Is this biblical??

krod38 · #1 08-10-2010, 09:05 PM

Im 17 and have been in church since 2005. I have grown much in the lord and i have noticed that the church i go to is too controlling almost to the point it is culty. I cannot ask a question or question authority because i have been labeled 'rebellious' 'backslidden' 'you have a bad spirit' and 'you need to pray through'. I feel hurt. arent pastors supposed to be as equal to the members of the church and not higher than us, after all we do have the same holy ghost as the leadership and serve the same god. Is it biblical for pastor to be controlling and hard on you the way some pentecostal preachers are, they like to abuse their authority??? what do you think?

OilCityCajun · #2 08-10-2010, 09:22 PM

This isnt just a Pentecostal phenomena. There are pastors in every denomination who usurp more authority than is rightfully theirs. No, pastors arent on the same level, because they have a higher responsibility, and with responsibility comes authority and vice-versa. I cannot speak to the details of your situation, nor can I judge whether your pastor is, indeed, controlling or if it's a matter of perspective. All I can tell you is not all Pentecostal pastors are this way, nor is Pentecost the only sect where it can be found.

I would suggest you take their advice on one point. Pray through soon and often and ask God to lead you to a place where you can reach you highest potential in Him.

BroGary · #3 08-10-2010, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krod38

Im 17 and have been in church since 2005. I have grown much in the lord and i have noticed that the church i go to is too controlling almost to the point it is culty. I cannot ask a question or question authority because i have been labeled 'rebellious' 'backslidden' 'you have a bad spirit' and 'you need to pray through'. I feel hurt. arent pastors supposed to be as equal to the members of the church and not higher than us, after all we do have the same holy ghost as the leadership and serve the same god. Is it biblical for pastor to be controlling and hard on you the way some pentecostal preachers are, they like to abuse their authority??? what do you think?

Well, what does the Bible say about how people should lead -

1 Peter 5:2,3 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

Matthew 20:25-27 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

Our enemy is Satan, and he will obviously try to get those in leadership off track so we need to pray for them if we see them lacking in some area or having a fault, because none of us are perfect and we all need each other's prayers.

A pastor should be willing to answer any sincere questions, and with a kind spirit be willing to show you where it is in the Bible and not say "just because I said so", fortunately I have had pastors with such good attitudes.

Even if you feel you are being treated unfairly, be careful to not allow it to cause any bitterness or unforgiveness.
(I'm not saying you would :-)

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Sam · #4 08-10-2010, 10:03 PM

You may want to look into a group called Christian Koinonia at
http://www.spiritualabuse.org/supportgroup/index.php

Or Spiritual Abuse group at
http://www.spiritualabuse.org/

or on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/...=11&ajaxpipe=1

mfblume · #5 08-11-2010, 08:41 AM

Christians are told to have an answer for anyone who asks of the faith, and that especially includes pastors.

1Pe 3:15 KJV But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

IN MEEKNESS AND FEAR, btw.

watchman · #6 08-11-2010, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krod38

Im 17 and have been in church since 2005. I have grown much in the lord and i have noticed that the church i go to is too controlling almost to the point it is culty. I cannot ask a question or question authority because i have been labeled 'rebellious' 'backslidden' 'you have a bad spirit' and 'you need to pray through'. I feel hurt. arent pastors supposed to be as equal to the members of the church and not higher than us, after all we do have the same holy ghost as the leadership and serve the same god. Is it biblical for pastor to be controlling and hard on you the way some pentecostal preachers are, they like to abuse their authority??? what do you think?

A pastor is suppose to help you learn, and to guide you to the truth, There is no reason for you to be caused to feel mistreated. No it is not biblical for a pastor to act in such a way.

mfblume · #7 08-11-2010, 10:36 AM

The only caveat is that a person might be popping an attitude when asking questions, and it is the attitude, not the questions, that may be a concern to the pastor.

Mr. Smith · #8 08-11-2010, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OilCityCajun

This isnt just a Pentecostal phenomena. There are pastors in every denomination who usurp more authority than is rightfully theirs. No, pastors arent on the same level, because they have a higher responsibility, and with responsibility comes authority and vice-versa. I cannot speak to the details of your situation, nor can I judge whether your pastor is, indeed, controlling or if it's a matter of perspective. All I can tell you is not all Pentecostal pastors are this way, nor is Pentecost the only sect where it can be found.

I would suggest you take their advice on one point. Pray through soon and often and ask God to lead you to a place where you can reach you highest potential in Him.

Ridiculous. He doesn't need to "Pray through." What the heck does that mean, anyway??? And, pastors are on EXACTLY the same level. According to I Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 we're all a part of the body working together. Offices are DIFFERENT, but not UNEQUAL.

KWSS1976 · #9 08-11-2010, 03:51 PM

Yea "Pray Through" is pentecostal lingo that is non biblical...

Cindy · #10 08-11-2010, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krod38

Im 17 and have been in church since 2005. I have grown much in the lord and i have noticed that the church i go to is too controlling almost to the point it is culty. I cannot ask a question or question authority because i have been labeled 'rebellious' 'backslidden' 'you have a bad spirit' and 'you need to pray through'. I feel hurt. arent pastors supposed to be as equal to the members of the church and not higher than us, after all we do have the same holy ghost as the leadership and serve the same god. Is it biblical for pastor to be controlling and hard on you the way some pentecostal preachers are, they like to abuse their authority??? what do you think?

I think as a teenager you have a lot to learn. I think you need to study the Word and fast and pray. And talk to your Pastor with someone you trust with you. It's okay to ask questions, but as for questioning authority, some people in authority don't like that, pastor or not.