And what, if anything, should be done about this?
2007-09-18 15:44:45 · 10 answers · asked by Keep On Trucking 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I have a few speculations about that, since I work very closely with our pastor. Many churches treat their pastors very poorly. Some of them keep to that old saying , "Lord, you keep him humble, we'll keep him poor". There is also an old saying that 'the church is the only army that shoots its wounded'. Christian folks can be very hurtful at times, and when you have a bunch of them gang up on the pastor or other pastoral staff, eventually these servants get enough of it and walk away from ministry. The seminaries warn young men and women about the way their churches may treat them, and I'm not surprised that some of them choose a different path.
Another speculation, is that many seminaries and Bible colleges have gone very liberal in their teaching. They have strayed from contextual teaching of scripture and are propagating the doctrines of men. These teachings do not fulfill the deepest needs of human beings. Who wants to go minister psychology and human solutions to a congregation that may turn on you? You can be a counselor and make a ton more money, and have a lot less headache to put up with.
What can be done? Christians need to start treating their pastors and ministry teams better. Quit griping about what they are doing or not doing. Quit talking them down. Help them out by volunteering, not complaining that the church isn't growing when you're not lifting a finger to help. Pay the pastor a decent salary with benefits. Be supportive, not destructive. Make the ministry a place people want to serve, not a place they want to get away from.
2007-09-18 15:58:49 · answer #1 · answered by Dawn C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cliques.
One couple I know have been remained humble and continued to work with others in the church, getting passed up time and time again for any promotion. Then the pastor asked this couple if they wanted to lead children's ministry, only to rescind it later. This is the second time this has happened. He is crushed.
I also found this happens at many churches. Usually either fairly good givers or well off. The poor never get much of a chance to use their gifts God given them.
There is some in the church who choose to be in the "back seat." Some are afraid, some don't know what they can do for the church.
But cliques are the best reason why.
2007-09-18 15:55:42 · answer #2 · answered by n9wff 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The message is polluted. The doctrine of Grace through faith has been substituted with the messages like "making yourself better for God" , and " living a good clean Christian life".
The message of family being most important has also invaded the ranks of God's people. I read it just the other day. Well, Christians are dong what they were preached with, they have replaced the call of God with the message that family is more important.
So if your pastor is teaching these things then you have a front row seat as to why there are not many willing to go elsewhere. One thing I do know is that the Gospel is being preached all over the world. There may be a spot or two left, but God gets things done according to His plan.
2007-09-18 16:09:42 · answer #3 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the Bible says near the end there will be a great falling away...that means from the teachings-almost empty church's-and a rebellious generation-and marriage and giving in marriage-ministry-and no one will be paying attention to how near the end is...except the christians...they already know the signs and are prepared to meet Jesus.......God bless
2007-09-18 17:21:20 · answer #4 · answered by cecstar 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where do you get your statistics. I personally know of 100's going into the ministry.
2007-09-18 15:52:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because they feel that Ministry is not their calling from God.
2007-09-18 16:02:51 · answer #6 · answered by Rebecca 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Iam going to become a Catholic Priest in the near future
2007-09-19 03:27:56 · answer #7 · answered by Ken 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This won't answer your question, but can you just imagine what it would be like trying to rationalize and make sense of the bible in this generation? Technology of today demands logic in all that young people do nowadays. The bible and other make believe stuff like Harry Potter is strictly for the movies.
2007-09-18 15:59:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Gee...could it be that it's a 24-hour-a-day/7-day-per-week job for little pay? It's not an easy choice....
But it's NOT a job....it's a vocation. Very few people have it.
2007-09-18 15:52:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Became a minister during the past year. Wasn't by choice nor did I seek it out. He brought me too it and told me this is what He wanted of me.
2007-09-18 15:59:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