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Role of the pastor - 4/8/2008 10:50:34 PM
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gmedifast
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I am having an issue at this time that I need to sort out in my Theology. I am currently a youth pastor at my church....By the way things are going very well. Thank you all for your input in my previous post. I am at a quandary at this this time as to the role of the Senior Pastor in the church. I want to say this, that I respect the authority of the Senior Pastors role. I would never be one to rise up and try to over throw the pastor or to go about the church and blast his name. I do not get caught up in Gossip and rarely do I discuss church issues outside the church.
With that being said I am caught personally in trying to rectify what I believe as it pertains to the role of the Senior Pastor. In my present church, my pastor has the only say so in any issues. We do not vote, we do not discuss issues, we do not talk about anything. The staff is not included in any discussions as it pertains to the church. Our opinions do not count for anything. There have been times that he has asked for opinions about things and when someone tried to tell what they thought about a subject he has turned very angry and blasted them, even in a room full of people.
Recently we have gone through a huge change in our church. The pastor has made every decision in that change without any members vote or input. I have never engaged in gossip and try to stay neutral through all of this but many people have mentioned that they are unhappy. While I have the appearance of being in a leadership role in the church because I am very visible, I have no say so in anything but people perceived that I also make a lot of decisions and often approach me to talk and many times it is to express a feeling of not being happy with what is taking place. I promise I also support the pastor and direct them to discuss their issues with him directly. I would never cause a split or again fan the flames of gossip but I have a great feeling that things are going to come apart at the seams one day and it disturbs and hurts me all at the same time.
I have always been in a church where the deacons made a lot of the decisions and for the huge decisions the church members got to vote. There is none of that at this church. The only voice our church has is the voice of the pastor and beyond that we either like the decision or we just shut up, no matter if we agree or disagree with it.
I would enjoy some thoughts on this subject and to see how your particular church is structured. I would also like to hear from some seasoned pastors as well. Thanks
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/8/2008 11:31:46 PM
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Dakotasunbeam
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This sounds like a dictatorship to me. Is there someone who can talk to the pastor and try to change things? Christ is the head, pastors should be there to be sensitive to the needs of his/her fellow brothers and sisters offering a kind word, encouragement, or warning. This doesn't sound like a pastor at all. Shepherds are gentle . . . It sounds like your pastor needs to be reacquainted with how God intended the Church to function in Acts. There needs to be more brotherly love, and servant-leadership. That means, serve to greatness--not dictate to greatness. I hope everything goes well for you. Maybe someone close to the pastor should speak with him. And quite frankly, as being his brother in Christ, why not you speak with him? We are all ONE in Christ--we are all brothers and sisters. People who are held in high esteem in the body of Christ are done so because of their great DEMONSTRATED love and care for the bretheren. Pray for him, but speak with him too, he needs accountability, encouragement, and rebuke too. We are all our brother's keeper. Be a brother. The body of Christ works so that everyone is given equal value, so that the eye cannot say to the foot, I have no need of you. If you see a problem, talk to him like he's your brother.
I hope everything works out for you.
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/9/2008 7:12:29 AM
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rcjames
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I am sure that the authority of the Pastor is laid out in the Charter of the Church. Each Church will have different guidlines, so read the Charter for your Church and then you will know of the Pastor is stepping over his boundaries or not.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/10/2008 1:03:50 AM
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song
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Sounds very unhealthy to me.
The pastor should have more of a facilitator role, not a dictator. People choose jobs sometimes based on how much power they have because that's what they want, power. If they don't feel up for all the college and work it takes to be a politician, I've found they sometimes look to the church. That sounds like your situation.
Personally, I'd hightail it out of there.
The other bad part about power hungry leaders is it's very hard to change them or get them out of leadership.
_____________________________
be who you are. those who mind don't matter. those who matter don't mind.
