Examiner.com article: Sunday 101: Paying someone to serve
I’ve published another article for Examiner.com as the Raleigh Practical Christianity Examiner. The article is part of my “Sunday 101” series and is called “Sunday 101: Paying someone to serve.”
Today, people are employed by churches to be pastors/elders. Often, these people are unknown by the churches who hire them, except for perhaps a resume and a visit. This is not what Scripture describes as the relationship between churches and pastors/elders.
Here is an excerpt from my article:
I recently read an announcement from a church in the Raleigh area. Their senior pastor had left, and they were looking for someone to be their new senior pastor. They wanted someone with the proper amount of education, who was skilled at speaking and administration, and who could manage finances and staff. Of course, this church offered a generous salary package for the person they chose for this position.
In other words, this group of believers wanted to pay someone who they did not know so that that person would serve them.
Please use the link above to jump over to Examiner.com and read the rest of this short notice.
Alan – Pastors? In the Bible? A favorite subject…
Bravo for questioning “The Traditions of Men.”
Sorry but, I can’t find any support in the Bible for *Todays* pastors. 😉
After I was ordained I started searching for what a “Pastor/Leaderâ€
does **Today**… in the Bible. Oy Vey!!!
I had a very rude awakening. 😉
I found…
NO – Pastors – in Pulpits – Preaching – to People – in Pews.
…… When folks come together, everyone has a psalm, has a doctrine,
…… has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. 1 Cor 14:26.
…… Everyone can and is expected to participate. Today mostly spectators.
NO – Pastors, as CEO’s of 501 (c) 3, non-profit, tax deductible,
…… Religious $ Corporations. Should we call a Corporation – The Church?
NO – disciple of Christ “calling†another disciple – Pastor, or “My†Pastor.
NO – disciple of Christ “calling†themself – Pastor or Leader.
……â€ALL†disciples called themselves “Servants of Christ.†Hmmm?
NO – disciple of Christ having the “Title†or “Position†– “Pastor/Leader.â€
…… Today that “Title†is written on – Diploma’s on walls, business cards,
…… office doors, Sunday morning bulletin, street signs, and more.
…… And everyone knows who the “Pastor/Leader†is. Why?
…… Jesus, as man, humbled Himself, made Himself of NO reputation,
……. took on the form of a “Servant.†Phil 2:7-8
NO – disciple of Christ “Exercising Authority†over another believer.
…… I was taught; You submit to me, NOW, your God Ordained Authority,
…… And, one day, when you’re a Pastor, people will submit to you. 🙁
……. Power. Profit, and Prestige, is highly esteemed among men. Guilty.
NO – Pastors, separating themselves from the body, as “Clergy-class.â€
NO – Pastors counseling anyone.
NO – Pastors marrying anyone.
NO – Pastors burying anyone.
NO – Pastors visiting the sick.
NO – Pastors wearing special clothes.
NO – Pastors “Leading†a congregation.
NO – Pastors being hired, or fired, by a congregation.
NO – Pastors moving from one congregation to another.
What’s up with that anyway? 🙂
Elders, plural, matured within the group, when/if, appointed to oversee,
they were known by that body of believers. NOT imported from outside.
Todays Pastor is a Paid Professional, is hired, and fired, NOT known.
IMO – Not of much of what we see **Today,** with “Pastors/leaders,â€
has any reference in scripture.
Seems it’s mostly – “hand-me-down religion.â€
I’m Blest… I’ve returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of my soul…
{{{{{{ Jesus }}}}}}
A. Amos Love,
It’s good to see you around here again. I’ve wondered what happened to you. You said, “Not much of what we see **Today,” with ‘Pastors/leaders,’ has any reference in scripture.” I agree, which is one of the reasons that I wrote this post.
-Alan
Alan
I’ve been practicing lurking. 😉
Been reading, just not commenting. I couldn’t resist with pastors.
Tried posting the same comment at the examiner site but couldn’t figure out how.
I must be missing something. 😉
Be blessed…
A. Amos Love,
Yes, Examiner.com uses facebook for comments now.
-Alan