A Little Clearing Up

In my post... "This is not a rant", I made a statement that someone took the time to ask me about and I want to clear it up.  First of all... kudos to the one who asked!  It's generally protocol to read, form an opinion (Right or wrong) and then act accordingly.  When one asks, that one will usually find that their conclusions were off base.

I spoke of the demands that are placed on Pastors by other humans.  I actually shared an instance when an actual man told me that every Pastor should be on call 24/7.  My precise purpose was to educate the church on the differences between God's demands verses the demands of people.  Biblical demands placed on a Pastor and the church's demands on a Pastor are at two different ends of the spectrum.  The Bible mandates that a Pastor give himself continually to prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4).  People mandate that a Pastor do that as well as... visit every person who is sick, make it to the annual Birthday party for cousin Sully, remember everybody' name, see to it that the bulletin is printed, make sure the prayer list is up to date, etc...  Why do the people demand that of a Pastor?  Because they aren't obedient to the Biblical demands on their own lives regarding the ministry.  If the body of Christ was as busy finding God's place for them as they were showing the Pastor what they expected, there would be nothing left for the Pastor to do other than pray and minister the word!

Now, if you go to my church... Hear me well... I visit those whom I know are sick, I lay out and print the bulletin every week, I built the church web site and keep it up to date, I gladly celebrate annual occasions with those who invite me to be a part BUT I do not do those things because my job mandates it, I do it because I love the church and I love people.  If you call me at midnight and need me... I'll be there.  Why?  Not because I get paid to be there but because I want to be there.  I love my people.

Thanks to the one who asked the question and allowed me the opportunity to make the matter clear.  I would invite anyone who has any question regarding anything I say to take the time to contact me.  You may find out that you were right about your assumption but you'll probably find out that you were wrong.

All of the above was written with all of the love I have in my heart.  I truly long to see a body operating in obedience and therefore harmony!