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/12/2008 10:32:35 AM
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BibleL7
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At the church I am currently at we have one Pastor one deacon on the deacon board we have a board of trustees and other elected officers. The Pastor is on all boards. The Pastor lets the Deacon know if he will be absent from pulpit. The Pastor leads in just about everything but he does talk to the members of congregation as well as trustees and Deacon. The Trustees are mainly responsible for the property and financial decisions and depending on the amount it would be put to a vote by membership. We dont have a large congregation so we dont have more than one Pastor and the Pastor would decide on assistants as well as choose the Deacons with the Deacons. If any of that makes sense. But being an independent Baptist church it is democratic in nature. Of course we do have our By-Laws which define the roles of each officer and how officers are chosen and their duties and terms of office. A lot of what your dealing with may be answered in the By-Laws or charter as a leader you should have a copy of course all of our members get a copy at our church and we will gladly give them to people considering membership also.
Hope this helps Sometimes Pastors can get frustrated and have problems so he may just need someone to talk to a friend which is usually only fellow ministers or pastors.. And of course a quiet private rebuke using Scripture as basis and guide may be needed. Remember even Senior Pastors are people and thus sinners saved by grace.
Just the opinion of a small town preacher
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/12/2008 11:02:00 AM
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Doc65
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We are currently seeing the fallout of such a situation where the pastor was authoritarian and did everything. Unfortunately, what results is the same thing that happens when you do everything for your kids - they don't, won't and can't do anything for themselves.
Often, pastors forget that they are "servant-leaders". That's not to say that they should waffle or fold like a cheap suit whenever the council "says so" but should work in Christian fellowship with all of the boards, councils, etc. that make up a church. A pastor is not a CEO, a dictator, or tyrant (or shouldn't be!!!) but is an undershepherd in the stead of Christ Himself and should nurture and care for His flock...I would be concerned in the situation you are describing, his controlling will do what it did in our current situation - split the congregation into two camps, namely those who are willing to allow someone to be "Herodical" in their leadership and those who cannot abide by a shepherd who has turned from "overseer" to "overbearer"...
My 2.5 cents-worth... 
_____________________________
"The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights." Hab. 3:19
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/13/2008 2:43:16 AM
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groovymovieman
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Jesus said you can't pour new wine into old wine skins, but dag gone it! We're determined to prove Him wrong.
_____________________________
To a pharisee, "Truth is more important than love."
To the spiritually healthy, "Love is the most important part of truth."
www.familyroommedia.com
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/13/2008 3:59:41 AM
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iSERVEaJEW
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The Biblical model for leadership is to have a council of elders who, if necessary, vote on matters after much discussion and prayer. Their decisions are binding on the Body. Various passages that discuss leadership in the ecclesia are:
Deuteronomy 17:11 - On obeying the Great Court (Sanhedrin)
Exodus 23:2 - On in case of division, abiding by a majority decision
Deuteronomy 16:18 - Appointing Judges & Officers of the Court in every town
Leviticus 19:15 - Treating litigants equally/impartially before the law
Leviticus 5:1 - Anyone aware of evidence must come to court to testify
Deuteronomy 13:15 - The testimony of witnesses shall be examined thoroughly
Deuteronomy 19:19 - On condemning witnesses who testify falsely
Deuteronomy 19:19 - False witnesses punished, as they intended upon accused
These are the Biblical principles we should consider when determining how to govern the Body. Though, I seriously doubt we will see a return to Biblical justice until our Messiah comes back and establishes His millennial rein.
People should only be involved in governing the local community if they are elders who fit the requirements set forth by Paul. People who are deacons have no say in leadership decisions, as they are not elders. I think that many congregations have people on the boards that run them who are not fit for leadership.
< Message edited by iSERVEaJEW -- 4/13/2008 4:07:58 AM >
_____________________________
Saved by His grace alone.
Called to be His disciple and imitating Him.
