How close should a pastor get to the members?

[ManOfWord]

I've heard it said for decades (in certain orgs) that a pastor should not get close to the "saints." I've been around long enough, (Sr. pastor for 25yrs) to see the chasm this philosophy creates. It makes an almost untouchable ministry. It sets the ministry up so high that hardly anyone can get there. It makes the ministry a "caste" to itself. It creates "ministry only" seating and preferred perks. It creates an entitlement mentality. It promotes the ministry preaching one thing and then when they're out of town, doing another. In some circles, the pastor would NEVER even consider taking out a family for dinner or inviting them over for some laughs.

Why do pastors NEED a place only for themselves that the members never get to? Is it maybe, just maybe because they don't love the sheep as much as they portray that they do? (food for thought)

If the pastor is isolated to whatever degree, how in the world can he replicate himself? Oh wait, maybe he does.......... in the ministers he raises up. He raises them up to do the same thing!

And if someone can marry into the pastors family.............Lord have mercy, they've hit the lottery!!!! They "escaped" the lower caste!!

The greatest compliment I think I have ever received as a pastor was that I "smelled" like the sheep. Pastors should desire to create an atmosphere of unconditional love and acceptance and accesability which can be imparted to the rest of the church. What could happen with an "army" of people like that in a community?

Just some rambling thoughts!