I'd like to hear from the people that don't attend church on this one...about pastors?

Question

I hear a lot of criticisms on this board about pastors, including some that base their opinions because of a few pastors.

It seems to me that the critics seem to be very judgmental about pastors. Yes, there are some very bad ones, and some very, very compassionate and good ones as well.

Could you admit that perhaps there are some very compassionate and caring pastors out there?

Have you ever walked a mile in what a pastor goes through in a week's time. They live in a glass house (just like any public figure does), they are on call 24/7/365. They are expected to be there for any and all crises that erupt. They also get calls on a regular basis from people who don't attend church and need help and have to determine who is really needing help and who is just trying to scam them, they also have to live a perfect life or face judgments, their sermons are criticized, and their entire family's behavior can affect their livelihood.

Could you be perfect in that pressure?

Just so you know, my dad was a preacher until he retired, at 75. My dad had to hold down a full time job in order to support our family in addition to his pastoral duties.

Answer 1

Those who lean unto there own understanding of scripture are leading others astray and blinded by their "pride!" But this has to occur for the Kingdom of God is coming to this earth and establish His way as the only way.

Pride is man's downfall. The End of the circle of man's self rule will be the beginning of Christ's Kingdom but that "pride" must be broken first!

Answer 2

I believe that most people just use pastors to corrupt Christianity, they use the bad ones as a generalization for all Christians. The Bible does say that the Shepard's (pastors/teachers) will be judged more so than everyone else! And yes i no how hard it must be for a pastor, if he does not have many people in his congregation praying and interceding for him it can bring him down so easily! If the Shepard strays from the goal, what hope do the sheep have?

Answer 3

Pastors are human.
They suffer from the same imperfections and nuances as any other human being... just about.
The key matter here is that there is somewhat of a social pressure on them to be figure-heads.... AND of course that they are all religious sorts.

I would level no criticisms at them that I would not level at any other christian... other than perhaps that they would have to be a bit more foolish to want to take that much responsibility on themselves in the first place.


But essentially... what it really comes down to is that pastors are just more christians to me.... more misguided fools in need of a gentle nudge (or the front of a freight train) in a different direction.
And perhaps the best thing is that they are forced into a position where they have to listen.... and the pressure they are under makes them more likely to break under the strain.

Perhaps Pastors are better people to speak to than the average christian idiot in the street afterall... especially if it means I might deconvert them.
^_^

Answer 4

The fact of the matter is that if you place yourself in the position of telling others how they should live their lives then you place upon yourself the burden of being held to a higher standard,whether you like it or not. So if pastors get hit pretty hard by the public when they screw up they need to just accept it and move on. The reason alot of them act all indignant is that quite frankly the vast majority of those who we end up knowing by name because of their misdeeds were nothing more than con artists to begin with.
As for your father having to hold a full time job in addition to his work as pastor,all I can say is that's pretty sad that someone who works in the largest untaxed industry on Earth should have to hold down two jobs. But then again just take a look at my favorite church on Earth,the wonderful catholic church(note sarcasm). Many of the parishes are barely scraping by on what is sent back to them as their little piece of the collections,meanwhile the upper echelon live like kings. Anyone who can take a tour of Vatican City and not feel soiled when they walk out just doesn't get it if you ask me.

AD

Answer 5

The caring and compassionate pastors are in the minority. The duties you describe for a pastor, could also be applied to a Mother raising her children. They are on duty 24/7/365, including leap years. They are right there when a crisis erupts. Mothers don't whine and ask for praise for what they do, they are selfless. Those preachers and religionists are all part of Gods unfruitful crop.

Answer 6

I agree with you. They go through a lot and get very little thanks and many of them have second jobs because they don't get paid much. There are more good ones than bad ones out there. I have nothing against pastors. I have a bigger problem with the actual churches. They tend to be run by a few "elders" who have forgotten what forgiveness or compassion mean. They spend more time gossiping and criticizing than they do bringing more people to the Lord.

Answer 7

Nobody is perfect except God, remember this, my friend. You can easily determined a false pastor if you know and understand the bible very well. Judge a pastor not on the measure of miles he walked in a week"s time and the type of his abode, as well as on the calls he received each day and the way he answer crises that erupt and many others, but judge him on the way he give sermons and teachings and that is in accordance with the bible. So that you can easily determine who he is, you must acquaint yourself with the bible and there you can judge him whether he is false pastor or not.

Answer 8

Nobody is perfect, and God (if there is one) does not expect us to be....nor the teachers of God. But as a pastor, preacher, or teacher of religion of any kind, they are responsible for being credible. Fact is.....most of them just don't do their homework.
I agree....I've met some compassionate pastors. But I've also met countless other people (atheists, agnostics, etc.) who were just as compassionate. Just because someone has dedicated their life to teaching about God, does not mean I should be guilted back into the church just because I feel I owe it to the pastor. No, he/she chose that life for themself. And I chose my path as well. It does not mean I have more/less respect for any teacher of God.....I just want to be respected for my beliefs as well.

Answer 9

Those who do not attend church are not the right people to comment on this as they are the ones in the forefront on this issue.Ask the insiders like me.Time again and again people of God will face all kinds of criticism because of few individuals who are used by Satan to destroy the work of God in this world.Will the pastors be judged on the evils committed by few individuals masquerading as pastors?NO.Everyone will carry ones cross.You will be judged according your deeds.If you think what you are doing is right in the God's eyes ,do it without fear.

Answer 10

Thank you for this.

My father-in-law is a wonderful, loving, caring, God filled man, and he is a pastor. I know how hard it can be on him, and how emotionally draining it can be to be with the family who just lost their child, or the family who is struggling with addicition or poverty.

Right now my father-in-law is on his way back from a month-long trip to Africa, where he goes every year, with his own money to help feed, clothe, clean water & build churches for the people.

It is an amazing life they lead, and only God could keep them going under the circumstances.

No one is perfect, not even pastors, but they are definately held to a higher accountability.