Keeping the Torah with zeal.
http://www.journalof911studies.com/volume/200704/JonesWTC911SciMethod.pdf
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/13/2008 3:49:17 PM
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rcjames
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From: Oklahoma
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quote:
ORIGINAL: iSERVEaJEW
The Biblical model for leadership is to have a council of elders who, if necessary, vote on matters after much discussion and prayer. Their decisions are binding on the Body. Various passages that discuss leadership in the ecclesia are:
Deuteronomy 17:11 - On obeying the Great Court (Sanhedrin)
Exodus 23:2 - On in case of division, abiding by a majority decision
Deuteronomy 16:18 - Appointing Judges & Officers of the Court in every town
Leviticus 19:15 - Treating litigants equally/impartially before the law
Leviticus 5:1 - Anyone aware of evidence must come to court to testify
Deuteronomy 13:15 - The testimony of witnesses shall be examined thoroughly
Deuteronomy 19:19 - On condemning witnesses who testify falsely
Deuteronomy 19:19 - False witnesses punished, as they intended upon accused
If I was a practicing Jew I might entertain the idea, but as a Christian I will stick with the New Testament which does a really great job.
Thsnks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/13/2008 3:53:02 PM
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iSERVEaJEW
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From: Canada
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There is no difference between the "NT" and the Tanakh. When our Messiah returns to establish His millennial rein He will bring back the rule of Law in the earth. If you doubt me you should read the Prophets. In those days, people who work on the Sabbath or commit adultery may be in big trouble.
_____________________________
Saved by His grace alone.
Called to be His disciple and imitating Him.
Keeping the Torah with zeal.
http://www.journalof911studies.com/volume/200704/JonesWTC911SciMethod.pdf
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/13/2008 4:44:39 PM
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zoebob
Posts: 8852
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From: land of limbo
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quote:
ORIGINAL: crankius
This post won't really help you in your current church situation, but it might help you on your scriptural study of church leadership.
The structure of the church with a head pastor and deacons below him is not found in the NT. The more scriptural leadership structure is to have a plurality of elders leading the church together, with a board of deacons serving tables (as Acts 6 describes).
There are numerous scriptures to study to understand this approach to church leadership.
Consider the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. Then, read Acts 6:1-7 to gain an understanding of the office of deacon--the elders appointed deacons to "serve tables", so that the elders could be devoted to "prayer and the ministry of the Word".
Read the following passages on elders:
Acts 14:23
James 5:14
1 Peter 5:1-4
Elders are meant to lead and serve the church as under-shepherds, with Christ as the Head Shepherd. The plurality of elders brings many excellent qualities to church leadership, one of them being accountability. There is no Biblical model of a head pastor ruling the church--Jesus warned against such ruling.
Exxcellent post. Our church has ruling elders and teaching elders. The pastor is not a ruling elder.
_____________________________
L-R: DD1, Ellies DS2, DD2, Ellies DS1
L-R: Ellies DD1, Ellies DD2, DS, Ellies DS3
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/13/2008 5:11:58 PM
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iSERVEaJEW
Posts: 445
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quote:
ORIGINAL: zoebob
quote:
ORIGINAL: crankius
This post won't really help you in your current church situation, but it might help you on your scriptural study of church leadership.
The structure of the church with a head pastor and deacons below him is not found in the NT. The more scriptural leadership structure is to have a plurality of elders leading the church together, with a board of deacons serving tables (as Acts 6 describes).
There are numerous scriptures to study to understand this approach to church leadership.
Consider the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. Then, read Acts 6:1-7 to gain an understanding of the office of deacon--the elders appointed deacons to "serve tables", so that the elders could be devoted to "prayer and the ministry of the Word".
Read the following passages on elders:
Acts 14:23
James 5:14
1 Peter 5:1-4
Elders are meant to lead and serve the church as under-shepherds, with Christ as the Head Shepherd. The plurality of elders brings many excellent qualities to church leadership, one of them being accountability. There is no Biblical model of a head pastor ruling the church--Jesus warned against such ruling.
Exxcellent post. Our church has ruling elders and teaching elders. The pastor is not a ruling elder.
I would like to point out that this system of having elders and shamashim (deacons) was already well established in the synagogue and the Apostles merely continued doing what they learned while growing up. There was nothing new about their approach!
_____________________________
Saved by His grace alone.
Called to be His disciple and imitating Him.
Keeping the Torah with zeal.
http://www.journalof911studies.com/volume/200704/JonesWTC911SciMethod.pdf
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/13/2008 5:36:19 PM
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crankius
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quote:
ORIGINAL: zoebob
Our church has ruling elders and teaching elders. The pastor is not a ruling elder.
