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.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Charnock

I have really tried to create an environment of God-reliance in our church. I refuse to counsel people about what kind of car they should drive and the like.

Are you serious? Do they really ask you what kind of car they should drive?

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

I feel that our people respect me very much...most know ahead of time how I will react in any given situation. They know I am not perfect and may have chewed gum in a church service or two...…

Too Funny!!!

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by 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 ?

Couldn't agree more!

As I mentioned earlier - our family was always close to the pastor as he was many families in our church. They attended our family functions just like family. Never phased my respect for them as my pastor/pastor's wife.

I think of so many examples of how great they were. My grandmother passed away and I had the flu. My pastor's wife insisted that I come stay with them so she could take care of me and allow my mom to do what she needed to do. She took care of me as if she was my mom during that time. I probably had MORE respect for her after that even.

I know that's a simple illustration, but I really feel it's more important for the ministers to be close to their members than not.

[Scott Hutchinson]

I understand pastors are to help establish people in the faith and to mentor them,and disciple them yet how can he do that ,if he is not a friend of those placed in his care ?
One understands if one is a true friend they have your best interest at heart,if a pastor has your best interest at heart,he preaches the word to you wheter you like what the word says or not.

I think one can have their pastor as their friend and can also view him as a watcher of their soul.

[Charnock]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

It's good to see you and Amos getting along today. Yesterday you guys were ready to rip each other's heads off.

I am not bound by any particular forum friendships. Occasionally I join forces with the dark side for a common good.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Charnock

Hey MOW, I have an idea. If you really want "the priesthood of all believers" I recommend you disperse your pastoral salary evenly amongst all the saints in your church.

This is a little off target isn't it? Aren't we all ( the blood washed) priests and kings unto our God? Re 1:6, Re 5:10

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by Charnock

I am not bound by any particular forum friendships. Occasionally I join forces with the dark side for a common good.

That's commendable - I try to be that way, myself.

[ManOfWord]

You really can't correct ANYONE outside of a good relationship. It doesn't have to be buddy buddy, but only a good relationship gives someone (a pastor) any real authority in someone's life. Long distance correction doesn't EVER work.

[Charnock]

By the way, the movie was great!