How close should a pastor get to the members?

[2020Vision]

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

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)

I hear you. I wouldn't want anyone to "cow" to me either, nor salute me, nor bow down before me, nor hail me as king! That's not to say I don't have highly reverential feelings towards my pastor, and though we are equal at the foot of the cross, and though we all have gifts and callings, I don't personally see him "on the same level". Obviously, we're both human and we both have flaws, but God's mantle and appointment on him, and my submission to him, is reason enough for me to hold him highly. He likely feels like the foot washer, but the fact is, just as the disciples felt of Jesus, I would feel uncomfortable with him in that position.

Point taken though, and illustration valid.

[CAD/JPY]

I think a lot of it comes down to leadership style and the emotional makeup of the pastor. Some people are naturally more friendly, some are more studious, we have many that are more business minded. The point is, THEY ALL HAVE THE ANOINTING OF GOD ON THEIR LIFE.

At the end of the day, I do not want to forget that. I hope my Pastor is praying and studying throughout the week for a message to deliver to the church. I have faith that the anointing that rests upon him will allow him/her to speak to my heart the words that GOD WANTS ME TO HEAR.

I follow that leader/pastor. I follow Christ. I respect the office. I honor it. However, I am not a yes man... and I do my pastor no favors if I just go with the flow, and never raise any questions or concerns.

I also know that every pastor is flesh and blood. Every leader is flesh and blood... and there will be mistakes, honest ones... and I am sorry to say, some of them aren't. BUT sooner or later, you will know if this is a church you can be saved in, and if if you can follow this Pastor to Heaven.

I believe that God is looking/watching how you respect authority. It is throughout scripture, and not just referring to pastors. It refers TO ALL AUTHORITY. How humble are you? Can you really stay Christ like... even in a rotten situation? Will you respect authority as being "appointed" authority from God?

Search me Oh God and know my heart, and try me, and see if there be any wicked thing in me.... AND lead me in the way everlasting.

[meBNme]

How close should a pastor get to the members?

Close.......... but not close enough to smell the body odor.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

To be frank, I wouldn't trust a professional counselor whose opinions were deeply tinged by her own bad experiences. Unless you can remain objective, in spite of your own past, you can't be a good counselor. JMO (which isn't professionally qualified)

You can't seem to remain objective on the forum...do you remain objective in your own counseling? Do you approach the way you talk to members of the forum differently than your own clients?

Is your Pastor perfect? Does he/she have family problems or past issues that he/she has to deal with? Should they be allowed to Pastor since they have "issues".

The mark of any good leader/counselor is knowing your biases and getting supervision if/when a client's issues touch/affect yours.

Don't make assumptions about me and my profession.

Blessings, Rhoni

[Rhoni]

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.

Thank you! Amen.

[Rhoni]

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.

Maple Leaf,

This is true. Pastors can/should only counsel in Biblical matters. Secularly trained counselors counsel in the gray areas that there is no particular scripture to apply, and there are many.

Respectfully,
Rhoni

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Ron

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!

Me too. One thing I know for sure...just like a person who changes churches or a new convert off the street coming into an assembly and has to prove themselves, likewise Pastors need time to build relationship with saints in order to gain trust before they can require a commitment to follow or trust the vision of the Pastor.

Blessings,
Rhoni

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by OneAccord

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.

OneAccord,

Thank you for true words of knowledge and wisdom. I do believe and accept this. A true Pastor over me will realize and know that trust has to be gained and the hurts healed before true ministry can happen either way.

Thank you,
Rhoni

[Amos]

Sister, it has been pointed out in a few posts that you have opinions and views that directly contradict the Scripture.

I believe I would give that some thought.

[aak1972]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Maple Leaf,

This is true. Pastors can/should only counsel in Biblical matters. Secularly trained counselors counsel in the gray areas that there is no particular scripture to apply, and there are many.

Respectfully,
Rhoni

I agree !!!