How does your church leadership function? Do you have two different groups of elders? I've actually never seen this.
quote:
There is no Biblical model of a head pastor ruling the church--Jesus warned against such ruling.
What I meant was, Jesus warned against "ruling" leadership (lording over--which seems to be the case in the OP); rather, He endorsed servant leadership.
1 Peter 5:1-4
The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
Matt 20:25-28
But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
But I am curious about how your church leadership is structured. Do the ruling elders make the major decisions for the church, and the pastor is not one of those men?
In the churches I have been a part of who have a plurality of elders, all the elders share in teaching and leadership duties.
_____________________________
Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
Ecclesiastes 7:16
IS CHURCH YOUR IDOL?
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/13/2008 6:58:59 PM
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angels1203
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1 Thes. 5:12-13
Eph.4:11
Heb.13:7,17-18
we just had a lesson what a Pastor is.
we are to Respect HIM
obey Him
submitt to Him for He watch over your soul.
Pray for them.
and i will add one stand with Him.
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/13/2008 9:15:58 PM
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zoebob
Posts: 8852
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: land of limbo
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quote:
quote:
ORIGINAL: zoebob
Our church has ruling elders and teaching elders. The pastor is not a ruling elder.
How does your church leadership function? Do you have two different groups of elders? I've actually never seen this.
I don't know the exact specifics. However, i will do my best to explain. It is all one body: the session. The pastor, and maybe the assistant pastor, are teaching elders. THe rest are called ruling elders. The pastor is the moderator of the session (I am not sure if this is required but it's how our church is). I believe that all members of the session have equal say/votes, in how things work. After I tuck my kids in I will see if I can find information online for you.
ETA: HERE is a link to our book of church order. The definitions of elder are in chapters 7 and 8.
< Message edited by zoebob -- 4/13/2008 9:38:40 PM >
_____________________________
L-R: DD1, Ellies DS2, DD2, Ellies DS1
L-R: Ellies DD1, Ellies DD2, DS, Ellies DS3
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/13/2008 9:50:01 PM
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crankius
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Thanks for the link, zoebob. I read the text on deacons and elders.
My FIL is an elder at a Reformed church, and they function a lot like your church.
_____________________________
Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
Ecclesiastes 7:16
IS CHURCH YOUR IDOL?
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/15/2008 2:57:35 PM
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lil_gringa
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Paul wrote to Timothy the guidelines of pastoring.
I want to encourage you gmedifast, are you still there? You haven't responded since your OP.
Let me tell you that Jesus is the glue to the whole church and it won't all come unglued although it feels that way from the natural eye.
There can be a number of reasons why a church is functioning in the manner that it is.
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/15/2008 2:59:04 PM
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lil_gringa
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Our church, for example, has been jokingly called by the church treasure a friendly dictatorship. The reason is that there is currently no board and the majority doesn’t want one. This is for a VERY good reason. We have chosen to remain under the covering of the district due to a past history in our fellowship before our being assigned there. You don't even want to know what a mess it was and we are still reaping from it. Even though we could now have sovereign status, many in the church have come to my husband and asked him to not let it go in that direction because the same people that caused problems before are still attending. Sometimes, there are men that are carnal minded and can’t grasp spiritual dealings in the church and it’s scary when those men find themselves on church boards. But praise God, we have unity, and the presence of the Lord is moving in our midst.
< Message edited by funny_girl -- 4/15/2008 3:14:28 PM >
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/15/2008 3:00:48 PM
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lil_gringa
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May I recommend that you set up a meeting privately with your pastor to discuss your concerns? If you were on staff at our church, I'd sure want to hear from you. Ask him to bring clarity in this situation for you. After your meeting and prayer, if you don't feel that you are in agreement with the pastor, I too would advise you moving on because it will hinder your ministry and you don't want that. If he can bring clarity and peace to you than you are better off for it.
I commend you for not listening to people's complaints and pointing them to the pastor. My husband was tempted in the past, as a youth pastor and he let the pastor know what was going on. This proved a blessing to us in future ministries.
