Prominent Memphis Area Pastor Resigns

[houston]

Originally Posted by LooneyLucy

Beautifully put. As saints we expect mercy and grace, but think our pastor should be perfect.....not happening.

Pastors expect perfection from saints, and even perfection isn't good enough for some scoundrels.

[Chateau d'If]

Originally Posted by The Lemon

In my opinion, many times, there is an unfair amount of pressure and expectation put on pastors in general. We all need to work out oue own salvation. I have always believed in personal responsibility for self, and for our families.

Point 2: Most of that pressure is self-induced.

Apostolic ministry is known for its heavy emphasis on pastor infallibility.

"In all things consult your pastor because he hears from God for you, and will give an account for your soul."

[Chateau d'If]

Originally Posted by houston

Pastors expect perfection from saints, and even perfection isn't good enough for some scoundrels.

This.

And when their own imperfections are exposed they hide behind the compassion and mercy they previously refused to give others.

[LooneyLucy]

Originally Posted by Chateau d'If

Point 1: True, but don't you wish that some of these cats would be as humble before their fall as they are afterward? Instead they create a culture where anything less than sinless perfection is grounds for shunning.

Wow! Don't know where y'all have gone, but my pastor is EXTREMELY merciful and believes in complete restoration.

[Tsakali024]

I am familiar with the church. I even visited a few times over the years. From what I understand TB's whole family was employed at the church. TB was on the payroll, as well as his wife, two sons-in-law, daughter, and son. Nepotism anyone?

[HolyFire]

Originally Posted by Tsakali024

I am familiar with the church. I even visited a few times over the years. From what I understand TB's whole family was employed at the church. TB was on the payroll, as well as his wife, two sons-in-law, daughter, and son. Nepotism anyone?

His son in law was asst. pastor, daughter church sec. Many churches are like this.

[The Lemon]

I understand that there are pastors who have done harm, but I think we do just as much damage when we make large sweeping statements and lump pastors into a catagory of money hungry power and control freaks - when that is the exception and most certainly not the rule.

Regardless, it only matters how qwe guard our own spirits, and how merciful we are as an individual when someone falls....if we let them die in the situation, and refuse help because they were wrong in what they did or said, then where does that leave us, and are we any more Christian they they who have made an error??

We need to see these situations from a spiritual perspective and keep in mind the Word of God and not sort through them in the flesh and through a lense of hurt from our own perspective and past. I believe if we consider our own frame, and shortcomings, we can easily show compassion, because honestly...we all have sinned and come short.

I must look in the mirror first, see my life as it is, deal with me, and understand my weaknesses - if not, how can I reach down and help my brother who has fallen??

[Monterrey]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Clarification - he asked the church to submit to James Kilgore and Dr. James Hughes for the interim.

Pray for everyone involved in this situation.

I stand corrected. Had trouble hearing the audio.

[Tsakali024]

Originally Posted by The Lemon

I understand that there are pastors who have done harm, but I think we do just as much damage when we make large sweeping statements and lump pastors into a catagory of money hungry power and control freaks - when that is the exception and most certainly not the rule.

Regardless, it only matters how qwe guard our own spirits, and how merciful we are as an individual when someone falls....if we let them die in the situation, and refuse help because they were wrong in what they did or said, then where does that leave us, and are we any more Christian they they who have made an error??

We need to see these situations from a spiritual perspective and keep in mind the Word of God and not sort through them in the flesh and through a lense of hurt from our own perspective and past. I believe if we consider our own frame, and shortcomings, we can easily show compassion, because honestly...we all have sinned and come short.

I must look in the mirror first, see my life as it is, deal with me, and understand my weaknesses - if not, how can I reach down and help my brother who has fallen??

I understand what you are saying. Yes, we are all human and everyone has their faults. I think it's just stunning, though, that a man wrestling with demons to the extent that TB apparently was, would have the audacity to remain in his pastoral leadership role, continue to preach, and counsel congregants on issues he was not likely qualified to address (given his own personal struggle). The blind being led by the blind often leads to everyone plunging over a cliff. Luckily, this pastor resigned and hopefully the church will continue on.

[LooneyLucy]

I think the real problem "in the church" is that there is not enough marriage training? or teaching? whatever you want to call it. Women marry preachers many times, just because they are a preacher no matter what the man looks like, just for the prestige of being married to a preacher. Then the man gets this beautiful wife and if he does not know how to connect with her on an emotional level, their intimate life will be VERY minimal. Face it, men need sex. If he goes years without gettin it at home, he will find it somewhere. Too many of my friends have gotten divorced in the last 2 years, leaving 20+ years of marriage and their "preacher" husbands, either he cheated or her.

He wants sex, but doesn't know how to give his wife the emotional aspect to make her want it, and since he doesn't fulfill her emotionally she looks for another man to fulfill her in that manner.

Men are DUMB in most marriages, they think it's all about the mechanics, when in reality it's about that emotional connection.