How close should a pastor get to the members?

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by My Own Eyes

I only read through the first two pages, but I find it interesting that no one mentioned the example Jesus set for us.

I mean, he was reachable, he was accessable. He was the friend that sticks closer than a brother. He didn't hold himself above everyone else...and he was GOD.

To be fair, this is a touchy subject for me as I have always had an issue with the whole concept of a spiritual hierarchy in the church. I am a egalitarian to the core.

Yeah - He didn't have an administrative assistant

[Maple Leaf]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

It is a common phrase we have 'used' through the years. What it meant in our church was solo's in the chior, teaching Sunday School, Bible quizzing, or being on the youth committee. It also included skits for the Christmas banquet, ect...

Blessings, Rhoni

I'm familiar with the phrase, I just find it somewhere between comical and ironic. In the world people complain about being used, but in the Church people aspire to be used. Just a little play on English that amuses me (You know what they say about small things and small minds).

Speaking of the idiosyncrasies of the English language: I read in this morning's paper where the police sanctioned a driver for launching his truck though the side of a house. I couldn't figure out whether they approved or disapproved of his driving style.

[MissBrattified]

Familiarity breeds contempt--especially in a culture where faults go unforgiven, and humanity isn't well tolerated.

There ARE people who get close to the leadership so they can use their faults against them for their own gain. However, that can be diffused by leaders who openly admit their faults, which takes away most of a critic's power. Those threatened by intimacy are probably those trying to keep up a facade of perfection.

Beyond that, there is something to be said for protecting family from the demands of the pastor's job, and keeping a few boundaries in place so you don't have people popping in and out of the house all the time, interrupting important time with your wife and/or children.

[Innocuous]

Some people are used and it's mutually beneficial, others are just used up.

[Innocuous]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Familiarity breeds contempt--especially in a culture where faults go unforgiven, and humanity isn't well tolerated.

There ARE people who get close to the leadership so they can use their faults against them for their own gain. However, that can be diffused by leaders who openly admit their faults, which takes away most of a critic's power. Those threatened by intimacy are probably those trying to keep up a facade of perfection.

Beyond that, there is something to be said for protecting family from the demands of the pastor's job, and keeping a few boundaries in place so you don't have people popping in and out of the house all the time, interrupting important time with your wife and/or children.

Yes, I agree on all three points. Well said.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Maple Leaf

I'm familiar with the phrase, I just find it somewhere between comical and ironic. In the world people complain about being used, but in the Church people aspire to be used. Just a little play on English that amuses me (You know what they say about small things and small minds).

Speaking of the idiosyncrasies of the English language: I read in this morning's paper where the police sanctioned a driver for launching his truck though the side of a house. I couldn't figure out whether they approved or disapproved of his driving style.

Richard Ellis, Pastor of Reunion Church in Dallas has a radio broadcast and he always tell a few comical headlines before starting his message at 6: 30 a.m. I think you would enjoy them. You have a unique sense of humor

Blessings, Rhoni

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Familiarity breeds contempt--especially in a culture where faults go unforgiven, and humanity isn't well tolerated.

There ARE people who get close to the leadership so they can use their faults against them for their own gain. However, that can be diffused by leaders who openly admit their faults, which takes away most of a critic's power. Those threatened by intimacy are probably those trying to keep up a facade of perfection.

Beyond that, there is something to be said for protecting family from the demands of the pastor's job, and keeping a few boundaries in place so you don't have people popping in and out of the house all the time, interrupting important time with your wife and/or children.

Unfair but true. Good insight.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Familiarity breeds contempt--especially in a culture where faults go unforgiven, and humanity isn't well tolerated.

That's a sad commentary when it is found within the church of God.

[Innocuous]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

That's a sad commentary when it is found within the church of God.

Perhaps sometimes this is what contributes and/or produces the bunker mentality of some pastors and their families. Sometimes they come into and entrenched culture as the new pastor and the only way to survive is to retreat.

[Rhoni]

Really, in all fairness, things are changing and Pastors and their familesa re able to keep healthier boundaries and with that able to socialize and have more friends/fellowhsip within their congregations.