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/15/2008 8:29:18 PM
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gmedifast
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Hello all,
Thanks so much for the words of encouragement. I am going to print off everything and go through all the scriptures one by one and really digest each verse. When we come to this church we really felt like God lead us here. But the stay has been very difficult. My family gives of themselves to this ministry sacrificially in many ways and as a staff member, I feel like I should know of issues and things going on in the church. I also find myself trying to sooth over the words that flow out of my pastors mouth from the pulpit at times in regards to his place verse our place meaning that he is the authority on all things and no one else has a say. He protrays that the deacons "advise" him but I know from experience they just gather to hear him talk and there is not much "advice given or received".
I know that God knows all situations and knows the ins and outs of this and all situations. I do not feel like my pastor would be receptive to a discussion of any kind. When we have meetings one on one it is more about him and not alot about me or what is going on in the area's of the church I am expected to lead. In the end, I told my wife that I feel very excluded from a lot of things, but deep inside I don't feel like things are stable at all and I have a feeling that there is an impeding "eruption" that is about to occur and I feel that in a way God is protecting me from this eruption as when I stand before the church and they ask me why this and that and the other, I will honestly be able to I did not have anything to do with any of the issues.
Just pray for me and my family. We are so burdened for this ministry and know that God has a plan for this church and we want to be faithful during this time.
In Chirst.
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/17/2008 2:51:41 PM
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bnd
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I found myself in almost the same situation last year. I had been a member for over 20 years and served in various capacities. The pastor has been there 35 years. As I grew in the Lord I began to question his absolute authority over all church matters. I left that church almost a year ago after 22 years and God has revealed so much and grown me so much in that time frame. I still pray for them, but wouldn't consider attending there on a regular basis again until that pastor has moved on. I was not a full-time employee, however, so it was easier for me. If you call leaving a church after 22 years easy.
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/17/2008 3:24:39 PM
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jn1010lf
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Hello gmedifast
You said that everything is going well. Don't believe it. Go back a read your second paragraph. You don't have a Pastor but a dictator. I wouldn't hesitate at all to tell such a man to take a hike.
While I believe the Pastor is the lead elder in a church, he is at the same time not a dictator. His authority is one anointing of the Lord for the position he holds. He certainly has every right to know what every person in the church is teaching but doesn't dictate like a king.
I would never submit to a man you described in paragraph two.
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/20/2008 8:53:36 PM
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bigboytenor
Posts: 593
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From: Webb City, MO
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quote:
ORIGINAL: iSERVEaJEW
There is no difference between the "NT" and the Tanakh. When our Messiah returns to establish His millennial rein He will bring back the rule of Law in the earth. If you doubt me you should read the Prophets. In those days, people who work on the Sabbath or commit adultery may be in big trouble.
What Sabbath?????????? We worship on The Lord's Day. NT says they gathered on the First Day of the Week.
Read the Prophets in context. It's an amazing thing.
_____________________________
Jesus said that in the last days there would be earthquakes, pestilence, distress of nations, famine, signs in the sky, wars and rumors of wars. Sound familiar? Are you ready?
Daryl
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RE: Role of the pastor - 4/22/2008 12:05:34 AM
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ChaplainDell
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First off, what does the Bible say about who should be a Pastor?
If we read what the Bible actually say's about Pastors, many churches completely miss the mark! Today anyone can become a Reverend, Clergy, Pastor, and we are all Priests if we are in Christ.
However, the Bible does lay specific guidelines’ for who God chooses to call as a spiritual leader of a flock.
As you will see, I am not shy in my straight talk about the responsibilities and authority that goes along with this position. The Bible is the word of God given to us in writing.
Jesus always stated when addressing Satan; “it is written” and as God never changes neither does the Bible.
Many will say the Bible is a matter of interpretation, but it is not: as it is the most consistent book ever written.
Only bad teachings or doctrines are opened to interpretations.
So how do we know the truth, which is quite simple; we ask our Father in heaven to direct us in Spirit and in Truth, of what the Bible is actually showing us.
