Has "Church" become a "Family Business"??

[QueenEsther]

Originally Posted by IAintMovin

OK read the first page and saw that there are many or at least a few who think that it may be wrong for a son or son in law to follow a father or FIL.

Let me try to weigh in on the other side of the coin. In many cases of a church that has grown that son or SIL has been there through the process and understands what makes the church run and why elements are put in place and why certain things are done. They literally become part of the fabric of that church. Many times, not every time, when someone is brought in that has not been there it brings distruction. There are times that distruction comes from turning it over to a family member too.

My point is simply this, If God is in the process, then there is nothing wrong with a son or SIL talking over at the right time, and naturally if God is not in it, then it will fail.

I really dont think that there is a rock solid - this is the way it should be done every time - answer for this question. Each one comes around and has to be delt with on an individual basis.

Personally if God allows it to happen, I would be honored beyond measure if one of my sons were called to preach and pastor and then fill my shoes, or the same can be said of the one SIL that God has blessed us with that is a minister or if one of my other two daughters marry a minister who can fill the job, but again IT HAS TO BE A GOD THING.

And yes there have been times that some didnt listen to Him........but there have been many where people did.........

Very well said!! This is exactly how I feel about it also.

My father owned a business for many years and we all worked for him and if something happened to him one of us would have taken over because we had been there the whole time and we knew all the ins and outs and problems and what worked and what didn't work and he trusted us because he had trained us. To me it is the same with a church. Of course if it is not of God it won't work.

[George]

Originally Posted by daddyof2

I can understand if you believe in the whole biblical eldership deal...not that I agree with it...but oh well...

However, it is pretty ridiculous to throw all preacher's and their sons in the same basket. There are a lot of cases where the son is called to preach and he is called to pastor the church after his father.

Thank you. There are many who have been called and doing a great work. I wouldn't want to be guilty of saying Anthony Mangun is not "called." He is an anointed man of God.

[chaotic_resolve]

I'm not too concerned with a Pastorate being handed down from Father to Son or another relative. What troubles me more is having the pastor's family in financial positions with the church. Too much trouble arises from a Pastor having his wife, son, daughter, or other family member placed in charge of the church finances.

My father wanted my brother to become Pastor after my father retired, but my brother refused. Felt it was best to have another, non-family member, become Pastor.

Unfortunately there are a scant few Pastors who view their Pastorate as a monarchy or dynasty. They want to keep control of the church and preserve their dynasty long after they've resigned or retired. They've spent years padding their retirement and have too much financially invested to have it taken or reduced by another. In those few cases, the saints suffer because of the selfishness of the Pastor. Instead of allowing God to place whomever He wills, the Pastor resists and places family or close friends in the position.

Again, I don't believe this is a wide-spread issue, but it does happen.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by IAintMovin

OK read the first page and saw that there are many or at least a few who think that it may be wrong for a son or son in law to follow a father or FIL.

Let me try to weigh in on the other side of the coin. In many cases of a church that has grown that son or SIL has been there through the process and understands what makes the church run and why elements are put in place and why certain things are done. They literally become part of the fabric of that church. Many times, not every time, when someone is brought in that has not been there it brings distruction. There are times that distruction comes from turning it over to a family member too.

My point is simply this, If God is in the process, then there is nothing wrong with a son or SIL talking over at the right time, and naturally if God is not in it, then it will fail.

I really dont think that there is a rock solid - this is the way it should be done every time - answer for this question. Each one comes around and has to be delt with on an individual basis.

Personally if God allows it to happen, I would be honored beyond measure if one of my sons were called to preach and pastor and then fill my shoes, or the same can be said of the one SIL that God has blessed us with that is a minister or if one of my other two daughters marry a minister who can fill the job, but again IT HAS TO BE A GOD THING.

And yes there have been times that some didnt listen to Him........but there have been many where people did.........

As long as the congregation has an opportunity to vote I see no problem.

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by Felicity

As long as the congregation has an opportunity to vote I see no problem.

Agreed!

Folks just don't want their next pastor crammed down their throat without a say!

[KarenJo]

It’s sad to see a son or grandson who has never worked a full time job or have any college experience be placed in a full time paid position of leadership without “earning” that position. Not that it’s wrong for the ministry to want their kids involved but sometimes it can do more harm then good.

1. Are they being taught to have good work ethics?

2. Are the people that the son or grandson are leading having their needs met?

3. Is there a process of follow-up or are the son and grandson on their own?

4. Are procedures are set in place if there is a valid complaint about the son or grandson?

I’ve seen some get a free ride because of their family name and yet there are others who are just happy to do what they can for the kingdom.

So, what about the other full time paid positions on your church staff?

1. Are they all necessary?

2. Can each full time paid position be accounted for? (Is there a need for every paid position?)

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by Felicity

As long as the congregation has an opportunity to vote I see no problem.

With a secret ballot..........

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by RevDWW

With a secret ballot..........

Well of course!!

I can't imagine it being done any other way.

[seguidordejesus]

Originally Posted by Felicity

Well of course!!

I can't imagine it being done any other way.

Makes you wonder how some folks do things, doesn't it? I'm amazed sometimes

[NW Pastor]

Originally Posted by QueenEsther

Very well said!! This is exactly how I feel about it also.

My father owned a business for many years and we all worked for him and if something happened to him one of us would have taken over because we had been there the whole time and we knew all the ins and outs and problems and what worked and what didn't work and he trusted us because he had trained us. To me it is the same with a church. Of course if it is not of God it won't work.

Again, the church is not "the family business" regardless of how long a family is in the leadership. It is ALWAYS God's business. The sheep are his, the building is his, the future is his. Not ours.

So, can it ever work out. Sure. But in our day it seems to be an entitlement. Young pastor's kids become the heir apparent at ten years old when nobody knows if they are called, or will even be saved when they are grown. This is what some object to.

Furthermore, it can destroy pastor's kids, giving them the idea that they are immune to acting responsibly because eventually it will all be theirs anyway regardless of how prodigal they are in youth.