The "Good Ole Boys" Club?

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

I do not think a man has to be a pastor to need a license.

I just think there should be some ministerial drive to do something.

I agree, but the fact is some are lazy and totally unmotivated. There are even men in active ministry like that. Not just those sitting on pews with licenses. You know this as well as I.

But I agree that it's kind of sickening seeing licensed ministry wannabes sitting when there's so much to be done. You don't have to be behind a pulpit to minister.

I know of some though that seriously, you really wouldn't want them to be doing a lot of ministry which then of course begs the question: why were they licensed in the first place?

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by freeatlast

There ought to be some ministerial drive in ALL of us. We are all called to and given the ministry of reconciliation.

A hearty amen to that.

But it's disgusting to see men sit and do nothing and then claim to be ministers.

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

It also worries me that some men could vote and help control direction of fellowships who have no real spiritual calling at all.

Maybe their spiritual calling is to help control the direction of the organization by voting..........

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Felicity

I agree, but the fact is some are lazy and totally unmotivated. There are even men in active ministry like that. Not just those sitting on pews with licenses. You know this as well as I.

But I agree that it's kind of sickening seeing licensed ministry wannabes sitting when there's so much to be done. You don't have to be behind a pulpit to minister.

I know of some though that seriously, you really wouldn't want them to be doing a lot of ministry which then of course begs the question: why were they licensed in the first place?

Well I think it's obvious that some men operate outside of their calling, while others operate WITHOUT a calling. I seriously doubt "the calling" of any man who is immobile.

I believe God gives an unction to those he calls.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

It also worries me that some men could vote and help control direction of fellowships who have no real spiritual calling at all.

I agree! Why licensed men who aren't pastors or in some kind of ministry position have the right to vote on issues and possibly influence a close vote one way or another is a problem in my mind.

Keeping in mind again that some of these guys could be temporarily out of the pulpit or inbetween pulpits or are senior men who have basically retired.

[freeatlast]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

A hearty amen to that.

But it's disgusting to see men sit and do nothing and then claim to be ministers.

By their fruits and their works you shall know them....I don't care what "card" is in their wallet.

Christ in their heart will make them do something.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

It also worries me that some men could vote and help control direction of fellowships who have no real spiritual calling at all.

Originally Posted by RevDWW

Maybe their spiritual calling is to help control the direction of the organization by voting..........

Uhm, I do not think so Bubba.

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by RevDWW

The sure cure for not getting used is to become useful.

Hey if the Pastor doesn't find me useful, maybe God will if I ask Him to lead me to someone to teach a bible study or knock a door and bring someone to church. Or visit the sick or those in prison. Seems there are plenty of street corners not occupied by a preachers.

Originally Posted by freeatlast

There ought to be some ministerial drive in ALL of us. We are all called to and given the ministry of reconciliation.

Originally Posted by Felicity

I agree, but the fact is some are lazy and totally unmotivated. There are even men in active ministry like that. Not just those sitting on pews with licenses. You know this as well as I.

But I agree that it's kind of sickening seeing licensed ministry wannabes sitting when there's so much to be done. You don't have to be behind a pulpit to minister.

I know of some though that seriously, you really wouldn't want them to be doing a lot of ministry which then of course begs the question: why were they licensed in the first place?

Out of the mouth of two or three witnesses........

[JaneEyre]

Originally Posted by Felicity

I'm glad I'm from Canada.

Seriously ... we don't have a lot of this sort of thing where I come from but I acknowledge that this sort of thing exists more in some part of the U.S. than others.

I've found that overall in organizations there is a proclivity to looking after one another. When you're the one needing looking after you might be thankful that dynamic is in place.

It's a known fact that those in leadership tend to want to cover those in trouble under or around them -- whether they're right or not.

I don't want to be looked after to the point of throwing ethics and honesty out the window. If I'm wrong, I hope someone above me tells me I am wrong - not pats me on the back and says all is well, be thou a leader.

If we are truly Christ like, we should pray for those who are wrong and seek to restore them. Forgive them, if they repent - but not HELP THEM cover their sins.

Anyone reading the history of "the church" can see how the good ole boy network thrived throughout the ages. Most people don't know "the True Church", they know the history of the Catholic church and it's history of indulgences, corruptness, debauchery, inhumanity to mankind. The true Church suffers for the sins of those who called themselves the church in history.........The True Church suffers today because of those who call themselves the True Church (both within and without).

Thanks, Felicity, I agree with you!

[Nahum]

[QUOTE][QUOTE]

Originally Posted by Felicity

I agree! Why licensed men who aren't pastors or in some kind of ministry position have the right to vote on issues and possibly influence a close vote one way or another is a problem in my mind.

Keeping in mind again that some of these guys could be temporarily out of the pulpit or in between pulpits or are senior men who have basically retired.

That's not what I am talking about. All of us have temporary periods of inactivity. They shouldn't last for decades though.