Obedience

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Some very thought provoking questions....here are my thoughts....

Moore, Kirk W wrote:

>         Question;
>
>         Can a Pastor be wrong?

Yes, they are human and if they make decisions in the flesh they can err just as
any other human can.

>         Do we as Saints have responsibility to verify truth?

Only if you are concerned with your salvation and church health. Ignoring
problems within the church will cause greater problems later.

>         What do we do, when we find a Pastor in error?

Follow the Bible...he/she is brethren and the Bible is explicit in its dealings
with this idea. In addition most churches have Deacon Boards/Board of Directors
and these (in theory) are the "elders" of the church and could be consulted.
Remember there is safety in a multitude of councils.

>         What do we do, When the Pastor states he does not care, It's his
> way or the highway?

Tough one....I guess it would depend on a few things 1) the severity of the
item, 2) the options you have in finding another church, 3) the feedback you get
from the elders, the board and your brethren.

>         What should a Pastor do when a saint refuses to obey the Word of
> God, and the CONVICTION of the Pastor?

A saint as in a church attender...nothing should be done but continue to preach
the Word and pray that one seed gains root in that rock soil. Conviction and
submission take time sometimes, especially if these days were so many have been
taught the exact opposite. Now if the saint is in leadership then there needs to
be action. The person needs to be confronted. You see there must be leadership
in church unity (or at least apparent unity) or the congregation  and the enemy
will join in the strife. I have been conversing with a brother whose church is
about to instill a "tithe or else" policy. You either tithe (full tithe, not
substantial support) or you are not allowed in the Sunday School, choir of any
other position of the ministry. So this is a touchy but probably much needed
topic here!

>         Should a Pastor have the right to impose HIS own CONVICTIONS on
> the body that he is a shepard of?

His convictions...if they are in support of the Word and backed by the Scripture
then probably they leadership (less the Board answer not to the Pastor but to
the people) may be imposible, but the congregation should never have such as
mandatory for coming to church. Imposing standards will run off people faster
than any other thing we can do. Let the Lord give increase to the seeds planted.
So preach convictions, but do demand them!

>         If So, where do the lines on Pastoral Authority get drawn?

See Above.

>         Is there any limit?

See above.

>         What rights/responsibilities do the saints of God have over
> their own salvation?

IMHO all 99.99%responsibility (that is all responsibility that resides outside
the gates of heaven) rests on the saint. It is my reasonable sacrifice (Rom
12:1-2) my race, my trial to overcome, I have to obey (Acts 5:32). This is not a
group thing, salvation is individual and personal and unless your heart is right
you aint going to make it, the Pastor can not see these things. The Pastor is a
shepherd, but he can not drag me to heaven, he can only provide guidance when I
need it (if I listen).  He may have to give an account, but that is part of HIS
answering to the Lord for HIS works, not mine. I too will have to answer and be
judged according to my works, this may include giving an account for a person
the Lord lead to me and I either helped or did not help. We all will be
there...."...everyknee shall bow...".  It is kinda like my boss giving an
account (performance review) to the company...but I am still responsible for my
actions, he helps if he can, but the bottom line is that my job is my
responsibility.

Pastors are burdened people and those that are called and do the job right have
a tough row to hoe, don't increase it by thinking they are responsible for you.
They are responsible for leading us to the gate, to offer anointed guidance,
dragging us out of the ditch when needed (of course many of the brethren also
share these duties) but they can not throw us in through once we get there. It
says "whosoever will...", not "whosoever has a Pastor that will...".

Lord Bless;
Bro. Bill (off the soap box again) Clifton
woodrow_@nettaxi.com
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/1226/index.html