How close should a pastor get to the members? - Page 3

Carpenter · #21 12-11-2008, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgcraig

As mentioned, I believe you have to be careful to not show favoritism, but I believe an effective pastor is one that is real and "smells like the sheep".

I believe the ministry needs to be respected, but they aren't our priests - - the saints have direct contact with God too and are "called in their ministry". Elevating a minister to a higher level than any other child of God is an easy set up for disappointment.

I agree 100% It is harmful to both saints and pastors alike. I know pastors and wives who "Love" the people, but they don't like them one bit.

Ron · #22 12-11-2008, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Be friendly and approachable but not their buddy.

I agree. Pastor is kind of like being a parent.
A parent needs to keep that level of authority so when correction is needed,
it isn't just shrugged off.

ILG · #23 12-11-2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by U376977

Familiarity breeds disrespect and discontent.

Hogwash.

Truthseeker · #24 12-11-2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carpenter

I agree 100% It is harmful to both saints and pastors alike. I know pastors and wives who "Love" the people, but they don't like them one bit.

How can they love them but not like them?

Blubayou · #25 12-11-2008, 10:49 AM

I think MOW is right on- My brother who was a pastor for several years- says the relationship between the saints and pastor should be a business relationship. I think this attitude would help avoid problems, but would not foster discipleship or mentoring. I will never forget my reaction as a new saint when I went to LA Camp meeting and saw that the preachers has a special dining place. I was really repelled by it and did not understand the need for it. I am very concerned by the ministry insulating themselves from the saints. I do not think this pleases God.

Ron · #26 12-11-2008, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blubayou

I think MOW is right on- My brother who was a pastor for several years- says the relationship between the saints and pastor should be a business relationship. I think this attitude would help avoid problems, but would not foster discipleship or mentoring. I will never forget my reaction as a new saint when I went to LA Camp meeting and saw that the preachers has a special dining place. I was really repelled by it and did not understand the need for it. I am very concerned by the ministry insulating themselves from the saints. I do not think this pleases God.

Now hold it, are we talking about a special dinning place for Ministers, or being palsy walsy to your Pastor?

These are two separate issues.

Blubayou · #27 12-11-2008, 10:54 AM

There was a roped off seperate area for the ministers to eat together. I was taken aback that they would be seperated from the saints.

Truthseeker · #28 12-11-2008, 10:56 AM

Let's throw in familiarity can breed disrespect towards the saint as well.

Sam · #29 12-11-2008, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blubayou

There was a roped off seperate area for the ministers to eat together. I was taken aback that they would be seperated from the saints.

did they eat the same food as the rest of the people?
were they served and the rest of the people served themselves cafetria style?
did the ministers get china and silver but the others got paper and plastic?

Blubayou · #30 12-11-2008, 11:10 AM

I did not get close enough to observe what they were eating- I just taken aback by the seperation - This was many years ago. I do not know if they have changed things since then. I have not been to LA Camp in about 15 years.