Is This Environment Wholesome?

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

1. Yes. I think it can lead to insight and understanding on both sides.

2. No.

3. Of course not.

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

1. Very healthy in general - this admittedly may be a bit more complicated if one is interacting with a real-life assembly member.

2. It could... but need not. It is interesting you ask it this way... the general membership deserves the same respect in Christ as do ministers.

3. Me thinks posting on both would be healthy.

My sentiments exactly!

Whatever happened to iron sharpens iron?????

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Three questions.

1. Is it good for pastors and saints to have the level of discussion and familiarity that is present on AFF?
2. Does it lead to an overall lack of respect for ministry in general?
3. Should the ministers who post on AFF move to ministers only forums?

ONLY if they cannot behave like Christians!

[rgcraig]

I believe this is a perfect place to be able to express your feelings - negative, positive, good, bad, happy, sad, etc. etc.

You sort through what doesn't interest you, you participate in what does and learn in the process!

Now, if someone struggles with online addictions or can't handle talk that isn't always "bless you brother", then maybe this wouldn't be the place for them.

[KwaiQ]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Three questions.

1. Is it good for pastors and saints to have the level of discussion and familiarity that is present on AFF?
2. Does it lead to an overall lack of respect for ministry in general?
3. Should the ministers who post on AFF move to ministers only forums?

1. Yes. Discussion is good.
2. It could possibly. If the minister does not carry him or herself with respect while posting.
3. I don't think so, but then again I mostly post on ministers only forums.

[Nahum]

I think there is a disconnect between laity and pastors here sometimes. I also think it is dangerous for someone to receive life instruction from a pastor who is not their own.

It also feels like a no win situation sometimes.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

I think there is a disconnect between laity and pastors here sometimes. I also think it is dangerous for someone to receive life instruction from a pastor who is not their own.

It also feels like a no win situation sometimes.

Do you really think someone is receiving "life instructions" from a pastor here?

Aren't we all adults having conversations?

I respect ministers and pastors, but are they so above laity, that we cannot discuss anything together?

I'm not feeling your pain here......

Many of us laity "have" been in the ministry.

[KwaiQ]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

I think there is a disconnect between laity and pastors here sometimes. I also think it is dangerous for someone to receive life instruction from a pastor who is not their own.

It also feels like a no win situation sometimes.

All valid points Bro.

There is an inherent danger in ministering over the internet. I try not to offer advice to questions their pastor should be answering. Answering scripture related questions is one thing IMHO, but answering a question like "should a lady cut her hair" is best to direct towards their pastor. Again IMHO...

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Do you really think someone is receiving "life instructions" from a pastor here?

Aren't we all adults having conversations?

I respect ministers and pastors, but are they so above laity, that we cannot discuss anything together?

I'm not feeling your pain here......

Many of us laity "have" been in the ministry.

Oh no, my point is not that ministers are superior to laity other than responsibility.

Its just everyone wants preachers to be "real" and sometimes that is not possible. TD Jakes said something that I'll never forget. He said "there are people dying to get to know you, and the minute you let them close enough to - they will hate you".

What people say they want from ministry and what they really want are two different things.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Oh no, my point is not that ministers are above laity.

Its just everyone wants preachers to be "real" and sometimes that is not possible. TD Jakes said something that I'll never forget. He said "there are people dying to get to know you, and the minute you let them close enough to - they will hate you".

What people say they want from ministry and what they really want are two different things.

Okay, we are getting to the root of the problem now.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Okay, we are getting to the root of the problem now.

I do think that we (preachers) should be careful in our dealings with forum members. Some ministries have been tainted by casual comments that were not sinful in any way.