I'm new to this denomination. I'm really having problems with our new pastor. I don't want to leave my church, but I really don't like this pastor and I'm having a hard time listening to him on Sunday mornings. He hasn't done anything illegal or immoral, but there have been some instances where I have felt that he hasn't been honest either directly or by omission. I don't feel comfortable taking communion because I feel anger in my heart toward him. I don't know who to turn to. Do I just have to wait it out and hope they move him the next time they do appointments, or is there someone I can talk to besides him. He tends to agree with whoever he is talking to and sometimes that means he tells one person one thing and another person something else.
2006-08-29 07:40:59 · 15 answers · asked by kat 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There are lots of others who feel the way I do. This pastor is new. I'm sure I wouldn't have joined this church if he had been here then. I will pray about it and I will talk to the ppr. Thanks for the answers.
2006-08-29 07:57:20 · update #1
Are you the only person with these troubles? If you are, then you may need to find a new church home. But if there are others in the same boat, then most churches do have options for removing an official outlined in their doctrine.
But I urge you to search yourself for the reasons why you are unhappy with this man. Is it something that you need to personally deal with? Can you overcome how you feel?
A church is a family, and it's normal to have a little dissent amongst the members (read 1 & 2 Corinthians--it even happened in Paul's day). But as a family, we are also urged to respect each other and to handle our issues.
If you need to have a private conference with the pastor to discuss how you feel, approach it from a biblical standpoint. God asks us to share our feelings with those we harbor feelings against.
2006-08-29 07:47:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I guess you need to ask yourself why you are attending this church. Thie minister and the congrgation together are what makes up the church. I presume you attend because of friedns or family. Talk to them and see if they feel the same way, if not maybe you misjudged the pastor. If it really is a big deal try to bring some of your concerns up directly with the pastor, but break it gently, it is in his interest to kvep you in his flock. Maybe there is a misunderstanding, an innocent explanation, or maybe you just need to reach an understanding of how he operates which perhaps you can learn to accept. Remember it is better to show compassion and accept people for how they are than to force them to fit your view. If you can't do that then find another church.
2006-08-29 14:48:23 · answer #2 · answered by Chris C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do other members feel the same way you do? Why did you start going there and stay there if you do not care for the pastor?
You don't want to be the new guy who stirs up trouble if other members don't share your opinions.
God doesn't send you anywhere you're not suppose to be. Think long and hard about why you are at that church.
2006-08-29 14:45:28 · answer #3 · answered by Michelle *The Truth Hurts 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your UMC is like mine, I imagine you have some sort of church council or Pastor/Parish Relations committee. Assuming that, I would take any issues that you have to them as a first step. If not, you may have no other recourse than to change churches, unfortunately, because it really doesn't so much good to go to a church if you aren't being fed spiritually and you come away with a worse feeling than when you arrived.
I wish you well.
2006-08-29 14:45:04 · answer #4 · answered by motherknowsbest 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well,God says to judge those in the church.That includes the pastor. Just because he's in that position doesn't mean that he can do whatever he likes. I say confront him, IF he's a man of god he'll listen and take consideration to what you say to him. It could be god speaking through you to talk to him about a problem he has.If he doesn't do that, then you have no choice but to leave.Either way,pray before you make any decisions.Let god give you the answer.
2006-08-29 14:47:01 · answer #5 · answered by ReliableLogic 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would talk to the pastor and tell him how I feel, I would also talk to the church board members before they do appointments . If you still feel uncomfortable talk to other members of the church and see if anyone else feels the same and all of you go talk to the church board members.you could also talk to your friends to see if they feel the same or if they would come with you to another church. Or you can wait till the next time they do appointments.
2006-08-29 15:13:49 · answer #6 · answered by howlingpumba 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you feel you need a better Pastor why not Pray for him? And better than prayer try going to him and share your feelings. Maybe God is trying to use you to help this Pastor.
2006-08-29 14:46:48 · answer #7 · answered by tomoses 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should find another congregation. Pastors are usually hired by the church board, or elders and have a contract.
2006-08-29 14:43:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leave the church, that should be the only reason you are there anyway is to listen to the word of God. If you have friends there, You can always see them outside of the church or still go to activities.
2006-08-29 14:46:53 · answer #9 · answered by Brooke 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Question your regional office.. The Methodist church as a whole is becoming more liberal in their interpretation of scripture.. Maybe it is time to move on.
2006-08-29 14:44:36 · answer #10 · answered by cowboymanhrsetrnr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