Things You May Not Know About Ministry

[Charlie Brown]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

When I was a younger minister, Brother Jonathan Urshan Sr gave me and a few other young guys from the church a course in homiletics. It was life-changing.

He really planted a love for study in me. He referred us to EM Bounds. Arthur Pink and so many other authors who talked about prayer and real relationship with God.

EM Bounds is still a personal favorite of mine. His pamphlets on prayer are second to none.

This man, as well as Leonard Ravenhill, shaped my life as a young preacher in regards to prayer and revival.

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by Rico

Sister, I am in agreement with PP in that there needs to be some distance between pastors and their congregation. I have seen buddy buddy type relationships cause problems in churches before.

Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer!

[Margies3]

Originally Posted by Ronzo

Sometimes the whole getting close to 'saints' for a preacher works in the opposite direction, in the negative sense, PP.

The preacher gets to know the 'saints' so well that he gets a little (ok, a LOT) loose in the tongue about the problems other 'saints' have... and tells how he had to talk to this one about that or that one about this... when it's none of anyone else's bidness...

And sometimes, he gets 'close enough' that he feels that he can get away with "telling 'em like it is" without using any kind of compassion in the delivery...

Seen both...

In that case, I'd have to say SHAME on that pastor!!!

We, as saints, are taught that loose tongues are wrong. It's the same for the pastor!

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Charlie Brown

This man, as well as Leonard Ravenhill, shaped my life as a young preacher in regards to prayer and revival.

Ditto. You can feel Bound's passion for prayer in his writing.

His books should be required reading for any aspiring minister.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Ronzo

Sometimes the whole getting close to 'saints' for a preacher works in the opposite direction, in the negative sense, PP.

The preacher gets to know the 'saints' so well that he gets a little (ok, a LOT) loose in the tongue about the problems other 'saints' have... and tells how he had to talk to this one about that or that one about this... when it's none of anyone else's bidness...

And sometimes, he gets 'close enough' that he feels that he can get away with "telling 'em like it is" without using any kind of compassion in the delivery...

Seen both...

It not's just that. Sometimes people get too close to the pastor and can see all their faults and flaws. Knowing what these faults and flaws are can negatively affect how a person views their pastor and his role in their walk with God. I am not suggesting that ministry needs to be put on a pedastal and realize that everyone has faults and flaws, but know what your pastors are could make it hard to accept what he says when he gets into the pulpit.

[revrandy]

Originally Posted by Rico

It not's just that. Sometimes people get too close to the pastor and can see all their faults and flaws. Knowing what these faults and flaws are can negatively affect how a person views their pastor and his role in their walk with God. I am not suggesting that ministry needs to be put on a pedastal and realize that everyone has faults and flaws, but know what your pastors are could make it hard to accept what he says when he gets into the pulpit.

A part of the problem is that people place high and lofty expectations on the ministry... and when their picture of that is dimished for whatever reason the relationship becomes tarnished... and is in jepordy...

I think that there is a line that shouldn't be crossed in Pastor/Saint relationship but that should never be a divide for unfriendliness...

I've been in some churches where the Pastor/wife were just downright unfriendly...

and some (growing) are the friendliest folks in the world...

[Rico]

Originally Posted by revrandy

A part of the problem is that people place high and lofty expectations on the ministry... and when their picture of that is dimished for whatever reason the relationship becomes tarnished... and is in jepordy...

I think that there is a line that shouldn't be crossed in Pastor/Saint relationship but that should never be a divide for unfriendliness...

I've been in some churches where the Pastor/wife were just downright unfriendly...

and some (growing) are the friendliest folks in the world...

So, you don't think people should expect more from those in ministry? How can I follow someone who isn't ahead of me? Paul said, "Follow me as I follow Christ." In order for someone to follow you you have to be out front (ahead.)

[revrandy]

Originally Posted by Rico

It not's just that. Sometimes people get too close to the pastor and can see all their faults and flaws. Knowing what these faults and flaws are can negatively affect how a person views their pastor and his role in their walk with God. I am not suggesting that ministry needs to be put on a pedastal and realize that everyone has faults and flaws, but know what your pastors are could make it hard to accept what he says when he gets into the pulpit.

Originally Posted by Rico

So, you don't think people should expect more from those in ministry? How can I follow someone who isn't ahead of me? Paul said, "Follow me as I follow Christ." In order for someone to follow you you have to be out front (ahead.)

You said it...

or is this a humor attempt??

[berkeley]

Wait a sec. Randy is a minister?

[revrandy]

Originally Posted by Berkeley

Wait a sec. Randy is a minister?

Just a humble servant...my friend...