday to express some of her personal woes. It's very hard for me to point out what she is doing wrong. For one thing, she is a grown woman and should know better. Second, we are close friends and she would be offended if I told her exactly what I really thought. I'd really like to, point blank, tell her, but she wouldn't listen anyway.

The best thing, which I have always done, is leave that up to the preaching. I don't talk to my pastor about a whole lot of things. I need him to be sensitive in prayer and deliver through the preached word.

That has always worked for me. Lots of change and answers without everyone knowing everything you are going through.

That is basically the way I see change and answers come about as well! Through prayer! I rarely take complaints and problems to my pastor. God does a much better job of sorting things out, even sorting me out.