What does EGW CDs have to do with the Multiple Church Districts topic?

Let's get back on topic.

For those who want to talk about EGW CDs, please start up a separate topic on it.

------------------
In His Love, Mercy & Grace

Daryl Fawcett :)

A bannana about this big.

------------------
"A man at peace with God and his fellowman cannot be made miserable."
4T p.88

Pastor Andrew

quote:

---

Originally posted by A. Marttinen:
What do some church members do now when they are struggling? They call the pastor!

There is no way that payed clergy can be there for everyone.

In Sabbath School, I've heard it said many times that a church's main job is to "shepherd" the members. Again my question is, "who taught these people?" Some want us to visit every home, discern the need, and feed the sheep. This is a good theory, but if that is the primary purpose of the church--to watch as the pastor and elders keep plates (people's Spirital, emotional, etc. lives) twirling on sticks at a Chinese circus by tending to them regularly, you'll get a lot of broken vessels!

---

Hello all,

I've been reading the various posts here with interest - from the eyes of a PK (preacher's kid) and know how demanding the life of a pastor can be. However, I do have a tad bit of a problem with the above portion of a previous post.

You see, while I agree with all that is said about the laity doing more and that we expect things of our pastors that really are not their responsibility - I would hate to feel that I could not turn to my pastor in times of emotional stress/distress. As my pastor, that is part of what I feel he is there for. Why should I be any less important than those who have not found Christ?

While I do not know this for a fact, it has been my belief that the pastor is one we CAN turn to so that we can be assured of confidentiality in matters of a personal nature. Is that not true?? I would like to think that I could find that in other members - particularly elders, but have not always found that to be the case - and would be very hesitant to bring things of a highly personal nature to them.

Please understand!! I'm not saying that we should bring every little gripe and problem to our pastors... and as far as I'm concerned, Christ is the only Shephard I want... but sometimes I also think that we have to know there is a human being we can talk to for guidance.

My pastor is actually so busy I haven't been turning to him lately as I don't want to overburden him - and it's been difficult not having that. It's part of the reason I have turned to this place as I know there are solid Christian people here . . . and pastors as well! But, in all honesty, I have to admit that I have been feeling somewhat "detached" from my church family lately (even though I am there week after week) as I have felt more "needed" than "wanted," if anyone knows what I mean by that. I don't know - I'm starting to ramble a bit, but these are just the thoughts and feelings that the above portion of that post triggered. Hope no offense is taken by anyone as none is intended!!

------------------
God Bless and Have a Great Day!
Peggy

Thinking of one or our past pastors, he is the lastperson I would want to go to with any kind of problem. Personally, I don't have much inclination to go to any pastor with my troubles. I'd much rather go to the women friends who have been there for me for years, while pastors come and go. However, I do very much appreciate our current pastor's willingness to make regular visits to my son-in-law in jail, who does not live in his district, and is not a member of our church. (He is a SDA church member.)

------------------
The Lord is the strength of my life and my portion forever.

It sounds like I did a little bit of rambling on a previous post. I guess it was from the deep study of Ephesians that I came to the conclusion that we cannot rely on any human for power to stand against the enemy.

I agree that everyone needs an understanding ear from a reflective person at times. You can rely on most compassionate pastors to do that. I personally today visited a member in a psych ward, an ex-prisoner that came out of jail last week, counselled a young man whose engagement fell apart and encouraged an elder whose good friend just killed herself this weekend. This is how I spend almost every day of my week (between preparing for sermons, contributing to the forum, being there for my wife and 3 children). I'm just overwhelmed with the thought that while I'm doing my "good work" there are other marriages failing, kids getting into trouble, lonley people getting discouraged, etc. There isn't a mathematical chance that our church elders and myself can keep up with all of that because just as one problem gets "fixed," another one is started.

This is where we need divine help--and divine help comes only from a personal, daily, upward walk.

------------------
"A man at peace with God and his fellowman cannot be made miserable."
4T p.88

Pastor Andrew

[This message has been edited by A. Marttinen (edited August 15, 2000).]

A pastor is only human, after all, and can't be every where at once.
I haven't met a pastor I couldn't talk to, but thereare a few I would hesitate to tell some things to.

That's where a good friend comes in, and if they can't help, ask the pastor, at least he will know who to ask if he doesn't know the answer ( think up )

I think we all owe our pastors a debt of thanks for all they do for the church.
There are some stinkers, but, you will find that in every profession.For the most part, they are dedicated hard working people that have our best interest at heart.

Thanks, y'all.

You're welcome.

------------------
"A man at peace with God and his fellowman cannot be made miserable."
4T p.88

Pastor Andrew