What's the difference?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by n david

You did run away from the conversation and stayed away all yesterday. Now you come back this morning with some excuse, trying to claim it's about the actions of the Pastor when that isn't the issue in question.

My brother, Christina and I are looking at residential centers that will provide adequate care for her ailing mother. I assure you, running away to "figure out how to explain it" was the last thing on my mind.

The discussion is whether a Pastor is within his role to make requests outside of chapter and verse.

Period. Full stop.

In March, you said a Pastor is NOT allowed to do so. You condemned them. You mocked them. You called it man's traditions. You said a Pastor should follow the Bible. Anything not in the Bible was man's traditions.

Now you say, "as a pastor, he is within bounds to request what he desires."

So let's clear this up once and for all. Don't add to anything or try to twist anything.

Regarding the ROLE of the Pastor (NOT the actions of a Pastor):
Is it within the role (bounds) of a Pastor to request what he desires, even if not expressly found in the Bible, chapter and verse?

Yes or No.

In March you said no. Two days ago you completely flipped and said yes.

Which is it?

Then perhaps we can cease the silliness and begin here. How we got here is immaterial. How we, as brothers, understand one another now that we're here is more productive for the conversation.

A pastor can certainly make a request about any given personal preference he wishes. He's the pastor. It is how he deals with those who do not share his personal preference that causes me pause. Does he use his "authority" to enforce his own personal preferences and requests, without any biblical necessity? If so, the man is out of bounds. If he's just voicing his preferences, without threat of Hell or penalty for disagreement, that's perfectly fine with me.