How close should a pastor get to the members?

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Dear Abi,

No analysis is needed. You are a precious person who chooses to see the positive/good in others instead of the negative. Jesus is in you and leading you.

Blessings, Rhoni

Thanks, Rhoni. I hope so.

Sometimes I'm leading myself by my nose, though. I usually end up in a mud puddle, walking around that way.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Maple Leaf

"Spiritual Incest" is a legitimate and clearly defined term under Ecclesiastical Law.



Clearly the term "spiritual incest" does not apply to the example in the quoted post, and to use the term, which clearly has sexual overtones, in the context of a post criticizing pastors is repugnant.

I did not mean to offend because I was not aware of the definition of which you were refering. I think that using spiritual words or a spiritual position of authority to manipulate and control would be repugnant and equivical to 'spiritual incest'.

Respectfully,
Rhoni

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I didn't actually make any assumptions about your profession. I asked you a question about your profession. Asking for information is nearly the complete opposite of making an assumption.

Of course my pastor isn't perfect. However, I would say that in his areas of weakness, he is the least qualified to give advice to others. I'm sure he asks God for wisdom so he can advise others, even if he is lacking in the same area. However, I think that's why ministers are supposed to have a good reputation--because people won't listen if they think you don't live something yourself.

My question was, basically, do you know your biases, and do you allow it to affect your counseling? It wasn't an accusation, Rhoni. It was a question. For the same reason you wouldn't trust many men or pastors, I wouldn't trust a counselor [who couldn't remain unbiased].

Abi, I am very aware of my biases and get supervision or refer clients to another therapist when it is something I can't look at objectively. One of those things is perpetrators of sexual crimes, such as; molestation, or pedophilia.

I hope this answers your question.

Blessings, Rhoni

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

Rhoni wrote:





Is this what you mean by spiritual incest, Rhoni?

If so, I've fellowshipped in three different UPC congregations in different states and countries and NEVER found this to be the case. I think your use of "many times" is not truly representative of the UPC as a whole.

Mizpeh,

My worldview is much broader than yours. I do not think authoritarian leadership is limited to UPCI but it is a bigger problem than you think.

Blessings,
Rhoni

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Mizpeh,

My worldview is much broader than yours. I do not think authoritarian leadership is limited to UPCI but it is a bigger problem than you think.

Blessings,
Rhoni

What do you mean by this statement, Rhoni?

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

What do you mean by this statement, Rhoni?

Having been in UPCI for 40+ years, gone to a UPCI Bible College, a Bible Quizzer, Evangelized in many states, lived in many states and attended many UPCI churches, Home missions, assisted, and Pastored 2 UPCI churches. My point of reference is much greater than limited to two UPCI churches as Mizpeh said. The home missions work and the churches we grew or pastored were larger than any I have attended since. I am not sure why the churches today are so small.

Blessings, Rhoni

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Having been in UPCI for 40+ years, gone to a UPCI Bible College, a Bible Quizzer, Evangelized in many states, lived in many states and attended many UPCI churches, Home missions, assisted, and Pastored 2 UPCI churches. My point of reference is much greater than limited to two UPCI churches as Mizpeh said.

Blessings, Rhoni

Oh, ok. I wasn't sure what you meant by the term "worldview".

Thanks.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

Oh, ok. I wasn't sure what you meant by the term "worldview".

Thanks.

My "worldview" is "religious Apostolic world". That is all I know.