Saved Without A Pastor??

[tbpew]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

ALL pastors are hinderances and one should never have a pastor they will only abuse you and you will get hurt. Instead get your instructions from forum gurus that have never built a church.

3rd option:
get your instruction from the one who is the builder and maker of his own church.

[RandyWayne]

I look at pastors like I do government. A necessary evil.
It would be nice if you didn't need one.... but in the end, for long term success, you really do.

[dizzyde]

Originally Posted by Sister Truth Seeker

I know you all have good intentions and I don't reject everything you say, but for now I am not wanting to be in a church, and God knows the reason why....I am at the end of my dicussion here so I won't be resonding on this thread anymore...its all be sidetracked a bit from what was asked, which I did answer...everyone has a different walk, some easier than others, but none the less personal...I know where I am and I know where I stand.....and most important so does God..................................

Sister, I understand where you are coming from, but you cannot throw out the Word of God because of your experience. I am completely opposed to men abusing their position, and it is totally wrong. But as CS said, you cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater.

There is a biblical principle in the authority and role of a pastor. The fact that some men abuse this authority does not negate the word of God. And to wash your hands of all authority, just because you have had a bad experience with the authority you were under, doesn't make any sense to me.

I know that you have been deeply wounded, and I feel as though you are probably still in the healing phase of this experience, but I feel as though, at the very least, you are robbing yourself of a real blessing by not having a Godly pastor to help guide you in your walk.

My pastor is a tremendous blessing to me, and I feel very safe and protected under his guidance. Of course, the philosophy of my pastor is that there is only one church, and God is the head of it. If you can find a pastor who operates under that mentality, I think that you will find it a whole different experience.

I am praying for you, and hope that you understand that I am not trying to attack your position, I know what you have been through

[PastorD]

I am shocked at the preacher/pastor/tithe haters on AFF.

[Fiyahstarter]

Originally Posted by Sister Truth Seeker

CS.....I can not quote scripture...sorry....and you may be right maybe I am rejecting "organized" religion. I am tired of the politics, the back biting, the gossip, the cliques, the hypocricy....I just want to have a relationship with God, and fellowship with others...I think friends that are living for God can fill the roles of the five fold ministry....My SIL is a minister and I can go to him with question if I feel the need, I listen to preaching on the radio, I have tapes, I can do bible studies with myself or a friend, or a group, many church offer them without you having to "JOIN"...I was a card carrying UPC for over 7 years in my very adult life....I had bad burns when I left...it was hard; still cry over it; the things that happened....so brother walk in my shoes "well they are probably way to small" ....... my experience could have been different, I don't know what will come, but God is my shepard, and He leads me...

I feel your pain, Sister. In the same boat. Praying for you... I'm seeking too. And we "shall find". Because it is promised. (And CS, that IS scripture.)

[toof]

Originally Posted by Harmony

Can a person be saved without a Pastor?

I have been reading the threads on salvation that have been up lately and I just want to scream....You can go thru every step that is out there and your salvation is still unsure......There is really know way to know if you are saved or not.

I am only going off my experience in attending a UPC church all of my life. Absolute submission to the Pastor was KEY to your salvation. If you felt God leading you in a certain way on a "matter" you still needed to have the approval of the Pastor, if they didn't think it was right they expected you to follow there opinion and yes, your salvation was at stake....there are so many weird mind games that were played....and they are all tied into salvation, if you don't adhere to what they wanted then you are in rebellion, and we know that nobody will make it to heaven in a rebellious state!

I have been away from that influence for several years. I have a real concern for family that is still in the church. I am very aware of the "Godly Fear" they live in. They are not sure of there salvation. They don't think on thier own....they think through a filter of "What would my pastor think"..not what would God think....

Well, hello old friends from FCF, NFCF. AFF land.

It has been several months since spending any time here but I see things haven't changed.

No, you don't need a pastor. Especilally a UPC one. They are evil and only want to control you lives....

Merry Chrstmas and may God bless our Pastors who love Truth!

[ChTatum]

toof,
good to see you posting.

Thanks for being here.

[Fiyahstarter]

Originally Posted by toof

Well, hello old friends from FCF, NFCF. AFF land.

It has been several months since spending any time here but I see things haven't changed.

No, you don't need a pastor. Especilally a UPC one. They are evil and only want to control you lives....

Merry Chrstmas and may God bless our Pastors who love Truth!

Is this sarcasm? Or denial?

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

I look at pastors like I do government. A necessary evil.
It would be nice if you didn't need one.... but in the end, for long term success, you really do.

The last phrase that I bolded is the only part of this post I would agree with.

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by Fiyahstarter

I feel your pain, Sister. In the same boat. Praying for you... I'm seeking too. And we "shall find". Because it is promised. (And CS, that IS scripture.)

Absolutely...but if you are seeking an exception to His Word, what you find will be deception.

CareyM and her family are an example of seeking the will of God--and finding it.