Idolizing Pastors #2
Today, we have mega-churches that make money from the faces of their pastors.
They are so marketed that we begin to idolize them.
Yet, this is a sin. It ruins what church should be about; a time for God, a time for prayer, a time for learning, and a time for worship.
Not only that, but when we put our pastors on pedestals, we are ruining them as well.
As I have said before, pastors are PEOPLE! -Imperfect sinners. So, like ANY person, they are naturally subject to becoming big-headed or conceited. They never intend to, but they can’t help it.
My youth leader agrees. He says that it is so easy to get stuck on yourself when people are constantly telling you how good your sermon was. This only leads them to believe that they were the ones responsible for the good done, creating a slippery slope. Because of this, some get selfish and want the church to revolve around them. They lose focus. Sometimes this even causes churches to separate, people to get hurt, and Christians to be lost.
This being possible, we Christians need to glorify God through the efforts our pastors make, not glorify the pastor. These pastors never intended their work to be for them, it all began for the Lord. So, let us help our pastors to remain in this mind set. Tell them that GOD is doing wonderful things THROUGH them. Tell them that you can see GOD working IN their life. Thank them for SHARING GOD’S Word.
1 Peter 5:2
- “2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;”
Jeli
I have dimples. That is all you need to know. Just kidding. I am Jeli. In the past year I have undergone a lot of life-altering events in which my faith has really benefited. I have learned a lot about what I have done wrong and what I should do right. That is why I am here, on TAYA. I want to tell you guys about those things that I did wrong, and to brainstorm ideas with you all on how to do right. So venture with me, think with me, and pray with me. :) Let's do this thing!
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I do agree that many churches have become show boats rather than life boats. But praise God that atleast the Gospel is being preached. I know of one in our area that celebrates hundreds of people coming to Christ. I know that there are many who preach. What the peoples itching ears want to hear
michael smith
05/16/2012
I agree that we should praise the fact that the gospel is in fact being preached, as this is not a possibility in many countries around the world, but do you have any advice to offer our readers in order to help them to remain focused on the gospel itself and not the one preaching it? Thank you for your input
Jeli
05/16/2012
It is so important to have a good pastor who can lead a church and share the gospel. They are great people to pray with you in times of trouble and discipline when we walk away from Christ.
The main important thing to remember they are human. You should not put them on too high a pedestal that when they slip up or are no longer in our life that we no longer have a faith to stand on.
Independent study of the word is important too. You would stave if you only ate one or two times a week it is the same way with your spiritual life. Be sure you are not depending on your pastor to tell you what is in the Bible!!
I know I am thankful for the Bible believing church I have found, the pastoral staff that preaches the gospel and helps guide its congregation to a more mature relationship with Christ.
Thank you Jeli for sharing your heart on this matter!!
Ali
05/18/2012