Unfair/Unrealistic/UnScriptural Expectations

LadyRev · #1 02-15-2008, 08:28 AM

This thread is NOT what you think!

Its NOT about a pastors/preachers expectations of members or attendees.

This is about members/attendees expectations of pastors/preachers.

I'll start it off...

It is UNSCRIPTURAL for a pastor to be expected to put church members/attendees BEFORE his/her own family. (And I'm not talking about a kids basketball games vs. a member in the ER - Common sense here)

It is UNFAIR to expect a pastor/preacher to be available 24-7 even if they derive their income solely from the church/churches.

It is UNREALISTIC to expect a pastor/preacher to be perfect, never have a bad day, never make a mistake, etc.

NEXT!

DanielR · #2 02-15-2008, 08:43 AM

Acts 6:2-4 (King James Version)

2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

The Apostels set the standard for how this should be done. The pastors should give themselves contunually to prayer and ministry of the word, while the church membership should appoint those that will serve tables (meeting the needs of the church membership) so that the pastor is not distracted from his family and his primary responsability of prayer and preaching.

Daniel

OneAccord · #3 02-15-2008, 08:49 AM

We expect, sometimes outright demand, the pastor to be there for us. He's suppose to be there for weddings, funerals, baby dedications, every church service, home visits, community events, church activities, hospital visits, etc...

When have we been THERE for the pastor?

ReformedDave · #4 02-15-2008, 09:02 AM

Scripture is clear that there is to be a distinction in function between the individual, family, church, and society and when any of these lines of demarcation are distorted we have problems. There are families that make unbiblical demands of their pastors and the opposite is also true. When the boundaries of scripture are broken we have these distortions.

ForeverBlessed · #5 02-15-2008, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanielR

Acts 6:2-4 (King James Version)

2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

The Apostels set the standard for how this should be done. The pastors should give themselves contunually to prayer and ministry of the word, while the church membership should appoint those that will serve tables (meeting the needs of the church membership) so that the pastor is not distracted from his family and his primary responsability of prayer and preaching.

Daniel

I believe this is correct way to do it.....

At my church, we have a pastor...and then an executive pastor... exec pastor takes care of all the needs of the people and daily administration of the church. He has a Masters in counseling and is a very busy man as the church isn't small...but that leaves pastor with the ministry of the Word and prayer... under the exec pastor is other ministers operating in other departments/offices...

this is one aspect of my church that has really impressed me over the last 4 years and how they all got along with each other...

Felicity · #6 02-15-2008, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

Scripture is clear that there is to be a distinction in function between the individual, family, church, and society and when any of these lines of demarcation are distorted we have problems. There are families that make unbiblical demands of their pastors and the opposite is also true. When the boundaries of scripture are broken we have these distortions.

True, but thinking about this as a pastor's wife, I don't think we've ever had church members who have made unbiblical demands of us. I can't seem to think of any.

ReformedDave · #7 02-15-2008, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felicity

True, but thinking about this as a pastor's wife, I don't think we've ever had church members who have made unbiblical demands of us. I can't seem to think of any.

You taught them well....I'm sure you followed the same admonition. Our pastor and the elders do the same. We're have elder/deacon visitation this week. Kind of like going to the principle's office.....j/k

LadyRev · #8 02-15-2008, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanielR

Acts 6:2-4 (King James Version)

2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

The Apostels set the standard for how this should be done. The pastors should give themselves contunually to prayer and ministry of the word, while the church membership should appoint those that will serve tables (meeting the needs of the church membership) so that the pastor is not distracted from his family and his primary responsability of prayer and preaching.

Daniel

I don't disagree with you but I will add that the "ministry of the word" involves much more than just "preaching". This is clearly evidenced by the disciples.

Felicity · #9 02-15-2008, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

You taught them well....I'm sure you followed the same admonition. Our pastor and the elders do the same. We're have elder/deacon visitation this week. Kind of like going to the principle's office.....j/k

It wasn't our teaching so much, although one church that we pastored my husband did a lesson on "What the Church Should Expect From Their Pastor" ......... and "What the Pastor Should Expect From the Church". People really appreciated those two lessons.

I guess I've had the privilege of growing up in healthy church environments where pastors weren't bullies. My husband is NOT a hard taskmaster and doesn't have the attitude of being lord over God's heritage. We don't put unrealistic expectations on our congregations.

I have found though that what the pastor sows into a congregation and into people is reaped. And if a congregation is kind and respectful of their pastor they, as a congregation, will reap that in good ways.

DanielR · #10 02-15-2008, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyRev

I don't disagree with you but I will add that the "ministry of the word" involves much more than just "preaching". This is clearly evidenced by the disciples.

I have no issue conceding that point. I didn't mean to imply that all the pastor does is preach, but that if he is serving tables, then he can't be properly prepared to preach.

Daniel