We are officially a family without a church

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Real Realism

I don't think the majority of folks on here would criticize a pastor earning a regular salary with appropriate amount of time off (vacation) as well as regular, appropriate increases in salary.

The issue comes with the perceived lack of commitment on the part of some who choose that profession to actually pastor in a Biblical fashion. On the one hand, you have pastors who lord over their congregations. On the other hand, you have pastors who open the doors of the church, preach their due, and are emotionally distant and don't have a true attitude of leadership and mentorship to those in their congregations.

I've experienced both. I've also experienced the rare gem of a pastor who - even looking back now - it surprises me how he and his wife find time to make real connections and relationships with people. When we go back to visit that area, they are still so happy to see us and make time out for us. I wish circumstances were different and we could move back, but we can't at the moment.

It's not about receiving money for a job. It's about going through the motions and expecting the pay check. I have someone who provides me a salary based on my performance. And while I don't think that pastors should be on a performance plan, necessarily, is it fair for them to just sit back and collect the cash when they're not doing much, if anything, to grow their church physically and spiritually?

Sadly I agree. Many pastors lack the burden or appitude. Some of this is because many times regardless what they do they are not appreciated thus they become cynical and distant. Others are just aloof and arogant and will pay for it in time. But a true shepherd has a servant's heart they love the flock they don't have to take time the saints are their time. I never want to forget what I am called to do. The flock does not belong to me it belongs to Him He has placed them under my care. So in reality I am like a glorified spiritual babysitter and I had better treat His kids right or He will fire me or discipline me.
Now to clarify my statements about saints who do not appreciate their pastors has zero to do with me. I am humbled and blessed beyond messure by the wonderful undeserving treatment I recieve from the precious saints I am endeavoring to pastor. They deserve better but unfortunely for them ans fortunatelly for me they are stuck with me. I marvel that such a great church can be pastored by such a poor pastor. The mystery of mysteries. But I ain't complaining.