How close should a pastor get to the members? - Page 43

Amos · #**421** 12-15-2008, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

I think this is correct. Christ is the Chief Shepherd and we pastors are the under shepherds. We care for Jesus' flock. The flock is not ours. We did not pay the price for them, He did. We didn't save them, He did. These above scriptures along with OA's take, I think are very accurate.

I will state this again and again and again: A pastor has as much authority & trust with the congregation as he is willing to serve them. He is there for them, not the other way around.

I think it is great the way Amos had some guys over for horse riding etc. That shows that the pastor is a regular guy like the rest of them. He simply has a calling and role to fill that was given him by God. The position of pastor is not any better than any other calling in the kingdom, IMO. It is just different. It carries an extreme amount of responsibility because he is caring for the Lord's sheep.

There are youth from our church at my house at least one or two days a week.

In fact, there are some here right now.

They just got in from riding my horses.

The young guys like to come over because I live out in the country, and we shoot, hunt, and ride horseback toether.

It gives me an opportunity to spend time with them outside a church setting.

2020Vision · #**422** 12-15-2008, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

I think this is correct. Christ is the Chief Shepherd and we pastors are the under shepherds. We care for Jesus' flock. The flock is not ours. We did not pay the price for them, He did. We didn't save them, He did. These above scriptures along with OA's take, I think are very accurate.

I will state this again and again and again: A pastor has as much authority & trust with the congregation as he is willing to serve them. He is there for them, not the other way around.

I think it is great the way Amos had some guys over for horse riding etc. That shows that the pastor is a regular guy like the rest of them. He simply has a calling and role to fill that was given him by God. The position of pastor is not any better than any other calling in the kingdom, IMO. It is just different. It carries an extreme amount of responsibility because he is caring for the Lord's sheep.

I get what you're saying, and the servant leadership model present in master's programs everywhere is a great Christian example. However, I will take note to mention that being a pastor is a very SPECIAL calling, to say the least. There are many scriptures to support this, including one that talks about beautiful feet (in a poetic way thankfully).

But God does not lightly call leaders to serve in His kingdom. It's the best company to work for. (It has great retirement benefits too!) I would not want to minimalize my role among the people. Let them know that I'm a man as they, but my calling is one much greater than myself.

Maple Leaf · #**423** 12-15-2008, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aak1972

A pastor should never be used as council on any personal,legal or business matters. A pastors job is to lead his flock to Heaven.

As a Pastor I do Biblical counseling, that is, I instruct people in the Scriptures that are relative to their particular situation whether marital, financial, or personal, and help them find application of the Scripture to their lives.

It is my opinion that Scriptures hold the answers for the questions of life.

2020Vision · #**424** 12-15-2008, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maple Leaf

As a Pastor I do Biblical counseling, that is, I instruct people in the Scriptures that are relative to their particular situation whether marital, financial, or personal, and help them find application of the Scripture to their lives.

It is my opinion that Scriptures hold the answers for the questions of life.

Amen.

Ron · #**425** 12-15-2008, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhoni

I would only trust a professional counselor. I do not trust pastors or elders which is my point. BTW, I am going to a therapist and only because all this stuff is bogging me down.

You at least identified the issue.
It is about trust.

I am praying that you find resolution to this that would restore your trust in Spiritual leadership!

Amos · #**426** 12-15-2008, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maple Leaf

As a Pastor I do Biblical counseling, that is, I instruct people in the Scriptures that are relative to their particular situation whether marital, financial, or personal, and help them find application of the Scripture to their lives.

It is my opinion that Scriptures hold the answers for the questions of life.

Amen.

Ron · #**427** 12-15-2008, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maple Leaf

As a Pastor I do Biblical counseling, that is, I instruct people in the Scriptures that are relative to their particular situation whether marital, financial, or personal, and help them find application of the Scripture to their lives.

It is my opinion that Scriptures hold the answers for the questions of life.

Amen!

ML, I remember a message my old Pastor Bro Ed Goddard preached called, "Modern day answers, to modern day problems, through anointed modern day men of God!"

ManOfWord · #**428** 12-15-2008, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amos

There are youth from our church at my house at least one or two days a week.

In fact, there are some here right now.

They just got in from riding my horses.

The young guys like to come over because I live out in the country, and we shoot, hunt, and ride horseback toether.

It gives me an opportunity to spend time with them outside a church setting.

That is true mentoring. You can't mentor anyone without spending time with them. Having someone observe you in many situations is teaching that can't be beat in any classroom!

ManOfWord · #**429** 12-15-2008, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2020Vision

I get what you're saying, and the servant leadership model present in master's programs everywhere is a great Christian example. However, I will take note to mention that being a pastor is a very SPECIAL calling, to say the least. There are many scriptures to support this, including one that talks about beautiful feet (in a poetic way thankfully).

But God does not lightly call leaders to serve in His kingdom. It's the best company to work for. (It has great retirement benefits too!) I would not want to minimalize my role among the people. Let them know that I'm a man as they, but my calling is one much greater than myself.

Quite right! It is SPECIAL but not better than other callings. I just don't think there is a hierarchy when it comes to ministering in the kingdom. At least that is what I teach the folks @ NLC. I don't want them to put me up higher than them. I have an office and calling to fulfill, but it is not their job to cow tow to me. It is my job to serve them. (wash their feet)

OneAccord · #**430** 12-15-2008, 06:10 PM

Sis. Rhoni- Someone said they feel sad for you. I don't in the least... in fact, I rejoice with you. Heres why: (Pay attention, if you will to the underlined parts)

Jer 23:1 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.

Jer 23:2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

Jer 23:3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
Jer 23:4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

First, notice how "pastors" and "shepherds" are used interchangably. Now notice God speaks to the "bad pastors"- like those that you think of during discussions like this.

God will get rid of the pastors that hurt God's people. In your case, He moved you out of that situation. And thankfully, He did. He taught you what a "bad pastor" is and you've been kinda roaming around the countryside... But...heres the deal... YOU ARE THE REMNANT that God is speaking of here. He promised to get you away from the "bad" and lead you to your own fold. And will give you a pastor like the shepherd above. (vs 4)

Its not about trusting a pastor, its about trusting God to lead you by His Spirit where He wants you to be. Its about trusting God to lead the remnant, the few who will follow Him out of those bad pastures, into greener pastures where they will not fear, be dismayed, or lack anything. Its not about following a pastor, its about following the Lord. Its not about submitting to a pastor (or husband), its about submitting to the Lord.

Notice: Jer 23:3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, Where I have driven them. See? God has you were you are now because He wants to teach you to trust, follow, and sumit to, not a man, but HIM! Well, then, if that is His purpose, why do I need a pastor and/or church? , you may ask? Simple. First, as with all ministry gifts, you need a pastor to help you to be perfected in Christ. (Eph. 4) And you (and I) need the church for fellowship and to utilize your gifts as God has called you.

When I get into a church, I trust, follow and submit to, not the man or woman that is pastor, but to the God they represent. And there are godly pastors out there. For the maybe two or three bad ones you know, there are 100s that are as God describes above (Jer. 23:4). Let down your guard for a minute. Its not the MAN God is calling us to trust, follow, and submit to. Its not a man we should obey. Its God.

Rejoice. You are the remnant that God has led out of the dry, barren pastures and He's moving you to greener pastures.... if you'll let Him.