Have you ever questioned your pastor? Did he or she get offended that you would question their prayer for you or their sermon. Do you think it is biblically okay to question? Not being rude of course, but because you geuniune questions.
2006-10-29 09:29:22 · 28 answers · asked by 2ndchhapteracts 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Absolutely!
And no, he's never gotten offended. I've challenged him many times, including this last week (e.g., what's the biblical basis for requiring someone have a 'call' to the ministry before we approve them to go to seminary). Our pastor welcomes it!
2006-10-29 09:33:09 · answer #1 · answered by The Non-Apologetic Apologist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should never feel afraid to ask a sincere question to your Pastor/Spiritual Leader/Priest, etc.... Especially if you want clarification of what was said during their sermon. If they are offended, that's their problem, not yours.
Although, if was asked rudely or aggressively, then there might be a cause for concern, but you stated it was asked in a polite way.
In the New Testement, James writes: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not... (KJV - James 1:5)
To me, this excerpt seems to say, it's all right to ask questions, so you can get some answers, and if your Pastor/Leader can't help, then go Higher! Heavenly Father says he'll give you the answer....
Hard part is... the listening and being open to what He has in mind...
Also, if you're questioning, it means you're thinking of what is being presented and not just letting it wash over you. I hope this leads you to a good dialogue with your Pastor and I hope you find the answers you seek...
2006-10-29 17:40:01 · answer #2 · answered by thethespi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say it depends on how you question them. If you yell out during a service, I think I could understand why a pastor might take offense. However, if you take them aside and discuss what you think....I think it's quite alright and most pastors I know would be okay with this. You have to remember though, as you disagree with whatever they've said, they can still disagree with your take on it. And it doesn't make anyone the worse for wear if you can do this is a respectful manner.
2006-10-29 17:34:44 · answer #3 · answered by Dyanstar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, in fact you absolutely should question, its your responsibility to question if you dont understand something. You aren't saved by your pastors faith, but by your own. You should always seek to understand God better, by reading the Bible, Praying and by questioning elders in the faith like your pastor. But be honest in your questions, dont go with an ambush and expect him to know everything, he might need to research and pray about something aswell. If your being disrespectful or obviously just trying to pick a fight, or an excuse not to believe, then you might not get a great reaction from you pastor. Jesus might have handled it better, but the rest of us, including your pastor, are works in progress. Give them a chance. If though it becomes clear that they arent interested in teaching you or helping you in your relationship with God, it might be worth finding another church. They may simply not know the answer to your question. But youve got the bible, prayer and the internet to do research, if you find an answer run it by them to make sure your not going crazy or starting a cult :)
2006-10-29 17:39:20 · answer #4 · answered by Timothy H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many times and legitimate questions should be welcomed by pastors. My pastor has never been offended by my questions and always has biblical back-up for his answers.
2006-10-29 17:34:22 · answer #5 · answered by me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've questioned my pastor before about issues and no he didnt get offended. No pastor should get offended because everything they say should be able to be backed up from the bible.
2006-10-29 17:40:01 · answer #6 · answered by kittykat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should question, if you aren't sure where the pastor is getting something from...it both keeps him accountable to stick to Biblical principles and also helps you understand better. I haven't questioned my pastor enough to talk to him about it...I've been lucky to have a pastor who tends to cite where in the Bible he gets his message and explains it well.
2006-10-29 17:34:11 · answer #7 · answered by Mad Tinkerer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as you were not rude and were honestly seeking to further your understanding or to point out what you genuinly thought was in error... I frequently question my pastor.. not during the service though. And if it is personal I do so in private not in the hall outside or where it could be overheard... but at the mens meeting it is no holds barred... We question a lot...
2006-10-29 17:37:08 · answer #8 · answered by IdahoMike 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If ever I have a question for my Pastor, I ask, and no she has never ever been offended and has answered all I have asked, she is wonderful...
2006-10-29 17:33:37 · answer #9 · answered by Ladeebug71 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Questioning your faith is part of being human. God gave us all free will and the ability to do with it as we choose. Even Christ questions his faith just before he dies - "Oh God, Oh God, why hast thou forsaken me?".
The problem with questioning, though, is that in being human, when we question, we look for proof. We want an absoultely clear answer to our questions. And to prove God's existence on a scientific level goes against the basic ideas of Christianity.
So to answer your question...
Have I ever questioned a pastor? On more than one occasion.
Is it biblically OK to question? Yes.
The best advice I can give you is to look to your Bible. You never have to question that.
2006-10-29 17:37:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