I didn't see where the pastor said or HO said that he wasn't preaching standards any longer....
As stand alone statements, I wouldn't disagree with this.... in my church, there are many sinners who will come as they are (with no standards), get saved, and later hear standards/holiness preaching that they can apply to their lives.
The statement "He said that it's not our works that save us anyway" is true, in the context of salvation.... which is what he was talking about at the time. it is because of His grace and mercy that we can even have the chance of salvation, not by our "works" (trying to live right, clean up our lives, etc) before we come to God. Mind you, we still have to repent, be baptized in Jesus name, receive the HG.... but it wasn't because of us, it was because of Him that we can be saved.... hopefully that makes sense....
perhaps I missed seeing something you did???
You are absolutely correct in how you saw what you read. This is what was said and what was meant by it. Thanks.
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There is hardly a service we do not have sinners and yes they come as there are and are welcome and we make a BIG deal about visitors I pastor the friendliest church in Pentecost. But evidently this pastor was NOT speaking about sinners it sounds like the people will now become their own pastor and no crying voice will be in the pulpit.
What I didn't mention was that there were about 25 visitors in church last night that came for our stick drama. He was letting them know they don't have to follow a dress code to attend his church.
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I mean they don't delegate authority. They don't delegate anything....they DO a lot more than lead and delegate. They take on coordinating childrens skits, coming up with all sort of new ideas etc etc...I think the Pastor should allow others to do that sort of stuff and he can monitor them and guide and even reject certain ideas.
Although, this is a forum where many find the ability to pour out their hearts to others and get feedback that helps them continue on with their various situations, I find that it can also be dangerous. You have presented a life situation that could not only drastically change your own life but the ones of your children. In my opinion, doing so without consulting the man of God in your life could be tragic. Also, I believe that you probably have but pray and fast as well for direction. By positing your situation on here you have gotten answers from all over the spectrum. How are you to know what to do? I do think it boils down to three things. Pray, talk to your Pastor, make sure that what your pastor teaches lines up with the Word of God. It it does, then pray and talk to God about things in your life that you need to change so that you can be a positive influence in your church. If the pastor does not line up with the Word of God then you do have a life changing decision to make, in my opinion.
Thanks, MrsB. I completely agree with your advice. At the moment, I have decided that it's a good idea to stay until God tells me it's time to leave. I don't do anything this drastic without listening to the voice of God first. I've learned my lesson from choices made long ago.
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Heaven help the church where the pastor tries something new.
No wonder pastors are getting frustrated and leaving the ministry.
If you maintain the status quo - you are a stick in the mud hindering revival.
If you try new things - and most often you hear about them from somewhere and they sound good to you and you try them - you are a dilettante jumping from one thing to another with no stability.
If you meet with people individually and regularly you are controlling.
If you don't meet with people you are disinterested.
If you preach the Bible you are a compromiser.
If you preach standards you are a legalist.
If you smile a lot you are too frivolous
If you keep a straight face at the foolishness in the pew you are too solemn
If you preach short you are a lightweight
If you preach long you are a bore
If you are skinny you are too thin
If you are fat you aren't skinny enough
If you drive a beater you are a disgrace
If you drive a nice car you are a spendthrift
If...... get the picture?
In other words you can't please everyone and some folks are nothing but critics?
I don't think this is bad advice. I would add this; submit, or remove.
It really is that simple.
PP, honestly, is this something you believe and preach? Submit or get out?
I'm not talking about people who cause trouble or anything to that extreme. I'm just talking about someone that doesn't agree completely with things you might do.
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Yes, you have the right idea. He wants to control everything going on and constantly introducing new ideas and rules. He isn't able to let go and allow his leadership to do their job without his interference or making them feel that what they are doing isn't good enough.
That's why I asked if he was a young pastor....Do you know anyone else in that church that feels the same way? Maybe put together a special prayer group and pray for the man.