How I feel about Pastors and Preachers.

[Seeking-Christ]

I think I've told you before that I grew up going to Church. Just now I've been thinking back, trying to remember the role a Pastor had in my life... Then it hit me. Over all, Pastors have never been truly been a Pastor to me. What I mean by that is, the older i got, the less they tried to interact with me. And even when I sought them out, I didn't get much help.

Before I started writing this, I got to thinking, I don't want to bash Pastors and Preachers. I mean there are some Preachers that I get something good out of the messages. But those Preachers are on TV or the Internet, Or the Radio. They aren't people in my real life! So in order to be honest, I got to give my local Pastors and Preachers two thumbs down, for the influence they have had in my life. I think that is pretty sad.

 

[Seeking-Christ]

I want to add something.

It's thanks to people like them, is the reason why I end up going online for seeking support. If you got a good support group at Church then I don't think you need forums like this... Unless of course you just want to discuss some other ways of viewing the scriptures. I'm not entirely sure this is a good way of doing that... When it comes to the scriptures, my audio bible is usually good enough. And if I want another point of view, I can usually look it up on youtube. But that's just me.

 

[Gideon300]

I think I've told you before that I grew up going to Church. Just now I've been thinking back, trying to remember the role a Pastor had in my life... Then it hit me. Over all, Pastors have never been truly been a Pastor to me. What I mean by that is, the older i got, the less they tried to interact with me. And even when I sought them out, I didn't get much help.

Before I started writing this, I got to thinking, I don't want to bash Pastors and Preachers. I mean there are some Preachers that I get something good out of the messages. But those Preachers are on TV or the Internet, Or the Radio. They aren't people in my real life! So in order to be honest, I got to give my local Pastors and Preachers two thumbs down, for the influence they have had in my life. I think that is pretty sad.

True pastors are a rare breed. Most people installed as pastors are theologically trained and have a certain amount of people skills. I was once asked to apply for theological training so I could be a pastor. At the time, I had zero people skills. I didn't like myself, let alone anyone else. I refused.

Briefly the church I attended had a real pastor. I did not realise it at the time. He was just different. He prayed for me once, that God would give me a mentor. My attitude at the time was pretty negative. I did not trust anyone. Eventually, and in spite of my misgivings, the Lord led me to a man who was used to transform my life.

If you seek the Lord with persistence and sincerity, He will lead you to someone who can mentor you. He has to be someone who has experienced transformation himself, not just theological and personnel management training. You need someone who knows Jesus, not just knows about Him.

Early in my Christian life, I traveled a lot and heard many preachers and went to many conferences. Every now and again, one preacher would stand out. They had a certain "something" that I can't define. I call them the shining ones because that's how they seemed to me. It was an inner light, not some kind of aura or similar manifestation. I wanted what they had. I asked God. He set about (unbeknown to me) making me that person. I believe that I'm at least different from when I was saved 50 years ago. Someone who knows me well says that I'm nothing like what I used to be.

Be warned. It's a tough road. Be encouraged. God's grace is sufficient. It's worth every trial and tribulation to come to a place of stability and victory in life. We are God's workmanship. Jesus will finish what He began. All He asks is for our willingness. He will do the rest.

 

[Runningman]

I think I've told you before that I grew up going to Church. Just now I've been thinking back, trying to remember the role a Pastor had in my life... Then it hit me. Over all, Pastors have never been truly been a Pastor to me. What I mean by that is, the older i got, the less they tried to interact with me. And even when I sought them out, I didn't get much help.

Before I started writing this, I got to thinking, I don't want to bash Pastors and Preachers. I mean there are some Preachers that I get something good out of the messages. But those Preachers are on TV or the Internet, Or the Radio. They aren't people in my real life! So in order to be honest, I got to give my local Pastors and Preachers two thumbs down, for the influence they have had in my life. I think that is pretty sad.

I think even pastors need a pastor, you know? They have struggles, too, and could be silently moving through the motions of their station while crying on the inside. Hard to say what people are going through despite the exterior smile and air of confidence.

It’s difficult to reach out to others if we ourselves are the ones who need pastoring, even if we happen to be a pastor which I’m not.

So I hope you find the help you need. If there’s ever anything I can do to help just let me know.

 

[Seeking-Christ]

I think even pastors need a pastor, you know? They have struggles, too, and could be silently moving through the motions of their station while crying on the inside. Hard to say what people are going through despite the exterior smile and air of confidence.

It’s difficult to reach out to others if we ourselves are the ones who need pastoring, even if we happen to be a pastor which I’m not.

So I hope you find the help you need. If there’s ever anything I can do to help just let me know.

I'm sure this is true of some pastors, but I doubt it's a problem with all pastors. If it is, then I think we are really in hot water. They are called to do what they do? (((shruggs)))

 

[Runningman]

I'm sure this is true of some pastors, but I doubt it's a problem with all pastors. If it is, then I think we are really in hot water. They are called to do what they do? (((shruggs)))

I’m sure you’re right but everyone needs a shoulder to lean on sometimes.

 

[Gideon300]

I'm sure this is true of some pastors, but I doubt it's a problem with all pastors. If it is, then I think we are really in hot water. They are called to do what they do? (((shruggs)))

The word 'pastor' appears twice in the NT. Way too much is made of both the position and the work of pastor. If the church functioned as the church instead of an entertainment and nursery for spiritual infants, pastors would not be suffering burn out as is all too common.

Congregations need to realise that just because they pay the pastor, he is not their possession. He is not there to answer their slightest problem 24/7. Pastors need to be willing to help their congregation to grow and mature as Christians. They need to be willing to let others preach so that the next generation of preachers and teachers can rise up.

I wonder how many pastors are truly called by God. For some, it's a career path. One pastor told me that in "this business" you have to harden your heart. Exactly the opposite of the NT teaching. Just because someone means well and has a desire to help others does not make them a pastor. It is Lord Jesus who gives the ministry gifts to the church. Too many are self appointed and use their natural gifts and talents. That is a recipe for failure, even if the church is packed every Sunday. A rock concert, entry by donation, with everyone telling you how wonderful you are? Works a treat for a number of megachurches. Except it's not the Body of Christ, it's a bunch of groupies following a "pastor".