Quote:
Originally Posted by Pastor Poster
I disagree. Too much friendship between pastors and saints leads to a dilution of spiritual authority. That has nothing to do with elitism. It has to do with Divine order.
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mizpeh
What is this divine order? Where is this taught in the word of God?
I've been agreeing with RR as I've been reading along. I don't need to know my pastor's personal business but I do want to know him as a brother in Christ and what makes him tick. I've learned he has a heart for God and I respect that.
|
PP, please don't think that I am being disrespectful when I say this, but........
if too much friendship between pastors and saints would lead to a dilution of spiritual authority, then I would question the spiritual authority to begin with. First of all, I've definately not seen that to be true in any church I've been in where the pastor had close friends from within the church. In fact, if anything, it tended to solidify the bonds between those involved. When that happened, it became much less necessary for the pastor 'come down' on them. And
Second of all, if this calling isn't 'like fire shut up in your bones' then is it really a calling? And if it is like the fire, then it has to come out.
It would seem to me that the closer you feel to someone, the more you would feel a burden for their very soul. And therefore, the more you would feel compelled to give to them whatever it is GOD wanted you to give them.
Of course, since I'm not in the ministry, I'll just watch from the outside. But I have to be honest and tell you that from my point of view, when you shut yourself away from the saints and fellowship only with other pastors, it makes me wonder...................