Collateral Damage

Nahum · #1 04-12-2007, 09:43 AM

We have often discussed the misnomer that a pastor will anwer for all of the parishoners in his church at judgement day. From what I have read on AFF, most of us are in agreement that each individual will stand before God alone. The pastor will not be there to mediate, nor will he be held responsible for those who refused obedience to the Word. His only obligation is to preach the whole counsel of God.

But what if leadership unknowingly causes someone to stumble and fall? What if leadership adds an unnecessary burden that a Christian cannot bear? What if a leader's politics builds his own kingdom instead of God's?

What will happen to those who kill innocents through "friendly fire"? Is a certain amount of collateral damage necessary to win this spiritual war?

ILG · #2 04-12-2007, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

We have often discussed the misnomer that a pastor will anwer for all of the parishoners in his church at judgement day. From what I have read on AFF, most of us are in agreement that each individual will stand before God alone. The pastor will not be there to mediate, nor will he be held responsible for those who refused obedience to the Word. His only obligation is to preach the whole counsel of God.

But what if leadership unknowingly causes someone to stumble and fall? What if leadership adds an unnecessary burden that a Christian cannot bear? What if a leader's politics builds his own kingdom instead of God's?

What will happen to those who kill innocents through "friendly fire"? Is a certain amount of collateral damage necessary to win this spiritual war?

I think if someone kills innocents unknowingly that is one thing. But if a person has rejected certain elements of truth...he will be held accountable.

tbpew · #3 04-12-2007, 09:54 AM

PP, I think I love you man,
*punches PP's arm in an extreme show of affection*

IMO,
God's wisdom is so perfect that it lets every individual have a "place of decision" where they will either follow a man's teachings or be taught by the Holy Ghost.

His mercy and providential design are perfect at revealing our hearts to our own self!

Do I choose to follow a man (and thus out-source my responsibility) despite the constant speaking of the small voice in my spirit?
or
Do I journey up God's holy mountain because of his invitation for the WHOLE CONGREGATION to do so?

Our hearts are revealed TO OURSELVES by our own choices.

Nahum · #4 04-12-2007, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbpew

PP, I think I love you man,
*punches PP's arm in an extreme show of affection*

IMO,
God's wisdom is so perfect that it lets every individual have a "place of decision" where they will either follow a man's teachings or be taught by the Holy Ghost.

His mercy and providential design are perfect at revealing our hearts to our own self!

Do I choose to follow a man (and thus out-source my responsibility) despite the constant speaking of the small voice in my spirit?
or
Do I journey up God's holy mountain because of his invitation for the WHOLE CONGREGATION to do so?

Our hearts are revealed TO OURSELVES by our own choices.

Look, I love everyone who attends the aseembly I pastor. I try very hard to divulge the truth in an untainted way. But I am flesh. There is the possibility that I may make a mistake in my application. There is the possibility that someone may be offended and never even tell me about it. They may choose to walk away because of my ignorance.

Will God judge me (punish me) for that?

BTW, you are very kind tbpew.

Felicity · #5 04-12-2007, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Look, I love everyone who attends the aseembly I pastor. I try very hard to divulge the truth in an untainted way. But I am flesh. There is the possibility that I may make a mistake in my application. There is the possibility that someone may be offended and never even tell me about it. They may choose to walk away because of my ignorance.

Will God judge me (punish me) for that?

No.

Nahum · #6 04-12-2007, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felicity

No.

Thank you for that well-crafted response. Let me see if I can reciprocate.

Here goes:

Why not?

ILG · #7 04-12-2007, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Look, I love everyone who attends the aseembly I pastor. I try very hard to divulge the truth in an untainted way. But I am flesh. There is the possibility that I may make a mistake in my application. There is the possibility that someone may be offended and never even tell me about it.

Quote:

They may choose to walk away because of my ignorance.

Will God judge me (punish me) for that?

BTW, you are very kind tbpew.

He that hungers and thirsts after righteousness shall be filled.

rgcraig · #8 04-12-2007, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Look, I love everyone who attends the aseembly I pastor. I try very hard to divulge the truth in an untainted way. But I am flesh. There is the possibility that I may make a mistake in my application. There is the possibility that someone may be offended and never even tell me about it. They may choose to walk away because of my ignorance.

Will God judge me (punish me) for that?

BTW, you are very kind tbpew.

That's His decision, but I don't think so.

However, I think when a pastor teaches something that is not Biblical and teaches it as a heaven or hell issue and it causes someone to feel they have to abide because it's coming from the man of God, then he could be held accountable for that.

That's why in my opinion, it's best to teach the Word of God and pastor your people, instruct, admonish, water them, give them room to grow, but not put undue strain on them with "your" (the pastor's) own convictions.

Does that make sense? Within the Apostolic ranks there are 100's of different rules and regulations and one group doesn't agree with the other - it shouldn't be that difficult if everyone was following what God intends.

Kutless · #9 04-12-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgcraig

That's His decision, but I don't think so.

However, I think when a pastor teaches something that is not Biblical and teaches it as a heaven or hell issue and it causes someone to feel they have to abide because it's coming from the man of God, then he could be held accountable for that.

That's why in my opinion, it's best to teach the Word of God and pastor your people, instruct, admonish, water them, give them room to grow, but not put undue strain on them with "your" (the pastor's) own convictions.

Does that make sense? Within the Apostolic ranks there are 100's of different rules and regulations and one group doesn't agree with the other - it shouldn't be that difficult if everyone was following what God intends.

good stuff RG

Nahum · #10 04-12-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgcraig

That's His decision, but I don't think so.

However, I think when a pastor teaches something that is not Biblical and teaches it as a heaven or hell issue and it causes someone to feel they have to abide because it's coming from the man of God, then he could be held accountable for that.

That's why in my opinion, it's best to teach the Word of God and pastor your people, instruct, admonish, water them, give them room to grow, but not put undue strain on them with "your" (the pastor's) own convictions.

Does that make sense? Within the Apostolic ranks there are 100's of different rules and regulations and one group doesn't agree with the other - it shouldn't be that difficult if everyone was following what God intends.

Doesn't the pastor have an obligation to set boundaries in the church? At some point every pastor has to apply the Word in different situations. I believe this where prayer is imperative.