How close should a pastor get to the members?

[LaVonne]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

I once had the opportunity to meet and fellowship with an Anti-social personality in a church I attended. The person was very good at lying, manipulating, and causing dissention in the local assembly. I was amazed at it because I was absolutely fooled and taken in by the person also. After knowing the past sins and behaviors of the person it was easy to see, but they were totally unmoved by the Spirit of God even when it was like a cloud over the church. Makes you wonder about true reprobates and if this person may have been one.

Personality disorders are not treatable. Their only hope is Christ.
Blessings, Rhoni

I met one of those types from this forum!

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by CareyM

I met one of those types from this forum!

I think that was a Borderline If I remember correctly. Lying when the truth fits better. ANTI-Social personalities have no conscience but can be trained to respond appropriately. Most break rules, laws, and begin doing so at 14-15 years old, sometimes labeled Oppositional defiant in their youth. Professional thieves, pedophiles, killers, and secretive predators.

[Ron]

Originally Posted by CareyM

I met one of those types from this forum!

I ain't anti-social!!

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Ron

I ain't anti-social!!

No you are not

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

I think that was a Borderline If I remember correctly. Lying when the truth fits better. ANTI-Social personalities have no conscience but can be trained to respond appropriately. Most break rules, laws, and begin doing so at 14-15 years old, sometimes labeled Oppositional defiant in their youth. Professional thieves, pedophiles, killers, and secretive predators.

So basically Ted Bundy.

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

No you are not

I agree he isn't! Neither am I!

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

So basically Ted Bundy.

Yes. They easily can hide in churches. Very dangerous people.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Ron

I agree he isn't! Neither am I!

Maybe a bit split personality/dissociative disorder but I can relate to that Blessings, Rhoni/Rhonda

[Indy]

Originally Posted by 2020Vision

I think it was well-marginalized, and rightfully so. Because they exists does not place them as the standard of the Apostolic church nor "OP". Don't argue a point on the weakest virtue. Argue to the strongest. Count me as another that doesn't know as many dysfunctional pastors that the poster mentioned.

Sorry for your lack of experience. count yourself lucky. I have been to literally hundreds of op churches in my experience and thats not exageration either. It is far more common than you may think and the marginalising of it does not dim the reality of them existing. It may not be a majority but there are many pastors who set themselves up this way.

[Amos]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Prax,

I think Pastors put themselves in the position to be the all knowing and only counsel. I think many times they think more highly of themselves than is their calling. They are not the voice of God but merely fallible men who are called to teach, preach, and exhort. Many times there is too much enmeshment of the Pastor/leadership into the private affairs of the church people. It is comparable to spiritual incest.

JMHO,
Rhoni

P.S. I do agree with your post. Thank you.

Spiritual incest...well, that is a new low.