[QUOTE=GrowingPains;760965]This subject has been discussed at length, so sometimes it's best to break it down bite-size. When trying to determine the role of a Pastor in the New Testament, it would be helpful to read the Pastoral Epistles (Titus, 1st and 2nd Timothy). This is not meant to support particular standards, but in reading these books,
it clearly shows the job of the pastor and his right/license to ask specific things of the followers of Christ with regard to their current culture.
It does? Where pray tell me does it give the pastor or what ever one calls him the right to ask... Im not saying that there are not times that he needs to ask things of the followers but that is just the thing to ask.
I cannot understand how someone can be so indoctrinated in one way by tradition and man teaching that they can read something a hundred times an still not see the truth in the word of God.
Example I have heard all my life the authority of the pastor is that one must obey him as long as he is not preaching false doctrine or asking you to sin. And that to not to obey is to put yourself in rebellion which as everyone knows is as the sin of witchcraft in the eyes of God.
Here is something to consider as you set this mere man up on his lofty perch. And blindly follow him on his word alone. Without questioning the word he preaches. Oh I just have anew thought I used to get so upset when people would tell me I was part of a cult because I would give so much obedience to a man and obey him as if his word was law. Note the verse below most specificly the word obey.
Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
peithō
pi'-tho
A primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty): - agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) content, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.
Understand we are not to blindly obey any man just because of his position but we are to be persuaded. This means we question the word he/she preaches and study things out for ourselves.
And while one is studying the authority of the leaders go back and look up the meaning of some of the words in the chapters given, Titus, Timothy. And finally study Ephesians where Paul gives the line of authority and it does not include the ministry at all.
The ministry is given to the church to equip and edify the church, as a gift. The church is not given to the ministry to rule. Remember We are the body Christ he is the head not the minister.
Just my opinion sorry to come across so vehimanitly