Christians, do you know that your pastor/minister/bishop is accountable to God for your souls?

Question

Knowing this shouldn't you ought to take time out and pray for them?

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood

While the Christian must give an account for their own soul, their pastor/minister/bishop/elder must also give an account before God.

Answer 1

absolutely. They need our prayers for they too are human and make mistakes. Not only pray for them but for their spouses and family. Pray for the church itself. Prayer is never wasted time.

Answer 2

Yes, this is a very good point. While pastors, etc. are also human they have a greater responsibility and are very much accountable to God for what they teach, as well as living what they preach. This goes for Sunday school teachers, and regular school teachers. Those in authority will have more to account for, and therefore we should pray for God's guidance and wisdom in the lives of all people in authority. This goes for the churches, our schools, and our government. Again, this was a good discussion point.

Answer 3

Hello atreadia,
(This is such a good question!..and comment too!)
You're sooooo right that we should pray for them.
And I agree with Brian. we are responsible for our own salvation. (by the grace of God)
I will only add that we should of course be praying for each other all the time. Remember "pray unceasingly"
I can tell that you are a good and loving Christian, good for you! And thank you for reminding us of an important part of our prayer lives. It's part of the spiritual works of mercy that are expected of us.
GB U :)

Answer 4

Really? Well ain't that a kick in the A$$! Someone--that is to say--someone other that ME is "accountable" for my soul? What a relief! That means, basically, if I end up in Hell, I can sue the bastard! And hey, Sister of Mercy...

Instead of keeping your hands clasped in prayer all the time, do you ever let your fingers wander...you know, down There?

Answer 5

WORK OUT YOU OWN SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING

Philip.2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philip.2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: Philip.2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Philip.2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philip.2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Philip.2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; Philip.2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philip.2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Heb.9:27; It is appointed unto man one to die and after this the judgement.
2Cor.5:10; We shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ Jesus, everyone...
Matt.12:36; We are responsible for our very own speech.
Rom.14:9-12; Every knee shall bow before Christ... to give an account of SELF.

Answer 6

Yes, our teachers need our prayers. I think Satan (this world's greatest predator) wishes to destroy everybody but particularly those who are strongest. Our teachers are in a powerful position and sure that they incite the attention of Satan.

Having said that, though: I do believe we each are accountable for our souls and nobody else.

Answer 7

That's true only in the Catholic Church and perhaps in the Orthodox Church. It is not true in Protestant churches because the Protestants believe that satlvation is an individual experience and not a corporate one.

Basically, you asked an uninformed question.

Answer 8

Yes they are accountable for leading their congregations in truth and practice. Ultimately, we are accountable for our own souls. Yes of course we should pray for them.

Answer 9

Nobody is responsible for anyone else. You are responsible for your soul and I for mine. Responsibility lies only to the extent of showing others the way of salvation. Preaching about it or testifying about it. That's all. It's your responsibility to take care of your soul.

Answer 10

I am ultimately responsible for my own soul. My pastor is a fantastic, spirit filled man who loves us and our church. I pray for him and the rest of the staff of my church and all the churches (Christian) world wide. Thanks for the reminder of their importance and our obligation of love, support and prayer for them though
God Bless