How close should a pastor get to the members?

[Amos]

Originally Posted by Sherri

Eddie compares it to Moses ( in fact, he used this in Keith4him's installation service) - Moses was WITH the people, then he had to go BEFORE the people and eventually he had to go ABOVE the people. I don't have all the verses here, but it's a good analogy. Sometimes you just have to separate yourself, especially as your church gets larger and larger.

Leadership demands that at times we step apart.

To say otherwise is simply fantasy.

This doesn't mean we can't be kind, friendly, approachable, etc. but it does mean we have to lead.

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by Amos

Leadership demands that at times we step apart.

To say otherwise is simply fantasy.

This doesn't mean we can't be kind, friendly, approachable, etc. but it does mean we have to lead.

I would agree with this completely. This principle not only applies to ministry, but to any organization.

I have several folks who work for me, I spend more time with some of them than others, because there are some that I'm mentoring for higher positions. This is also scriptural, just consider the time Jesus spent with the disciples as opposed to the general masses.

Some of my folks have no higher aspirations than to continue to do what they are already doing.

However, the key is to maintain friendship and relationship without crossing a line where you can't discipline the people under your authority because your friendship and familiarity get in the way.

AND, probably the most important principle is to show no favoritism, in spite of relationships.

[Amos]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

I would agree with this completely. This principle not only applies to ministry, but to any organization.

I have several folks who work for me, I spend more time with some of them than others, because there are some that I'm mentoring for higher positions. This is also scriptural, just consider the time Jesus spent with the disciples as opposed to the general masses.

Some of my folks have no higher aspirations than to continue to do what they are already doing.

However, the key is to maintain friendship and relationship without crossing a line where you can't discipline the people under your authority because your friendship and familiarity get in the way.

AND, probably the most important principle is to show no favoritism, in spite of relationships.

This post has fairly well summed it up.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Amos

This post has fairly well summed it up.

So are we finished?

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by Amos

This post has fairly well summed it up.

Amos,

In reference to my post last night about pastors and saints having a different set of standards, allow me to explain more fully.

In your experience, what has been the most alleged offense against one pastor by another? In mine, it has been the allegation of "sheep stealing".

This has always bothered me, because it tends to convey the idea that that pastors "own" the saints, and that has always bothered me.

I have a real problem with pastors who have no qualms about receiving the tithing from the saints, and then treating them like possessions, and worse yet, using them as pawns in a chess game.

Now, please understand, I am not saying all pastors are like this, in fact, those pastors are very probably in the minority. I do not think YOU are like this at all, in fact, if I lived in the city in which you pastor, I would have no reservations in attending your church - IF you would have me, lol.

But, we all must admit that this happens from time to time, and it's quite possible that some, if not many, folks on this forum who are a bit bitter toward the ministry have been the "sheep" in this situation.

If all pastors lived by Peter's admonition:

2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.

We would not even be having this discussion!

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

I would agree with this completely. This principle not only applies to ministry, but to any organization.

I have several folks who work for me, I spend more time with some of them than others, because there are some that I'm mentoring for higher positions. This is also scriptural, just consider the time Jesus spent with the disciples as opposed to the general masses.

Some of my folks have no higher aspirations than to continue to do what they are already doing.

However, the key is to maintain friendship and relationship without crossing a line where you can't discipline the people under your authority because your friendship and familiarity get in the way.

AND, probably the most important principle is to show no favoritism, in spite of relationships.

Very good post!

[My Own Eyes]

Originally Posted by Bullwinkle

You sure about this? Jesus was often noted as being separated from the crowds and being with the 12, as a matter of fact he was often with 3. So much for the egalitarian Jesus.

You're so right. Jesus did play favorites. I bet He still does. You are obviously so much smarter and spiritual than I am. So he probably likes you better. In fact, you convinced me, I should stop bothering Him, as I am no doubt not even worthy of His time.

Thank you for setting me straight on this matter before it was too late. I was getting very close to letting my guard down. That Jesus is pretty tricky. He is always acting like I am important to Him, and worthy of His time. Good thing that there are people like you around to show me otherwise.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by My Own Eyes

You're so right. Jesus did play favorites. I bet He still does. You are obviously so much smarter and spiritual than I am. So he probably likes you better. In fact, you convinced me, I should stop bothering Him, as I am no doubt not even worthy of His time.

Thank you for setting me straight on this matter before it was too late. I was getting very close to letting my guard down. That Jesus is pretty tricky. He is always acting like I am important to Him, and worthy of His time. Good thing that there are people like you around to show me otherwise.

Acid Alert!!!!

God doesn't play favorites...but He does show favoritism. How's that for a contradiction?

He gives everyone the equal opportunity to find Him, to spend time with Him, and then tends to pay the most attention to those who make that effort.

God is no respecter of persons--but He IS a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. I paraphrase the verse for my kids like this: "The sincere prayer of a man who does right is important to God." Notice it doesn't say that MAN is more important [than any other]--but that his PRAYER "availeth much."

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Acid Alert!!!!

God doesn't play favorites...but He does show favoritism. How's that for a contradiction?

He gives everyone the equal opportunity to find Him, to spend time with Him, and then tends to pay the most attention to those who make that effort.

God is no respecter of persons--but He IS a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Ballparker~!

[Amos]

Originally Posted by My Own Eyes

You're so right. Jesus did play favorites. I bet He still does. You are obviously so much smarter and spiritual than I am. So he probably likes you better. In fact, you convinced me, I should stop bothering Him, as I am no doubt not even worthy of His time.

Thank you for setting me straight on this matter before it was too late. I was getting very close to letting my guard down. That Jesus is pretty tricky. He is always acting like I am important to Him, and worthy of His time. Good thing that there are people like you around to show me otherwise.

Sis,

I don't know Bullwinkle, but I doubt if his intention was to hurt your feelings.

Of course you are important to Him and worthy of His time.

He simply tried to point out that Jesus, while often among the multitudes, did take out times where He was alone, or else with only a few of His inner circle.

The nice thing about the New Covenant is that since He went away and sent the Comforter, we can all have access to Him at any time.

And while I think the Scripture will bear out that He does indeed have "favorites," it also makes it clear that anyone who is willing to seek Him and walk in His ways can be one of them.

He is no respecter of persons, but He does respect hunger, faith, and obedience.

If you or anyone else is willing to make Him their number 1 priority, I can promise you that you will have His favor.