Here is a question...

[Barb]

What is the role of a pastor/pastor's wife if they see a need...say a marriage problem...something that is evident, but the troubled individuals will not seek counsel?

Should the man and woman of God pray and not approach them?

Should they pray and approach, asking if they would like a chance to talk?

[Coonskinner]

Pray for sure.

Approach only if the Spirit leads, or a crisis dictates the necessity.

People are funny about marital problems.

I don't butt in uninvited unless there is a compelling reason.

Of course, some of it depends on the relationship you have with the folks.

[ManOfWord]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Pray for sure.

Approach only if the Spirit leads, or a crisis dictates the necessity.

People are funny about marital problems.

I don't butt in uninvited unless there is a compelling reason.

Of course, some of it depends on the relationship you have with the folks.

I couldn't agree more! The quickest way to get one's head lopped off is to jump into the middle of a "domestic" uninvited!

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Pray for sure.

Approach only if the Spirit leads, or a crisis dictates the necessity.

People are funny about marital problems.

I don't butt in uninvited unless there is a compelling reason.

Of course, some of it depends on the relationship you have with the folks.

So, you don't stand on the unspoken rule of some that they will only deal with things if asked...that's good, CS...

[Jekyll]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Pray for sure.

Approach only if the Spirit leads, or a crisis dictates the necessity.

People are funny about marital problems.

I don't butt in uninvited unless there is a compelling reason.

Of course, some of it depends on the relationship you have with the folks.

What if communication with the pastor slows sharply and one spouse draws the other out of church in an effort to "save" the marriage??

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by Barb

So, you don't stand on the unspoken rule of some that they will only deal with things if asked...that's good, CS...

That is my basic practice practice, but in dealing with things as fraught with variables as human relationships, there is no way to create a one-size-fits-all rule.

Generally speaking, I don't interfere unless asked.

But there could be exceptions.

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by Jekyll

What if communication with the pastor slows sharply and one spouse draws the other out of church in an effort to "save" the marriage??

Then it becomes not just a marital issue, and I would be on that like a rat on a cheetoh.

Taking into account, of course, where the spouse was "drawing" the other one toward.

[Margies3]

I wonder if occasionally someone wouldn't be just waiting for the pastor to ask to speak to them about their marriage? maybe they'd be too embarrassed to come on their own, but would welcome intervention if someone volunteered?

I don't really know. But I do know in my own life, I'm not likely to go to someone with any problem and say to them, "I need some help." But if someone close to me notices and says something, I'm usually willing to open up. Maybe some people would be that way with marriage problems????

But I do think that as the pastor you would want to tread lightly. Take small steps and seek God at every inch.

[Jekyll]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Then it becomes not just a marital issue, and I would be on that like a rat on a cheetoh.

Taking into account, of course, where the spouse was "drawing" the other one toward.

Nothing serious....


Just life away from a shepherd, from the anointing of God, the protection of the church...closing the door to heaven and opening the door to hell...

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Pray for sure.

Approach only if the Spirit leads, or a crisis dictates the necessity.

People are funny about marital problems.

I don't butt in uninvited unless there is a compelling reason.

Of course, some of it depends on the relationship you have with the folks.

Good answer!!