So I'm just a normal working pastor who simply tries to love through serving others, and works in a number of ways to help others to know God a little better. I put in at least 60 hours a week (usually at the expense of my own health!), but I still run across people who think all pastors are like televangelists (ick), living by deception. In your opinion, how can I best reassure people I meet that I honestly want to serve them as Christ served us all, and that I have no ulterior motive other than their spiritual growth?
2006-12-11 13:20:49 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I looked at your answers to questions. The more people see you and interact with you, the more they will believe in you. Do what you are doing-being genuine. Incidentally, I love your sense of humor. You sound like a nice person to get to know. You sound very approachable. That really counts. I wish you the best. Post script here---The world will not hate you. I, too, am an atheist and an ex-Christian. People embrace people whose purpose is to love. I picked up on that right away and responded.
2006-12-11 13:44:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey Pastor,
Please don't mind that I'm an atheist, but I do have a few suggestions. One is to be as transparent about finances as you can be. One of our old pastors had the budget posted on a board next to his office.
Another idea would be to just address their concern directly. Say directly that "people in the ministry have a bad name due to a handful of shady televangelists. Well, I don't have a TV show and I'm not like that. My life is an open book." And then be very honest and upfront about your life.
I think a struggle christians have, and I know it bothered me a lot as a christian, was that I felt I had to be a "good witness for Christ" and could never be human and admit my problems - especially to non-christians. I think the opposite is true tho. If Christians opened up and were honest about feelings sad, depressed etc then people would trust them more.
2006-12-11 13:27:13 · answer #2 · answered by Black Parade Billie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm glad to hear of the good work you are doing. I'm not a Christian, but I greatly respect people like you. I am fortunate to know several really great pastors a lot like you, and so I know very well that not all pastors are "televangelists" or deceitful. I think all you can do is keep up the good work. Your actions will show them the truth. Just be patient and understanding to those who have a bad impression of pastors. Perhaps they've only met bad ones or something! Consider it a blessing that you are giving them a chance to meet a true servant of the Lord.
2006-12-11 13:25:59 · answer #3 · answered by Heron By The Sea 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
There is no magic formula to reassure people of your sincerity. If you spend enough time around people they can ascertain for themselves typically whether you are genuine or not. As you probably already know, people will come to you during tramatic times in their lives when they feel insecure and overwhelmed. Some people, however, have hardened their hearts so much that they may never be receptive to your sincerity. Besides, always remember this: it may someone else that the Lord leads to help a particular individual. It is not your place to be everything to everybody. PS Take care of your temple and your family!
2006-12-11 13:27:33 · answer #4 · answered by Turnhog 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remember Jesus said that the good tree bears forth good fruit and the evil tree bears forth evil fruit. You shall know a tree by the fruit it bears. Put yourself in their shoes and think about how they would view you and make sure they understand exactly what it is you are doing.
I'm not Christian, but I have known pastors, and the ones I have personally known never appeared to me to be a televangelist, though I know some people think all pastors are televangelists. Good luck.
2006-12-11 13:26:07 · answer #5 · answered by The Doctor 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunatly there have been so many out there with their hand out for a donation that hard working pastors like youself (and several others I know) I get the raw end of the deal. I myself used to think that all those guys on TV was just lookin to get paid then we went to a church where the pastor got up one Sunday and said I feel God wants us to broadcast our service the cost is $XXXX it was out ragous the cost then I totally understood why they alwys ask for donations. Our current pastor is sleeping on our coutch of course my husband is a poor humble pastor too so I totally know where your comming from. If you ever need someone to talk to ........godsnurse1999@yahoo.com
2006-12-11 13:34:23 · answer #6 · answered by tracy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can start by being humble. Who cares if you work 60 hrs. a week. Most pastors are just getting started at 60 hrs.
2006-12-11 13:27:06 · answer #7 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get used to the world hating you if you are a Christian and a pastor....
The world hated Christ and the world will hate us who follow Him that hate will only put jewels in our crowns!
We should rejoice when others put us down!
2006-12-11 13:24:47 · answer #8 · answered by TRUE GRIT 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can't do it with words; those who see you like that will see you like that regardless of anything you say to the contrary.
Personally I can't imagine people thinking that *all* ministers are raking in the big bucks. It's not a profession people choose with a billionaire future in mind!
All you can do is live the life and let your deeds speak for you.
.
2006-12-11 13:24:36 · answer #9 · answered by Chickyn in a Handbasket 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just be yourself. You are a human working as a pastor. Eventually people will see you for who you are so don't sweat it.
2006-12-11 13:23:21 · answer #10 · answered by catscratch 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