The Bible (unlike man) is not political. It has no selfish agenda and remains consistent from generation to generation. It is only within an Organization that is loosely defined as the “Church” that problems arise with so called spiritual authorities and Pastors.
Let me attempt to explain the Church as Jesus Christ intended it to be.
Number one, the Apostle Paul explained that the Church was a marriage made between Christ and His Bride, Christians that are the true Church.
The Christian Family is modeled after this marriage. The man is charged with the responsibility from God to provide spiritual direction to his bride and children while in this union, in love.
He alone is responsible to love his wife as Christ loved the Church, and provide for her and his family both spiritually and physically while on this earth.
There is a distinction made between male and female within the family unit according to the Bible.
Many Families make up a Church body of believers, thus it is the man who is charged by God to lead this body as a representative for Christ.
The high priests also represented a type of Christ in the old testament (male) to render sacrifices at the alter to God. Only within the pagan religions’ were Priestesses’ used, as this is contrary to what God commanded.
People will argue that the prophet Debora was a woman, as God could not find a suitable representative as a man. While this is true, a prophet has never held the same spiritual authority as a Pastor over a flock of families.
The third argument is that we are all one in Christ, as there is no distinction between Jew or Greek, Male or Female “in Christ”.
This is certainly true speaking on a spiritual level and no physical distinction should be made.
However, we are living in a physical world and marriage and the family of believers are to be a witness to the world for Christ’s sake and not our own.
In other words the Church is not to be a witness to itself, but a witness of Christ, shining as an example to the world of how God intended man to live.
Fourthly some will claim that the Apostle Paul was a sexist, this could not be further from the truth as before Christ came, and the Apostles wrote to CHRISTIANS; woman were considered little more than property.
A man had many wives, and could even divorce them at will. But again, this is not the model of the family of believers that the Apostle Paul nor Jesus spoke about.
The Lord appointed “coverings” for our protection in the world both spiritually, as in the Church, and physically as with the authority of governments (this includes church governments).
This Devine order was given to man out of love, and should never be used for selfish motives (as often seen today).
This is also why head coverings are described in the Bible for women in the Church; not out of lording power over women, but rather as a device symbolizing the recognition as Christ as the head of the Church, and male responsability for his wife and his household. This may seem antiquated to many however it is to be just another example to non beleivers of God's love, order, and provision to us.
As with many events historically speaking; allot of "men" in their selfishness and sin have abused this authority over women, and others while actively provoking rebellions’ yet Christ and the Apostle Paul are not addressing the non-believers when talking about submitting to authorities but to the Church specifically!
I personally must say, many women are much better spiritual leaders than some men.
And also they are often much better organizers and administrators than most men I have met.
However, they are to encourage their husbands to step up to the plate as the Lord has instructed them to do; Instead laying back shurking their resposibilities and letting the women do the work.
This is the tendency of a lot of men to allow this in their homes, (and we have seen the social results of such actions or inaction) as well as in the Church.
To further complicate matters, feminist groups that are fed up with social injustices often rebel against any idea of submitting to this type of order, and have even influenced Christain women with this world veiw, that is not of God. These and other world veiws have infected the Church as an institution, and is in fact rebelion against God, yet no man would dare and stand up for these Godly and scripturally supported veiws within many of the present day Church Institution's.
Many Church organizations have simply become political machines to force changes in society; we have all seen this type of activism in many forms today within different "type of Churches" one even has its own theology called “liberation theology”.
I could go on and on giving examples of corrupt Pastoral Authority but you get the picture; once you step outside of God's ordinances you have rebellion and not submission to authority, producing bloodier wars and more and more corruption.
This is not how our Lord intended us to neither live nor shine as an example to the lost world.
On a personal note: I have discovered that submission is the opposite of our sin natures, yet it is Christ himself that made himself a servant, rather than a master. This is the prime example of how spiritual authority actually works, seek the low place and it is God who will lift you up!
It has nothing at all to do with education, public stature, a position or title given within the “church”. It is a matter of the heart, and the quiet spirit given to you, when God chooses to speak to your heart.
You will not hear this calling while in an active rebellion, until God gets your attention. Be not deceived by other sp | | |
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