Re: Sons Inheriting Churches from Fathers $$$
 

Not at all. I understand just as you do that they’re are some Pastors who feel the need to be authoritarian in their ministry. I have recently been taught and now fully believe that there is 3 ways for a Pastor to lead.

1- You can lead as a King
2- You can lead as a Priest
3- You can lead as a Shepherd

Now with the topic at hand, I do believe that it is the Pastors responsibility to seek God for the exchange. I believe they should seek counsel from their elders. Even Paul as an Apostle charged Timothy with the work.

In this situation I don't believe this Pastor was acting as a Dictator. Other Pastors were involved, the saints of the church were involved, nothing was done in secret.

Re: Sons Inheriting Churches from Fathers $$$
 

I have posted in the past regarding NT church government that includes deacons and elders. Not just a formality of such that we see in most oneness churches. The typical oneness church practices that the pastor is like a CEO but also with limitations from board members. This scenario presented on this thread with or without name disclosure is practiced often and at times even when the receiving son shows little or no signs of desire for ministry until well into adulthood. My personal belief based on observation is that said current pastor assumes the passing of the torch at quite a young age as long as the son is available. This also reminds me of a quote I heard years ago from an aging pastor....."When I die or step down, sons name omitted, will be the pastor of this church, if your not ok with that then you can leave."

I think it was the desire for this pastor that his son have the torch passed to him before, during the down years and afterwards. The real question, if this is really the way it was intended and there was actual church government without fear or repercussion would there be considerations for someone else? Maybe there was, does anyone know?

Re: Sons Inheriting Churches from Fathers $$$
 

This is an important concern thatleftcoast1 has brought up. I have noticed that there is a trend whereby other pastors are appointed to the board of a church. Sometimes from several states away. It seems to be designed for increased control by the pulpit faction, while diminishing the influence of the local members.

Re: Sons Inheriting Churches from Fathers $$$
 

This is a brief compilation of comments that indicate the extent that the church is a possession of the pastor. Which is a pretty good example of the question I posed:

Is the pastor God’s gift to the church? (Which is the case according to scripture.)

Or maybe is the church God’s gift to the pastor? (As many, including pastors, seem to believe.)

Re: Sons Inheriting Churches from Fathers $$$
 

Many times you will him them say, "this is my church and no one is going to come and steal it." I understand the sentiment if you sacrificed to build something but who's kingdom are you really building?

Re: Sons Inheriting Churches from Fathers $$$
 

Who does the board consist of? Members from the local church or hand selected pastors which are more less a rubber stamp for critical decisions...such as installing your son as pastor.

Re: Sons Inheriting Churches from Fathers $$$
 

Yes, we must obey our leaders without question.

Re: Sons Inheriting Churches from Fathers $$$
 

Wow this whole thread sounds out of left field by left coast. I don't know personally Jessy Parker, but I do know very personally his brother Joe Parker. Both of them started a church with UPCI and both have left the UPCI for different reasons. The fact remains that one thing that is very wrong is that until just the last ten years both of the Parkers churches were not rich and most of the church finances were because the pastor worked and the tithe went into running the church and not into the pastors pocket.

I would go as far as to say that that is the case still today. And even if Jessie has been full time in ministry I would go as far as to say he is in no way rich. Yes he may live in a nice house but who paid for it him, with his tree cutting business or the church?

Regardless the pastor does have the right to put up anyone he wants as pastor to take over the church he spent to much time and money putting together.

Re: Sons Inheriting Churches from Fathers $$$
 

Certainly, anyone he SUGGESTS should be considered, but there is no inherent "right" in him choosing his successor. After all, HE did not build the church. The MEMBERS built the church and should have the final say. This almost pastor-worship in the Apostolic churches is disgusting. I for one am ECSTATIC to be out from underneath it.

Re: Sons Inheriting Churches from Fathers $$$
 

There is a theory in Apostolic circles that you show your reverence to God by showing reverence to your pastor.
While this is not a bad thing, it has sometimes led to pastor worship.
I am old enough to remember when the prominent UPCI Bible School taught that as a pastor, you should not have the best house/car/clothes in the church.
As it would hinder your ministry.