So extremely true. In my experience, every church situation that was particularly bad and narcissistic involved the outsourcing of shepherding and the redefinition of what it means to pastor.
Do you think the same critique exists for pastors who may excel in shepherding and pastoral care but lack in administrative & preaching ability?
Many stories of people’s hurts from pastors come from the type of pastor you’ve described here (which is so valid), but I wonder if there are unheard stories of people who have experienced hurt or simply lack of spiritual direction from pastors who I described above.
I certainly think for pastors who work for traditional churches or institutions, a basic level of competence in teaching and administration is ideal. But no, I would not say the impact or harm is “equal”. However, I don’t place the same weight on the value of preaching as many evangelical churches would, so I may not share many of those priorities.
So extremely true. In my experience, every church situation that was particularly bad and narcissistic involved the outsourcing of shepherding and the redefinition of what it means to pastor.
Ooooohhh boyyyyyy this gets me fired up like nothing else.
Four years ago I was a part of a church where I was pastored for the first time in. My. Life.
And I was in my thirties and grew up in church and never departed.
It’s absolutely egregious.
Thank you so much for this.
This really resonated and saddened me as I ponder on the damage and wounding when a pastor doesn't pastor his flock.
Okay - update- not like nothing else. That was a bit dramatic 😂 There are many many things that I am passionate about but this is a big one.
One hundred million percent accurate.
Excellent, Ryan. So, so good.
Spot on.
Do you think the same critique exists for pastors who may excel in shepherding and pastoral care but lack in administrative & preaching ability?
Many stories of people’s hurts from pastors come from the type of pastor you’ve described here (which is so valid), but I wonder if there are unheard stories of people who have experienced hurt or simply lack of spiritual direction from pastors who I described above.
Thoughts on this?
I certainly think for pastors who work for traditional churches or institutions, a basic level of competence in teaching and administration is ideal. But no, I would not say the impact or harm is “equal”. However, I don’t place the same weight on the value of preaching as many evangelical churches would, so I may not share many of those priorities.
So many gems in here I can't keep count. Bless you brother.
excellent